How to Reduce Road Rage

Auto · Originally published February 5, 2015 · Updated November 2026

Between I-44 construction, Glenstone at rush hour and summer traffic on US-65 toward Branson, southwest Missouri drivers have plenty of chances to get frustrated. Frustration is normal. Acting on it behind the wheel is where things get dangerous, both for your safety and for your driving record.

Set yourself up for a calmer drive

A lot of road rage starts before you ever leave the driveway.

• Leave early. Running late is one of the biggest triggers for aggressive driving. Ten extra minutes takes the pressure off.
• Check traffic before you go. Knowing about a lane closure ahead lets you plan around it instead of fuming in it.
• Make the car comfortable. Music, a podcast or simply a quiet cabin can lower your stress level.
• Don't drive angry. If you just had an argument or a bad day, take a few minutes before you get behind the wheel.

Keep your cool in traffic

• Give people the benefit of the doubt. The driver who cut you off may be lost, distracted or dealing with an emergency. It usually isn't personal.
• Leave space. A bigger following distance gives you time to react and keeps you out of tailgating situations.
• Let them go. If someone wants to pass or merge, let them. Getting there one car length sooner isn't worth a crash.
• Use your horn sparingly and skip the gestures. Both can escalate a situation quickly.
• Stay out of the left lane unless you're passing. Camping there frustrates other drivers.

If another driver gets aggressive

You can't control other people, but you can avoid giving them a reason to escalate.

• Don't make eye contact or respond to gestures.
• Slow down, change lanes or turn off to put distance between you.
• Keep your doors locked and windows up in stopped traffic.
• Never pull over or get out of your car to confront someone.
• If you feel threatened or think you're being followed, call 911 and drive toward a police station or a busy, well-lit public place. Don't drive home.

If an aggressive driver causes a crash or damages your car, stay safe, call police and note details such as the license plate, vehicle description and location. A dash camera can also help document what happened.

Why road rage is an insurance problem too

Aggressive driving is risky on the road and costly afterward.

• Tickets and at-fault accidents can raise your rates for years. Our article on car insurance rates after an accident explains how that works.
• Intentional damage generally isn't covered. Auto policies are built for accidents. If a driver deliberately rams another car or damages it on purpose, the insurer may deny coverage for that act, leaving the driver personally responsible.
• The other driver may not have insurance. If you're hurt by someone with no coverage or too little, your uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can help. See our guide to uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage in Missouri.
• Serious violations can lead to suspension and a requirement to file an SR-22 before you can drive again.

Talk to a local agent

A calm drive protects your safety and your premium. If you have questions about your coverage, call us at 417.865.4800 or learn more about auto insurance.

Common questions

Does car insurance cover damage from a road rage incident?

If another driver damages your car, your collision coverage or their liability coverage may apply. Damage a driver causes on purpose is generally excluded from that driver's own policy.

What should I do if an angry driver follows me?

Don't go home or get out of your car. Call 911 and drive to a police station or a busy public place.

Can a dash camera help with an insurance claim?

Footage can help show what happened in a disputed accident. It doesn't guarantee a particular outcome, but it gives the adjuster more to go on.

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