5 Tips To Help You Become A Defensive Driver & Avoid Aggressive Drivers

Anyone who’s been driving for even as little as a week can recognize that in today’s society, there are aggressive drivers everywhere. Aggressive driving, also known as “road rage,” can be classified as a combination of moving traffic offenses to endanger other persons or property. Whether a driver is speeding, weaving in and out of lanes, failing to signal, tailgating, or something else, they are putting themselves and others in danger by exhibiting these aggressive behaviors.

While legally, the aggressive driver would be the one held responsible for any accidents they cause and their insurance company would pay for monetary damages you suffered, you don’t want to have to suffer the injuries in the first place. The best way to combat aggressive drivers is to be a defensive driver. Defensive driving is known as a set of safe responses to potential hazards, including other drivers, damaged road surfaces, debris, inclement weather, and more. 

Here are 5 tips to help you become a better defensive driver so that you can avoid aggressive drivers and decrease your risk of being injured in a crash! 

1 – Be Aware Of Your Surroundings

We’ve all heard the saying “ignorance is bliss,” but when it comes to driving, that cannot be less true. Many drivers are blissfully unaware of their surroundings and the dangerous possibilities when on the road, or they are distracted, but road conditions change quickly, and aggressive drivers can speed up at any moment. It is important when you’re operating a vehicle that you are fully aware of your surroundings so that you can act or react to other drivers accordingly. Part of being aware means adjusting your mirrors before you drive and checking them every 20-30 seconds while on the roads. It only takes a second for a roadway and its drivers to change. You should always be aware of the vehicles in front of, behind and beside you. 

2 – Act Quickly, But Safely

Most vehicle related accidents happen in a split second. By the time a driver reaches for a sip of their drink, changes the radio station, or even sneezes, other vehicles and obstacles can appear out of nowhere and cause the driver to crash if they aren’t prepared to react. Aggressive driving is similar, but intentional. It is important to be on guard and to keep a safe following distance from other cars, so that if a vehicle were to turn in front of you, slam on breaks, swerve into your lane or more, you can swiftly and safely avoid a collision, without putting yourself or another driver in more danger. While it is a frightening thought for someone to come into your lane, you should never swerve into someone else’s lane to avoid someone coming into yours, or else you could be held legally responsible.  

3 – Keep Your Speed Down

Studies have shown that speeding is involved in one-third of all vehicle fatalities. The more a driver speeds, the less control they have over their vehicle. When you abide by the speed limits, you’re likely to have better odds of safely avoiding potential accidents caused by aggressive drivers by reacting quickly and correctly. If there are vehicles around you that are speeding, you should not only keep your speed down but give these drivers space in case they are to lose control. If a driver wants to pass you, let them. 

4 – Eliminate Distractions & Stay Focused

In today’s day and age, there are more than a few distractions that can keep us from driving safely, most of which have to do with our cell phones. Since the early 2000s, texting and driving has been at the root of many vehicle-related accidents. It is important that distractions like talking or texting on the phone, changing the radio, eating or drinking or more, be done when your vehicle is legally in park. If you have your face down in your phone, you’ll be unable to drive defensively to protect yourself from possible hazards and collisions such as aggressive drivers. 

5 – Plan An Escape Route

An escape route is a ‘back-up’ route that a driver can take in case of a dangerous situation on the road. This requires drivers to create a plan as they are actively driving, that can help them avoid potential accidents or injury. When faced with a possible collision, there are only so many ways that you can go. It is important to envision potential threats, so you can determine the best action to take. You should also always be looking ahead and behind you. By paying attention to your surroundings you can see if a collision or hazard is about to occur so you can react appropriately. (One of the most crucial things to remember is to never steer into traffic as your escape route; attempt to find a shoulder or grassy area if possible). 

What To Do If You’re Injured By An Aggressive Or Reckless Driver Despite Following These Steps 

It’s important to remember that there are some threats that are always going to be out of our control. You can be the best defensive driver there is, and that won’t always protect you from aggressive drivers on the road. If you are injured in an accident by an aggressive driver, you need experienced representation who can fight for and protect your future. It can be difficult to prove that a driver was aggressive, but our experience and knowledge of Florida traffic law can give you the advantage you need to secure compensation when you’ve been the victim of an accident! We will be your tough advocate and stand by your side to help you achieve justice. 

Why Choose The Florida Law Group? 

• • 100+ years of experience
  • Over $1 billion recovered on behalf of our clients
  • One of Florida’s oldest & most reputable firms
  • Representing the injured since 1982
  • Recognized among Top 1% of all personal injury and medical malpractice law firms by the Trial Lawyer Board of Regents
  • 10.0 Superb Rating on Avvo
  • Attorney Chris Limberopoulos is Board Certified Trial Attorney

Contact The Florida Law Group if you’ve been injured by an aggressive driver. It is free to schedule a free consultation with our team, and you are under no obligation to retain us. We want to help you fight for justice!