An aggressive driver can start an escalating cycle of anger and frustration that can lead to dangerous acts that can eventually lead to tragedy – but not if you don’t partake in the aggressive cycle the other driver started. It takes two to tango, and as humiliating as it might be, sometimes the best way to handle an aggressive driver is not to handle him at all but simply to steer clear.

It’s important to remember that there’s a lot more than your pride on the line here. At the very least, handling aggressive drivers well can help you find affordable auto insurance. At best, it can save your life, and the life of that mom of five driving in the minivan next to you. Here are some tips on how to spot and handle an aggressive driver safely.

Identifying an Aggressive Driver

It’s important to be able to identify aggressive drivers so that you can stay out of their way and avoid inciting their anger. Aggressive drivers are usually those you see weaving through traffic, switching lanes quickly. Other signs of driver aggression could include running red lights or stop signs, excessive speeding, and tailgating of slower vehicles. They are also more prone to flashing their headlights, honking their horn, and communicating with disrespectful words or hand gestures.

What Are They Thinking?

Aggressive drivers are acting out of anger, which could result from pressures at home or work. They lose sight of road safety in their tunnel vision, which causes them to act poorly on the road.

How to Respond

When an aggressive driver affronts you in any way, it’s important that you restrain yourself from responding with similar behavior. Stay calm and avoid letting him get a rise out of you. Don’t engage in the dangerous behavior; adding fuel to the fire will only make the situation worse. Resist the urge to react negatively, no matter how rude he may be. If possible, pull over or slow down to let him pass, so he will be out of your way. If his driving behavior constitutes a serious risk to himself or other drivers, make a note of his license number and contact the authorities to report his behavior.

Remember that the aggressive driver who is flashing his lights and making obscene hand gestures at you is a human being too. You don’t need to begin driving aggressively in response; they will face their own consequences, so it’s best for you to keep your cool and not get involved directly. Instead, call the police, report the dangerous driving, and thank your stars he wasn’t packing a gun.