How to Handle Aggressive Drivers Safely: Colorado State Patrol Urges Motorists to Give Space

Description: Learn how to safely respond to aggressive drivers and reduce crash risk. Colorado State Patrol shares tips after a rise in lane violation crashes in 2025. Read the full Press release from Colorado State Patrol Public Affairs Office...

Give Space to Aggressive Drivers

How you respond can reduce your risk of a crash

(COLO) – Whether driving on a highway or community street, every motorist has experienced another driver making an unsafe lane change, a hand gesture or tailgating. Being the target of these behaviors often causes an emotional reaction, but how you respond can either restore a safe environment or increase the risk to yourself and other roadway users.

Colorado State Patrol crash data shows that last year, lane violations were the top causal factor for injury and fatal crashes investigated by the Colorado State Patrol. Troopers investigated over 684 fatal and injury lane violation crashes caused by lane violations in 2025, a 6.7% increase over 2024 (641). These crashes occurred consistently every day of the week, but the peak times fell between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.

"There are several reasons that drivers may cut another person off. A person could be distracted, driving aggressively, or miscalculate the distance between vehicles," stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. "Despite the frustration it causes, the reason doesn't matter at that moment. Instead of reacting, create distance and space between you and that driver. You matter more than any real or perceived affront."

When making a lane change, drivers must wait for a gap in traffic to leave a safe distance between vehicles. Once a driver sees an opening, turn on the turn signal and check all mirrors and blind spots to move into the desired lane safely and smoothly. Unsafe or aggressive lane changes can cause crashes when another driver doesn't have time to react.

"If someone cuts you off, the worst thing you can do is create a new hazard by reacting out of anger or frustration," stated Chief Packard. "Don't escalate the situation. It's very possible that the initial incident was never about you and you can regain control of the situation by putting space between you and that driver."

If you encounter an aggressive driver who is putting other motorists at risk, avoid them by getting out of the way, not making eye contact, responding with a hand gesture or indicating disapproval of their driving behavior. Contact the Colorado State Patrol as soon as it is safe to do so by pulling over and calling *CSP (*277).

Be prepared to provide the following information: vehicle description, license plate number, location and direction of travel, driver description, and the aggressive driving behavior being demonstrated.

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