# Trucking # Addressing the Problem of Aggressive Driving in the Trucking Industry ## May 23, 2023 ## CloudTrucks Team ## Table of Contents - [What is Aggressive Driving?](https://www.cloudtrucks.com/blog-post/addressing-the-problem-of-aggressive-driving-in-the-trucking-industry#toc-0) - [Examples of Aggressive Driving by Truck Drivers](https://www.cloudtrucks.com/blog-post/addressing-the-problem-of-aggressive-driving-in-the-trucking-industry#toc-1) - [The Root Causes of Aggressive Driving](https://www.cloudtrucks.com/blog-post/addressing-the-problem-of-aggressive-driving-in-the-trucking-industry#toc-2) - [How to Report Aggressive Drivers](https://www.cloudtrucks.com/blog-post/addressing-the-problem-of-aggressive-driving-in-the-trucking-industry#toc-3) - [Key Takeaways](https://www.cloudtrucks.com/blog-post/addressing-the-problem-of-aggressive-driving-in-the-trucking-industry#toc-4) Aggressive driving can be a big problem for truck drivers. Whether a truck driver engages in aggressive driving or is a victim of another aggressive driver, the result is the same– [road safety is compromised](https://www.cloudtrucks.com/blog-post/truck-driver-safety-tips). In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into aggressive driving. We will explore the distinction between aggressive driving and road rage and discuss examples of aggressive driving by truck drivers. We’ll also look at aggressive driving statistics, the root causes, and how to report aggressive drivers to the authorities. ## What is Aggressive Driving? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ( [NHTSA](https://one.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/research/aggdrivingenf/pages/introduction.html)) defines aggressive driving as “dangerous on-the-road behaviors.” The agency also says this category of dangerous behaviors comprises following too closely, driving at excessive speeds, weaving through traffic, and running stop lights and signs, among other acts. Unfortunately, these acts of aggressive driving occur more frequently than some might realize. However, truck drivers know that aggressive driving in the U.S. occurs around the clock, anywhere there is a roadway. Such a statement may lead some to ask what the big deal is if aggressive driving is so common, but the matter cannot be taken lightly. Aggressive driving puts people’s lives at risk. According to the [Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety](https://www.savemolives.com/mcrs/speed-aggressive-driving) (MCRS), “more than half of all fatal crashes involve at least one aggressive driver.” Some additional statistics: - According to the NHTSA’s [most recent data](https://www-fars.nhtsa.dot.gov/People/PeopleDrivers.aspx), in 2020, 48.7% of accidents were caused by acts that fall under the NHTSA’s definition of aggressive driving. - According to the National Safety Council ( [NSC](https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/motor-vehicle-safety-issues/improper-driving-and-road-rage/)), 94% of crashes are due to the actions of the driver, while 2% are due to weather, 2% are due to vehicle mechanical issues, and 2% are listed as unknown. ### What Is the Difference Between Aggressive Driving and Road Rage? According to the [NHTSA](https://one.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/research/aggdrivingenf/pages/introduction.html), the difference between aggressive driving and road rage is the element of intent. The NHTSA perceives aggressive driving as a spectrum, with road rage at the extreme end of that spectrum. Aggressive driving is careless behavior – a matter of negligence rather than an expression of harmful intent. Meanwhile, road rage is an escalation ranging from angry gesturing all the way up to committing murder. Road rage is an intended action born of anger. ## Examples of Aggressive Driving by Truck Drivers Some examples of aggressive driving by truck drivers include: ### Tailgating This is the colloquial term for following too closely. Tailgating is a dangerous habit that some truck drivers fall into, and, in some instances, it is done as an act of road rage. This incredibly unsafe behavior can lead to a fatal incident. Big trucks take longer to stop, and if one is following a vehicle too closely, an accident can occur if traffic suddenly stops. Tailgating accidents can lead to criminal charges. The best way to avoid tailgating is to pay attention to the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. ### Speeding While the saying goes, “time is money,” speeding in trucking can be incredibly costly. The best way to avoid falling into the aggressive driving habit of speeding is to always pay attention to the speed limit and obey the law. ### Running drivers off the road Simply put, because of their big size, semi-trucks can sometimes run other motorists off the road. Doing so could be seen as an act of aggressive driving. The best way to avoid this is to be aware of your surroundings. ### Weaving in and out of traffic Aggressively switching lanes increases the chances of collisions. To avoid this, simply pick a lane and stick to it. ### Brake checking Brake checking may be considered aggressive driving if done to warn off other motorists tailgating you, but it can cross into road rage very quickly. ## The Root Causes of Aggressive Driving The root of aggressive driving can be found in three key areas: ### Traffic Aggressive driving is more frequently encountered in areas of high traffic. Driving aggressively increases the odds that you will never reach your next stop, which can be a catastrophe for your bottom line. ### Being behind schedule The trucking industry has a lot of pressure to deliver loads on time, but tight schedules are never an excuse to drive aggressively. ### Disregard for other drivers We must be especially mindful of others and our surroundings on the road. Therefore, drive as if your loved ones are in the vehicles surrounding you and drive accordingly. ## How to Report Aggressive Drivers If you witness an aggressive driver on the road, report it to the authorities. There is currently no national hotline to report aggressive driving. However, most states have hotlines. #### When you make your report: For **non-commercial vehicles**, record the make, model, and license plate information. For **commercial vehicles**, note the company name, truck number, license plate number, and a description of the driver, if possible. ## Key Takeaways In the trucking industry, safety is always [the number one priority](https://www.cloudtrucks.com/blog-post/safety-roundtable-what-does-safety-mean-to-you). Aggressive driving is dangerous, and any form of it is strongly discouraged. Be aware of the root causes of aggressive driving and seek to avoid such behaviors while watching for other drivers driving aggressively.