How To Avoid Aggressive Drivers
Last updated on December 30, 2025
As a conscientious driver, you do your best to follow the law, drive safely, and avoid accidents. Unfortunately, not all drivers do the same. Some drive aggressively – out of frustration, habit, or simply carelessness. Avoiding aggressive drivers is essential to staying safe on the roadway.
What Is Aggressive Driving?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), aggressive driving behaviors are covered by specific traffic laws, such as reckless driving, speeding, improper lane changes, and following too closely. Colorado’s reckless driving law, codified in Colorado Revised Statutes 42-4-1401, states that reckless driving occurs when someone drives a motor vehicle in such a manner as to indicate either a wanton or willful disregard for the safety of others or property. This is a criminal offense, punishable for the first time by a fine of up to $300 and jail time of ten to 90 days, and subsequent offenses by a fine of up to $1,000 or jail time of 10 days to six months.
Signs Of Aggressive Driving
The first step to avoid aggressive drivers is to be able to accurately spot them. Aggressive drivers may demonstrate the following behaviors:
- Weaving in and out of lanes
- Responding slowly to traffic lights
- Speeding or driving too fast for the conditions
- Following too closely
- Sudden braking or braking for no reason
- Yelling and cursing
- Driving without headlights at night
- Demonstrating signs of drunk driving
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How To Respond To Aggressive Driving
The safest thing for you to do if you encounter an aggressive driver on the road is to get away from them. Slow down and create some space between you and the other driver. Avoid making eye contact or speaking with the driver. Your safety is what is most important.
Once it is safe to do so, you can report aggressive driving by calling 911 or CSP (227) from your cell phone to connect with a Colorado State Patrol dispatcher. If possible, provide the following information:
- Your exact location, such as cross streets or a mile marker on the highway
- The direction you were traveling and the direction the aggressive driver was traveling
- A description of the aggressive driver and their vehicle
- A description of what the aggressive driver was doing, such as swerving, driving at dangerous speeds, or appearing to try to run you off the road
If you are involved in an accident with an aggressive driver, call the authorities immediately, and then contact an experienced car accident lawyer in Thornton for help recovering compensation for your injuries.
Contact Our Aggressive Driving Lawyers For A Free, No-Obligation Consultation
If you were injured in an accident caused by an aggressive driver, the legal team at Daniels & Scriven, P.C., is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We have represented car accident victims for decades and have recovered millions for them. Let us help you, too.