Maria Wojtczak

Submitted photo

Aggressive driving can come in many forms, from speeding and tailgating to driving too slow or intentionally trying to cause crashes. By being aware of your surroundings, Arizonans can keep aggressive drivers at bay and avoid a catastrophic incident on the road.

February is Aggressive Driving Awareness Month and the perfect time to think about the alarming role aggression plays in deadly car crashes. With speeding, distractions and road rage-fueled collisions all too common, DrivingMBA is taking proactive steps to teach drivers — especially teens — how to recognize, avoid and safely respond to aggressive drivers.

According to a poll by Forbes on road rage, in the past 12 months 41% of drivers witnessed an act of road rage, 32% experienced road rage from another driver and ​​22% felt road rage themselves.

Being behind the wheel when you are frustrated, angry or impatient can be a recipe for disaster.

8 ways to avoid aggressive driving

• Stay calm and keep your emotions in check.
• Don’t drive under pressure or when you are angry, tired or annoyed.
• Plan ahead and anticipate delays so you aren’t in a rush or stressed about time.
• Focus on your driving and obeying the rules of the road.
• Be cautious and considerate of other drivers.
• Avoid creating a situation that may provoke fellow drivers like cutting them off, swerving in and out of the lanes, or slamming on your brakes unnecessarily.
• Don’t make rude gestures or yell at other drivers.
• Slow down and let aggressive drivers pass you.

AAA recently conducted a survey identifying the most risky behaviors of drivers. Speeding, distracted driving and aggressive driving were the most prevalent and dangerous habits identified. While this is not breaking news, it is worth revisiting and knowing how to avoid risks on the road.

For young or inexperienced drivers, aggressive driving can contribute to car crashes. Distracted driving is another equally impactful issue. Passengers are the No. 1 cause of distraction when someone is behind the wheel. Distractions also can include talking on the phone, texting, searching for music or gawking at something on the side of the road. 

The parents of young drivers need to think long and hard about how to get their children ready for the responsibility of driving. Student drivers need good training and a lot of practice to develop the necessary skills to keep them safe on today’s roadways. 

Stop for a moment and think about everything you, an experienced driver, encounter whenever you leave the house. Do you want to put your child out there with only the 30 hours of practice required by the state of Arizona to get a license? 

Finding a driver’s training program that anticipates the needs of young drivers is a crucial decision. Through innovative simulation training and expert-led coaching, DrivingMBA in Glendale and Scottsdale equips students with critical defensive driving skills that could save lives.

Editor’s note: Maria Wojtczak is CEO and co-founder of DrivingMBA, a driving school with locations in Glendale and Scottsdale. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.