What Is Aggressive Driving? Are You Part of the Problem?

As a public service, the auto accident and personal injury attorneys at Liever, Hyman & Potter want to share important safety information about aggressive driving from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).

What Is Aggressive Driving?

Aggressive driving is defined by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as the behavior of an individual who “commits a combination of moving traffic offenses to endanger other persons or property.” Speeding and other aggressive driving behaviors are among the leading causes of highway crashes and fatalities in Pennsylvania; however, many motorists don’t realize they’re an aggressive driver.

Are You an Aggressive Driver?

  • Do you speed excessively?
  • Do you tailgate slower vehicles?
  • Do you race to beat red lights or run stop signs?
  • Do you weave in and out of traffic?
  • Do you pass illegally on the right?
  • Do you fail to yield the right of way to oncoming vehicles?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, you may be an aggressive driver and are putting yourself, your passengers, and other people on the road at increased risk of a crash.

Aggressive Driving Enforcement & Education

To deter aggressive drivers and make Pennsylvania’s highways safer for all who use them, PennDOT partners with Pennsylvania State and local police departments to conduct aggressive driving enforcement. Since the project was launched in 2006, more than 580 roadways have been targeted with additional enforcement and education.

Tips for What To Do When You Encounter Aggressive Drivers

If you encounter an aggressive driver, PennDOT offers these tips:

  • Get out of their way and don’t challenge them.
  • Stay relaxed, avoid eye contact, and ignore rude gestures.
  • Don’t block the passing lane if you are driving slower than most of the traffic.
  • Do not attempt to follow or pursue the vehicle. You or a passenger may call the police. If you use a cell phone, pull over to a safe location. If possible, give the dispatcher the following information: vehicle description, license plate number, location and direction of travel, driver description, and the aggressive driving behavior being demonstrated.