How to spot an aggressive driver (and an accident waiting to happen)

Everyone has a different skill level when it comes to driving. Most drivers are aware of the potential dangers that may result if they operate their vehicles in ways that are unsafe. They respect the rules of the road and engage in defensive driving behaviors.

Unfortunately, there are others who seem to take out all of their stress on their fellow motorists when the get behind the wheel. They become aggressive and put themselves and everyone around them at risk of an accident.

What are the signs of aggressive driving?

Aggressive driving is so common that more than a quarter of the nation’s drivers admitted to the AAA Foundation that they’d indulged in bad behavior behind the wheel within the prior 30 days before being surveyed.

So, how do you spot a driver who has lost their cool? Here are the signs:

• A driver is tailgating you (or another vehicle), leaving no room to hit the brakes in an emergency
• A vehicle is darting in and out of traffic, weaving as they try to look for an opening around other cars — despite the heavy traffic
• A driver changes lanes without signaling and is clearly going a lot faster than the surrounding traffic
• A vehicle cuts in front of another driver and then promptly slows down — as if purposefully irritating that driver
• A truck (especially) blocks a car from passing or changing lanes

You may even see the driver making angry gestures — or they may lay on their horn inappropriately.

When you spot these kinds of problems, the best thing you can do is get as far right as possible, slow down and let the aggressive driver pass you. Hopefully, that’ll be the end of the encounter.

What if you end up in a wreck?

If you’re unlucky, you may end up in a wreck with an aggressive driver. If that happens, your injuries and losses can be significant. Take your case to an experienced attorney and let them advocate for the compensation you deserve.