Recognizing and Avoiding Aggressive Driving
Last reviewed: 2026 · Driviology Road Safety Education Team
Quick Answer
Aggressive driving includes tailgating, weaving through traffic, excessive speeding, and angry reactions to other drivers. It sharply increases collision risk and can lead to careless- or stunt-driving charges in Ontario.
Aggressive driving is more than just being in a hurry — it is a pattern of behaviour that puts everyone on the road at higher risk, including the aggressive driver.
What Counts as Aggressive Driving
- Tailgating or following too closely to intimidate another driver
- Frequent, unsignalled lane changes
- Excessive speeding or racing
- Honking, gesturing, or otherwise escalating with other drivers
Why It Is Dangerous
Aggressive driving reduces the following distance and reaction time everyone else on the road depends on, and it can escalate into road rage incidents. In Ontario, some forms of aggressive driving can be charged as stunt driving or careless driving, carrying significant demerit points and penalties.
Staying Calm Behind the Wheel
Give yourself extra travel time so a delay does not feel like an emergency, and let go of the urge to "teach a lesson" to another driver. If someone is driving aggressively toward you, slow down, keep your distance, and let them pass rather than engaging.