How to Handle Aggressive Drivers and Road Rage in Arlington
Short answer: Don't engage. Give aggressive drivers space, let them pass, never brake-check, and if someone follows you, drive to a police station or busy public place and call 911. Most drivers get angry behind the wheel sometimes, so it helps to know your own triggers too.
Where does traffic stress run high near Arlington?
Around Arlington, stop-and-go traffic on I-20, SH 360 and I-30, plus event-day crowds near the stadiums, test everyone's patience. Cooper St at I-20 and at I-30 had close to 1,000 crashes in five years. See the dangerous roads page for full local data.
How common is aggressive driving?
Very common. In a national AAA Foundation survey, 78% of drivers admitted to at least one aggressive act in the past year. About half had tailgated on purpose (50.8%), yelled at another driver (46.6%) or honked in anger (44.5%). About 1 in 4 had tried to block someone from changing lanes, and 11.9% had cut someone off on purpose. A small share went further: 3.7% got out of the car to confront someone, and 2.8% bumped or rammed another car on purpose (AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety).
What makes drivers angry?
Researchers have found the same triggers again and again: other drivers' rudeness, being slowed down, and feeling unsafe. Psychologist Jerry Deffenbacher's Driving Anger Scale groups them into six kinds of situations: hostile gestures, other people's illegal driving, police presence, slow driving, discourtesy (like being cut off or tailgated) and traffic obstructions (Deffenbacher et al., 1994). Common examples:
- Being cut off or tailgated. These feel personal, even when the other driver simply didn't see you.
- Slow drivers in the left lane. On Texas highways, "Left Lane for Passing Only" signs mean the left lane is for passing, not cruising (Texas Transportation Code §544.011). TxDOT says to move back right once you've safely passed, and that impeding traffic in the left lane can bring a fine of up to $200 (TxDOT). If you're in the left lane and someone wants to pass, move over and let them go.
- Late merging. Drivers who wait in line often resent people who drive to the end of a closing lane. But when traffic is heavy, using both lanes until the merge point and then taking turns (a "zipper merge") can shorten the backup, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
- Stop-and-go traffic. Many jams start with no crash at all. In a well-known experiment, 22 cars driving in a circle formed a traffic jam on their own once small speed changes built up into a "shockwave" (Sugiyama et al., 2008). Smooth driving with a steady gap helps keep traffic moving.
- "The other lane is always faster." Usually it isn't. Researchers found drivers notice the cars passing them more than the cars they pass, so the next lane seems faster than it really is (Redelmeier and Tibshirani, 1999). Constant lane changes rarely save time and raise crash risk.
- Feeling anonymous. In a driving simulator study, people drove more aggressively when they felt anonymous (Ellison-Potter, Bell and Deffenbacher, 2001). It's easier to be rude to a car than to a person.
Which driving behaviors are most dangerous?
- Speeding and racing, which played a part in 29% of U.S. traffic deaths in 2023 (NHTSA)
- Tailgating and weaving between lanes
- Brake-checking, meaning slamming the brakes to "teach" a tailgater a lesson
- Blocking other cars from merging or passing
- Running red lights and stop signs
- Distracted driving, such as texting
- Road rage confrontations: chasing, cutting in front on purpose, or getting out of the car
What should you do when someone drives aggressively near you?
Don't compete. Get away from them and let them go.
- Don't engage. Avoid eye contact, gestures and honking back.
- Make space. Slow down a little, change lanes when it's safe, or let them pass.
- Never brake-check a tailgater. Move over instead.
- Keep your doors locked and leave room in front of you so you can drive away if someone approaches your car.
- If you're followed, don't drive home. Go to a police or fire station or a busy, well-lit public place.
- Call 911 if you're in danger or see dangerous driving, hands-free or after you stop safely. Note the plate, the vehicle, the direction and the location.
- A dashcam can record what happened if there's a crash or a dispute.
How can you stay calm behind the wheel?
- Leave early so you're not racing the clock.
- Assume a mistake, not an insult. Most drivers who cut you off didn't see you.
- Notice early signs of anger, like a tight grip, a fast pulse or muttering, and take a slow breath.
- Ask yourself: "Is this worth a crash or a fight?" It never is.
- If you're angry, tired or upset, wait to drive or pull over until you've calmed down.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if another driver follows me?
Don't drive home. Go to a police or fire station or a busy public place, and call 911 when it is safe.
Should I brake-check a tailgater?
No. Brake-checking can cause a crash. Change lanes or let the driver pass.
Does the other lane really move faster?
Usually not. Research shows drivers notice the cars passing them more than the cars they pass.
More safe-driving advice is on our accident prevention page. If you've been in a crash, start with the first-steps checklist.
Hurt in a crash anyway?
Ask for a free case evaluation from a trusted local attorney, or a free evaluation from a trusted local accident injury provider. There's no cost to ask and no obligation.