## Aggression on the road 

It’s often difficult to know what to do when you’re faced with drivers who are aggressive. Their lack of courtesy and bad driving habits can lead to crashes. Extreme aggression, or road rage, is not common, but mild aggression can escalate if you are not careful. How should you respond? 

## Strategies: stopping unsafe driving situations 

Here are some ideas that could help you handle unsafe drivers: 

• Try using humour — it works sometimes. 

• Use “I” statements to get across how you feel. For example, you might say: I’m feeling pretty nervous right now. Could you please slow down for me? 

• Offer to take the wheel. Tell your friend that you’d really like a turn driving. 

• If there are other passengers, try to get their help. Ask: How are you guys feeling right now?  Chances are they are probably feeling the same way. 

• Be firm. Say something like: Hey! Slow down before you get us killed. 

• If all else fails, ask to be let out of the car. 

## You in the driver’s seat 

It’s late at night and you’re driving in an unfamiliar neighbourhood. A vehicle comes speeding up behind you. The driver starts flicking the headlights back and forth from high to low beam. 

What should you do? 

