Dealing with Potentially Aggressive Behaviour
Avoid getting into conflict with another driver. Responding to another driver’s aggression or challenge could put you at risk of Safe Driver injury or worse.
If you accidentally cause another driver to become angry:
Hold up your whole hand as a friendly acknowledgement of your mistake – this can diffuse the situation.
Do not overreact to, or panic about, another driver’s error, bad driving or poor attitude. They may be unaware of their actions.
Stay away from them and concentrate on your own driving, safely and responsibly.
If your mood is affected by an incident during your journey, once you have moved away from any danger, find an opportunity to stop and take time out.
Never put yourself in danger by getting out of your vehicle to deal with an angry or aggressive driver.
Stay calm and think logically. If necessary, call for help on a mobile phone (not while driving).
Do not make gestures, flash headlights or sound the horn. This may make the situation worse. It will also distract you.
Do not make eye contact with an angry or aggressive driver as this has the potential to make the situation worse.
If you find you are being followed by an impatient driver (tailgated) – do not allow yourself to be “pushed” along, intimidated or made to increase your speed. Without actually pulling over or stopping – find a safe opportunity to allow that driver to pass.
Do not allow an aggressive driver to follow you home.
If you think that you are being followed by an aggressive driver, make your way to a public place and if necessary call 999 or 112.