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Connecticut driving lesson · Impairment, Distraction & Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving and road rage

A 3-minute lesson from the Connecticut course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

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Read time
3 minutes
Course unit
Impairment, Distraction & Aggressive Driving
Checkpoint questions
5
Source pages
27, 28

Aggressive driving can grow into violent 'road rage', and it can happen without the driver even realizing it. Driving takes self-control: don't compete, don't retaliate, and get away from anyone trying to start a fight.

Road rage

Violent behavior that aggressive driving can evolve into; it has caused serious problems on highways, including deaths of drivers and passengers.

Handbook p. 27 ↗

Experts link the rise in aggressive driving to:

  • Increased traffic congestion
  • Parents teaching children that anger at other motorists is permissible
  • A general decline in courtesy and civility
  • Youths who drive but lack maturity in tense situations
  • Conflicts from family, marriage, job or authority carried into the car
  • A sense of 'territory' around the vehicle
  • Feeling immune from danger in safer vehicles, even at high speeds
  • Seeing the vehicle as an 'extension' of yourself
Handbook p. 27 ↗

How to avoid conflict:

  • Leave punishment to the police; report aggressive driving when you reach your destination
  • Don't compete — driving is not a contest; let racers pass
  • If someone angers you, talk to your passengers about it instead of using your vehicle to retaliate
  • If you anger easily, postpone the trip, have a friend drive, or call a taxi
  • Give the other driver the benefit of the doubt — it may have been fatigue or inattention
Handbook p. 28 ↗

Know the rule

If a hostile motorist tries to pick a fight, don't make eye contact — it can be seen as a challenge. Get out of the way and don't acknowledge the other driver.

Handbook p. 28 ↗

Know the rule

If a motorist pursues you, do not go home. Drive to a police station, convenience store or other public, well-lit place where you can get help.

Handbook p. 28 ↗

Know the rule

Be patient and courteous, and correct unsafe habits that may endanger, infuriate or antagonize other motorists.

Handbook p. 28 ↗

Put it into practice

A driver you accidentally cut off starts following you, flashing lights and yelling. Don't look at them or respond. Don't drive home — head to a police station or busy, well-lit store and get help.

Check your understanding

Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.

What does the handbook recommend doing if another driver's aggressive driving makes you want to retaliate?
  1. Follow them to confront them directly
  2. Leave it to police; report it later
  3. Retaliate immediately to teach them a lesson
  4. Flash your high beams repeatedly at them

Answer: Leave it to police; report it later

It is best to leave punishment to the police; call and report aggressive driving when you arrive at your destination.

Handbook p. 28 ↗
What should you avoid doing if a hostile motorist tries to pick a fight with you?
  1. Avoiding acknowledgment of the other driver
  2. Driving to a police station
  3. Getting out of the way
  4. Making eye contact with the other driver

Answer: Making eye contact with the other driver

If a hostile motorist tries to pick a fight, do not make eye contact, as it can be seen as a challenge.

Handbook p. 28 ↗
If a motorist is pursuing you aggressively, where should you drive?
  1. A police station or busy, well-lit place
  2. Off the main road onto a quiet side street
  3. To an empty parking lot to confront them
  4. Straight home, since you'll feel safer there

Answer: A police station or busy, well-lit place

If a motorist pursues you, do not go home; drive to a police station or other public, well-lit location for help.

Handbook p. 28 ↗
What is a recommended way to avoid conflict when you feel yourself getting angry easily while driving?
  1. Postpone or let someone else drive
  2. Use hand gestures to vent frustration
  3. Drive faster to get it over with
  4. Tailgate the vehicle causing frustration

Answer: Postpone or let someone else drive

If you get angry easily, consider postponing the trip until you feel better or have a friend drive or call a taxi.

Handbook p. 28 ↗
What does the handbook recommend if you find yourself competing with another driver on the road?
  1. Block their lane to prevent them from passing
  2. Let racing drivers pass you
  3. Follow closely to discourage the behavior
  4. Match their speed to avoid being left behind

Answer: Let racing drivers pass you

Don't compete on the road. Driving is not a contest. Let others who are racing pass you.

Handbook p. 28 ↗
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