Aggressive Driving

Let’s slow it down and drive safely.

Drive well Idaho.

Let’s face it, driving can be stressful, and we all make mistakes. But keeping your cool behind the wheel goes a long way in keeping Idaho’s roads safe. Aggressive driving contributes to half of Idaho’s crashes — and puts us all at risk. Let’s look out for each other and commit to creating a safer community for all road users. From biclyclists and pedestrians to drivers and motorcyclists, it matters for all of us.

Aggressive driving is more than speeding.

You are an aggressive driver if you:

  • Ignore traffic signals
  • Speed and tailgate
  • Drive too fast for conditions
  • Weave in and out of traffic
  • Make improper lane changes frequently and abruptly
  • Pass on the shoulder
  • Make rude hand and facial gestures
  • Scream, honk and flash your lights

Slowing down saves lives.

Speed matters—and when we drive the speed limit, we help create safer roads for everyone.

Drive above the myths—be a legend.

There are a lot of myths when it comes to safe driving. The more you know about aggressive driving behaviors and their consequences, the better prepared you will be on the road. When we drive engaged, we do our part to keep our roads safe.

Have patience behind the wheel. Every mph matters.

10 mph may not sound like a lot, but it makes a big difference in a crash. It could be the difference between game over or moving on to the next challenge. When we drive the speed limit, our roads are safer for everyone.

You can make our roads safer.

Aggressive driving—which includes speeding—causes half of all crashes in Idaho. When we choose to drive engaged and without aggressive driving behaviors, we help save lives.

For more than two decades, speeding has been involved in about one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities.*

*From NHTSA 

“I’ve learned that speeding just isn’t worth it — not worth the risk to my own safety, or the safety of other drivers.” - Tyler, Idaho Falls

What to do if you’re confronted by an aggressive driver

  • Safely get out of their way as soon as possible
  • Stay calm — your goal is to reach your destination safely, not retaliate Do not challenge the aggressive driver
  • Avoid eye contact
  • Ignore gestures and don’t return them
  • Report aggressive driving if you can (vehicle description, license number, location)
  • Buckle up in case abrupt movements cause you to lose control of your vehicle
  • If aggressive driving leads to deliberate acts of violence, this is road rage, a criminal act

How to report aggressive drivers:

1. Call it in

Find a safe place to call non-emergency dispatch 208.209.8730, or 911.

2. Gather the information

Be prepared to provide the location, vehicle description and license plate number.

3. Get involved

You may need to be present in court if a citation is issued and the incident was not witnessed by a police officer.

For more information about aggressive driving education and safety awareness in Idaho, contact Josephine Middleton at Josephine.Middleton@itd.idaho.gov

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