Virginia driving lesson · Dangerous Driving Behaviors
Aggressive & Distracted Driving
A 3-minute lesson from the Virginia course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Aggressive drivers take their anger out on others; distracted drivers simply aren't paying attention. Both lose the precious seconds needed to avoid a crash. Virginia defines aggressive driving in law and bans holding a phone while driving.
Aggressive driving
Committing traffic offenses (e.g., failing to stop or yield, avoiding a traffic control, not giving way to an overtaking vehicle) intending to harass, intimidate, injure or obstruct someone.
If you see an aggressive driver, stay out of the way. Don't challenge them by speeding up or out-maneuvering them; avoid eye contact and ignore gestures and shouting.
Distractions include changing music, podcasts or GPS, talking to passengers, looking at surroundings, eating and using a cell phone. Before doing any of these, pull over and stop in a safe place.
Virginia law prohibits holding a cell phone or other wireless device while driving, except in a driver emergency or when the vehicle is lawfully parked or stopped.
A phone may be used for navigation, as long as you're not entering information or holding it while driving. Drivers shouldn't use phones or devices except to report a crash or emergency.
Young distracted drivers are even more susceptible; common errors are failing to maintain control, following too closely and not yielding the right-of-way.
A driver behind you flashes lights, honks and tailgates. Don't challenge them by speeding up. Stay out of their way, let them pass when it's safe, avoid eye contact, and ignore the gestures.
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.
Virginia law defines aggressive driving as committing one or more traffic offenses with what intent?
To harass, intimidate, injure, or obstruct
To arrive at a destination faster than normal
To get around slower traffic
To make up time after a delay
Answer: To harass, intimidate, injure, or obstruct
Aggressive driving is defined as intending to harass, intimidate, injure, or obstruct another person while committing traffic offenses.