See the safety directives Tucker Paving gives to our drivers for dealing with aggressive drivers.
Road rage can be found everywhere these days, and unfortunately, you’re more likely than ever to encounter one. Tucker Paving has drivers all over the roads of Central Florida—and we have for going on 30 years—as we provide hauling of aggregate materials with dump trucks and due to the movement from job to job of our extensive fleet of earth movers and paving equipment; we have safety directives that we teach to our drivers to ensure they stay as safe as possible when they are presented with the challenge of an aggressive driver. We are happy to share them with you!
Steps for Dealing With an Aggressive Driver
It’s important to remember that the only thing you can really control when dealing with a “crazy” driver is yourself. The instructions we share with our drivers focus on staying calm and safe with the drivers controlling themselves and their vehicles. These tips can apply to any drivers, whether you are driving your personal vehicle or hauling an excavator that weighs several tons!
- Safety First: Your first priority is to get to your definition safely. Unfortunately, these things can end very badly, so your safest bet is to just not engage with an aggressive driver.
- Know That It’s Not Personal: Aggressive drivers are often looking for insult while on the road, or you could be dealing with someone who is having a bad day. Do not take it personally!
- Stay in Control of Your Emotions: Don’t retaliate or engage with gestures, honking, exchanging words, speeding up, changing lanes to stay close to the aggressive driver, tailgating, brake checking, etc.
- Don’t Make Eye Contact: Making eye contact indicates that you want to engage, and it can be seen as a challenge, escalating the situation.
- Put Distance Between Your Vehicles: Slow down to let the aggressive driver speed ahead, change lanes to allow them to pass, etc.
- Move Away: Exit the highway or roadway if safe and possible to do so.
- Find a Safe Place if Necessary or Contact the Police: If you feel threatened or unable to safely navigate the situation, pull over in a public, well-lit place like a gas station or police station. Calling 911 is also an option if the aggressive driver will not relent. Aggressive driving is generally considered against the law in Florida!
Safety is always our biggest concern at Tucker Paving. We have nearly 30 years of experience in the asphalt and concrete paving industry. We complete projects for residential, commercial, and municipal clients. Contact us by calling (863) 299-2262, or fill out our contact form online, and let us help you with your next project.