Sometimes you can be the safest, most cautious driver on the road, but unfortunately no amount of defensive driving can protect you 100% of the time from aggressive drivers. If you are confronted by an aggressive driver, it's important to remember that the other driver is dangerous, and it's better to be safe than sorry.

If you encounter an aggressive driver, first and foremost – move out of the way! You've got to put your pride aside; it's just not worth it to challenge them by speeding up or by attempting to hold-your-own on the road.

As difficult as it may be, it's best to avoid eye contact, and to ignore offensive gestures and refuse to return them. To protect yourself and other motorists, either you or a passenger can call the police. If you do it, be sure to pull over to a safe place before dialing on a cell phone.

Signs of Aggressive Driving

Warning signs of an aggressive driver:

• Speeding
• Tailgating
• Offensive gestures
• Improper lane changes
• Failing to signal intent
• Excessive lane changes
• Using an emergency lane to pass
• Passing on a curve
• Passing on a shoulder

We've all had a time or two when we were upset and got behind the wheel, or when something happened and we drove too aggressively. If you're upset about something, don't take your frustration out on the road or other motorists.

If you're in the practice of tailgating, stop. Tailgating is dangerous, and it's one of the major causes of rear-end accidents, injuries and death.

Get out of the habit of going through yellow lights, and don't speed. Speeding not only reduces stopping distance and reaction time, it is one of the major causes of car accidents, injuries and fatalities in the United States.

Were you injured by an aggressive driver? If so, contact a car accident attorney for help!