Arkansas State Police reminds drivers to keep cool, avoid road rage on state roads & highways

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – “Keep it cool” is the advice Arkansas State Police Troopers are giving drivers during the summer driving season.

ASP officials said keeping a level head is important as they are seeing an increase in aggressive driving incident reports. As of Friday, the ASP investigated 440 road rage incidents, including 153 involving at least one weapon.

In 2024, ASP processed 800 road rage cases, including 333 with a weapon. This represented a significant increase from 2024, when 284 road rage incidents were reported, according to officials.

ASP officials offered tips to prevent road rage incidents:

• Avoid engaging other drivers, even if they have done something to make you angry or you have made them angry.
• Put as much distance between you and the other driver as possible.
• Try not to make eye contact with them.
• Never, ever pull off the roadway to confront them. They could have weapons.
• Avoid creating a competitive situation with another driver, even if he is at fault.
• Try not to take another person’s aggressive driving personally.
• If a speeding driver is tailgating you or trying to engage you in risky driving, safely steer your vehicle out of the way.
• Call law enforcement if you believe a driver is following you or harassing you.

On the final point, ASP officials urge motorists not to hesitate to call authorities if they witness road rage. If you are a victim of road rage or aggressive driving that puts you or other motorists at risk, please report the incident. Call 911 or, in non-emergency incidents, call *ASP (*277) to be connected to the local Troop Headquarters.

“Troopers understand that driving can be frustrating at times, but aggressive driving and road rage are not the answer,” said Arkansas State Police director Col. Mike Hagar, adding “Remember, road rage can lead to dangerous situations that put your life and the lives of others at risk.”

ASP officials are asking drivers to practice patience and courtesy.