Toolbox Talk: Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving has become a serious problem on our roadways. What is aggressive driving? Most of us know it when we see it. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), after discussions with law enforcement and the judiciary counsel, defined aggressive driving as occurring when “an individual commits a combination of moving traffic offenses to endanger other persons or property.” Are you an aggressive driver? You are if you:
Express Frustration
Taking out your frustrations on your fellow motorists can lead to violence or a crash.
Fail to Pay Attention While Driving
Reading, eating, drinking, or talking on the phone are distracting and can cause drivers to make sudden, aggressive reactions. This is a major cause of roadway crashes.
Tailgating
This is a major cause of crashes that can result in serious deaths or injuries.
Make Frequent Lane Changes
If you whip in and out of lanes to advance ahead, you can be a danger to yourself and other motorists.
Run Red Lights
Do not enter an intersection on a yellow light. Remember, flashing red lights should be treated as a stop sign.
Speed
Going faster than the posted speed limit, being a “road racer,” and going too fast for conditions are some examples of speeding. All of these increase your risk of an accident.
Avoid aggressive driving: plan ahead and allow yourself extra time. Concentrate. Don’t allow yourself to become distracted by talking on your cell phone, eating, drinking, or reaching for items.
