The Ohio Commercial Drivers License Handbook defines aggressive driving as "the act of operating a motor vehicle in a selfish, bold, or pushy manner, without the regard for the rights or safety of others."
Aggressive driving too often becomes road rage which then leads to accidents. But it takes two (2) to tango. Both aggressive driving and road rage lead to nothing good and can often lead to severe accidents, sometimes accidents involving innocent motorists or pedestrians. Not only are you increasing the odds of life-threatening injuries to other motorists on the highway, you are flirting with causing life-altering injuries and/or death to yourself. Through the lives of the clients I represent, I see firsthand how accident-related injuries can take you out-of-work for months and leave you unable to pay your mortgage or rent. We all work way too hard to allow a skirmish with another motorist to take everything you care for most away from you and your family. Is that other, unknown motorist really worth that price?
The Ohio CDL Handbook teaches truck drivers to avoid being aggressive drivers and what to do when confronted by an aggressive driver. You can diffuse the situation by avoiding hand gestures, slowing down, and increasing your following distance. The Handbook also teaches that you "put your pride in the back seat. Do not challenge them by speeding up or attempting to hold your own in the travel lane." Avoiding eye contact, ignoring gestures, and refusing to react to the other driver is a safe bet to ensure your safety.
Our public roadways need drivers to be cautious, courteous, and conscientious. Aggressive / reckless driving will ruin not only your life, but the lives of your loved ones and possibly the lives of other innocent victims. Cooler heads will prevail. If an aggressive driver is being aggressive with you, don’t react...just let it go.
Authored by: Trial Attorney / Truck Attorney - Andrew R. Young - Class A CDL License