How-to guide · Ford of Peoria · Peoria, IL
How to Avoid Road Rage: Tips From the Illinois State Police
Road rage is driving in an aggressive manner that could endanger another driver, motorcyclist, bicyclist or pedestrian, the Illinois State Police says. Here is what the ISP counts as road rage, what to do if an angry driver targets you on the way across Peoria, and the everyday driving habits that help you stay out of it.
The short answer
Don't engage. If a driver is acting angry, avoid eye contact and gestures, create distance, and let them pass or merge. Keep your doors locked and windows up, and never chase or follow an aggressive driver. If one follows you, drive to the nearest police department when possible, or to a well-lit, populated area, and call for emergency help.
What the Illinois State Police calls road rage
Road rage is driving a vehicle in an aggressive manner that could endanger the safety or property of another driver, motorcyclist, bicyclist or pedestrian, the Illinois State Police says.
The ISP lists the dangers of road rage behavior as a potential crash with vehicle damage, injuries that can be life-threatening, death of drivers, passengers or others, and shootings that result in a crash, injury or death.
From the Illinois State Police, "Road Rage," read October 27, 2026.
Road rage behaviors the ISP lists
The ISP gives these examples of driver behaviors during road rage incidents:
| Type | Examples from the ISP |
|---|---|
| Speed and following | Speeding or driving too fast for conditions; tailgating or following too closely; racing |
| Lanes and right of way | Improper lane changes, passing or turning; cutting off another vehicle or weaving; failure to yield right of way; failure to signal |
| Ignoring the rules | Running red lights or stop signs; failure to obey traffic laws, signs and devices; failure to yield to emergency personnel and construction zone speed limits |
| Off the roadway | Illegally driving on the shoulder (emergency lane), in a ditch or median, or on a sidewalk |
| Using the vehicle against others | Slamming on brakes in front of a tailgater; forcing a driver off the road; ramming or sideswiping |
| Gestures and noise | Rude hand or facial gestures; yelling or cursing; repeatedly honking the horn; repeatedly flashing the headlights; throwing objects |
From the Illinois State Police, "Road Rage," read October 27, 2026. Grouped by this page; the ISP gives them as one list, along with operating a vehicle in an erratic, reckless, careless or negligent manner.
If you encounter an angry or aggressive driver
The ISP advises:
Lock up and keep space
Keep your vehicle doors locked and windows up, and don't follow too closely. Do not underestimate a driver's potential for aggression.
Let them pass
If you are in the left lane and someone wants to pass, move to your right and allow them to pass. If a speeding driver is tailgating you, safely change lanes when able.
Give room to merge
If someone cuts you off, slow down and give them room to merge into your lane. When you merge, make sure you have plenty of room and use your turn signal.
Don't engage
If another driver is acting angry, don't make eye contact. Making gestures might anger the other driver; create distance and avoid confrontation.
From the Illinois State Police, "Road Rage," read October 27, 2026.
If an aggressive driver follows you
Do not chase the aggressive driver, the ISP says. If possible, have a passenger take a video or make a note of the vehicle's description: color, spoiler or other accessories, stickers, license number and damage.
Motorists who are being followed by an aggressive driver should drive to the nearest police department when possible, or drive to a well-lit, populated area and call for emergency help, the ISP says.
From the Illinois State Police, "Road Rage," read October 27, 2026.
Driving habits that keep you out of conflict
The ISP's speed-safety tips also take a lot of the friction out of a drive:
Obey the speed limit
Obey the posted speed limit on all roads, and reduce your speed when road conditions are less than ideal.
Go with the flow
Travel at the same pace as other traffic, staying within the speed limit. If most other vehicles are speeding, stay to the right.
Keep two seconds back
When following another vehicle, keep a distance of at least two seconds. At night and in other low-visibility conditions, reduce speed, increase your following distance and use your headlights.
Stay alert, buckled and sober
Stay alert to changing road conditions and the vehicles around you. Always wear your safety belt, and never drink and drive.
From the Illinois State Police, "Speed Limit Enforcement" (How To Avoid Being A Speed Related Crash Statistic), read October 27, 2026. The ISP also says to maintain your vehicle and tires in safe working order.
Keep your vehicle in safe working order
The Works® at Ford of Peoria includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check. The ISP's speed-safety tips include keeping your vehicle and tires in safe working order; The Works is a general vehicle checkup you can book any time of year.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Ford of Peoria is at 2211 W. Pioneer Pkwy. in Peoria. Get directions.
Ford of Peoria service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-noon |
| Sun | closed |
From Ford of Peoria's website, October 27, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Road rage FAQ
What counts as road rage?
The Illinois State Police defines road rage as driving a vehicle in an aggressive manner that could endanger the safety or property of another driver, motorcyclist, bicyclist or pedestrian.
What should I do if an aggressive driver is following me?
The ISP says motorists being followed by an aggressive driver should drive to the nearest police department when possible, or drive to a well-lit, populated area and call for emergency help. Do not chase the aggressive driver.
Should I make eye contact with an angry driver?
No. The ISP says that if another driver is acting angry, don't make eye contact. Making gestures might anger the other driver, so create distance and avoid confrontation.
What should I do if someone is tailgating me?
The ISP says that if a speeding driver is tailgating you, safely change lanes when able. If you are in the left lane and someone wants to pass, move to your right and let them pass. The ISP lists slamming on the brakes in front of a tailgater as a road rage behavior.
Should I record an aggressive driver?
The ISP says not to chase the aggressive driver. If possible, have a passenger take a video or note the vehicle's description: color, spoiler or other accessories, stickers, license number and damage.
How much following distance should I keep?
The ISP recommends at least two seconds. When the rear bumper of the vehicle ahead passes a fixed object, count "one thousand and one, one thousand and two"; your front bumper should reach that point as you finish. At night and in low visibility, increase your following distance.
What does The Works at Ford of Peoria include?
The Works® at Ford of Peoria includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Book a routine checkup
Book The Works, which includes a tire pressure check, brake inspection and battery test, at Ford of Peoria.
Sources
Road rage guidance and driving tips are from the Illinois State Police Road Rage and Speed Limit Enforcement pages, read October 27, 2026. This page is a plain-language summary. Service details, address and hours are from Ford of Peoria's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- Traffic and Safety: Road Rage (definition, behaviors, what to do), Illinois State Police, read October 27, 2026
- Traffic and Safety: Speed Limit Enforcement (speed-safety tips, following distance), Illinois State Police, read October 27, 2026
- General service: The Works, Ford of Peoria, October 27, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Ford of Peoria, October 27, 2026