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Aggressive Driving

Are You An Aggressive Driver?

Aggressive driving has become a serious problem on our roadways. So, what is aggressive driving? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines aggressive driving as occurring when an individual commits a combination of moving traffic offenses that endangers other persons or property. Some behaviors typically associated with aggressive driving include:

Exceeding the posted speed limit
Following too closely
Erratic or unsafe lane changes
Improperly or failing to signal lane changes
Failure to obey traffic control devices (stop signs, yield signs, traffic signals, railroad grade cross signals, etc.)

NHTSA calls the act of red light running as one of the most dangerous forms of aggressive driving. In some states, you can be stopped and issued a ticket for aggressive driving.

Source: California Department of Motor Vehicles. (2015, January). "2015 California Driver Handbook."

Take the aggressive driver quiz
Yes	No	DO YOU...
		Pass vehicles only on the left.
		Yield to faster traffic by moving to the right.
		Keep to the right lanes unless passing.
		Maintain appropriate following distances.
		Use headlights in cloudy, rainy, or low light conditions.
		Yield to pedestrians.
		Come to a complete stop at stop signs.
		Stop for red lights, including right turns.
		Follow right-of-way rules at four-way stops.
		Drive below the posted speed limit when necessary for safety.
		Drive at slower speeds in construction zones.
		Maintain speeds appropriate for traffic and weather conditions.
		Use vehicle turn signals for turns and lane changes.
		Allow other vehicles to merge in front of you.
		Use your horn sparingly.
		Yield and move to the right for emergency vehicles.
		Refrain from flashing headlights.
		Slow down and move over at roadway accidents.
		Try to get out of the way of aggressive drivers.
		Focus on driving and avoid distracting activities.

Yes	No	DO YOU AVOID...
		Making abrupt or unsafe turns or lane changes.
		Weaving in and out of traffic.
		Merging with traffic at the last opportunity.
		Unnecessary use or flashing of high beam headlights.
		Returning inappropriate gestures to other drivers.
		Challenging other drivers.
		Driving when drowsy.
		Using your cell phone while driving.
		Playing loud music next to other cars.
		Stopping your vehicle where it would block a lane.
		Stopping or parking along a red curb.
		Parking in a space designated for the disabled.
		Taking more than one parking space.
		Letting your door hit the vehicle parked next to you.
What's My Score?