Public information and guidance rules for drivers and driving in the state of New York

Defensive Driving

Aggressive driving is a form of automobile operation in which an operator will deliberately behave with contempt towards other drivers and drive in such a manner as to increase the risk of an automobile accident.

Unlike drunk driving, aggressive driving is not usually the result of a drug or chemical, but rather the personality of the person operating the automobile. An aggressive driver may adopt a "King of the Road" attitude and become offended when other drivers engage in such activities as passing or "cutting off" the driver. The aggressive driver will then take the actions of the other driver personally, and seek to retaliate. This normally leads to unsafe driving acts such as reckless speeding or attempting to run someone off a highway.

Aggressive driving can also lead to much more serious crimes, such as manslaughter or murder. An aggressive driver may drive so recklessly as to injure or kill another driver or, in extreme cases, will "hunt another driver down" and then deliberately attempt to harm the person. This is often known as "road rage".

Aggressive driving may, in rare cases, be caused by mental illness. Persons with mental diseases, who are driving, may become confused about where they are and who the drivers around them are. This could lead to fear, panic or other emotions causing the person to start driving aggressively.

Ways to avoid being an aggressive driver are:

1. Avoid Eye Contact.

By avoiding eye contact there is no exchange of body language which can create aggressive driving behaviors.

2. Avoid driving when angry, sad, or emotional.

When driving with negative emotions it increases the likelihood of aggressive driving.

3. Leave early.

Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination. Drivers who are in a rush tend to drive more aggressively.

Almost all drivers consider themselves good drivers. When you gain experience and confidence, you probably will think of yourself as a good driver, too. But even the best drivers make mistakes now and then. Equipment fails, weather conditions may be bad, and you may encounter drivers who ignore traffic laws or drive unpredictably. To avoid making mistakes yourself, or being involved in a traffic crash because of someone else's mistake, learn to drive defensively. The defensive driving rules are simple:

• Be prepared and look ahead.

• Maintain the proper speed.

• Signal before turning or changing lanes.

• Allow yourself space.

• Wear your seat belt.

• Do not drive if you are very tired, are on medication or have been drinking alcoholic beverages.

• Keep your vehicle in good operating condition.

BE PREPARED AND LOOK AHEAD

You should sit comfortably, but upright, and keep both hands on the steering wheel. Slumping in the driver's seat, or steering with one hand makes it harder to control your vehicle, and your "relaxed" position can lead to a dangerously relaxed attitude toward driving.

Traffic conditions change constantly. You cannot afford to let your attention wander from what is going on around you. Always scan the road ahead. Do not use the road or even the vehicle directly ahead as your only focal point. Look ahead so you can avoid, or lessen, potential problems.

Keep your eyes moving, notice what's happening at the sides of the road, and check behind you through your mirrors every few seconds.

Anticipate mistakes by other drivers and think about what you will do if a mistake does happen. Do not always assume that a driver approaching a STOP or YIELD sign on a side road is actually going to stop or yield. It is better to assume the other driver may not stop. Be ready to react.

Watch for the rotation and angle of the wheels on a car approaching on a side road. The speed of rotation and angle of the front wheels give you clues to whether the driver is slowing to stop or planning to turn in a certain direction. If the rotation does not seem to be slowing as the driver approaches a required stop, you should pad your brake and prepare to stop, and lightly tap your horn to get the driver's attention. If the angle of the front wheels does not match the direction of the driver's turn signal, be prepared to react to an improper turn, or no turn. The earlier and deeper you look into upcoming cross streets, the more time and space you give yourself to react.copyright 1991 Lynn S. Fuchs