Defensive driving, fatigue and aggressive drivers

Key points

1. Defensive driving means anticipating hazards instead of simply reacting to them.

   Source: Handbook p. 54

   “Defensive driving involves a proactive attitude behind the wheel and anticipating potential hazards instead of simply reacting to them.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 54

2. Alcohol is a factor in almost half of all fatal crashes, so designate a driver who will not drink.

   Source: Handbook p. 54

   “If you plan to drink, designate a driver who won't drink. Alcohol is a factor in almost half of all fatal motor vehicle crashes.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 54

3. Report a suspicious or reckless driver by calling *LSP (*577).

   Source: Handbook p. 54

   “Notify the police immediately after seeing a motorist who is driving suspiciously or recklessly. Call *LSP (*577)”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 54

4. Rest every two hours and do not drive longer than six or eight hours a day.

   Source: Handbook p. 56

   “A driver should rest every two hours and not drive longer than six or eight hours a day.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 56

5. Drowsy driving caused over 72,000 crashes.

   Source: Handbook p. 57

   “According to recent statistics, drowsy driving caused over 72,000 crashes.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 57

6. Try to limit driving between midnight and 6 a.m.

   Source: Handbook p. 57

   “Try to limit driving between midnight and 6 a.m.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 57

7. When confronted by an aggressive driver, avoid eye contact and give them plenty of room.

   Source: Handbook p. 59

   “Avoid eye contact and steer clear, giving drivers plenty of room.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 59

8. Avoid tailgating. Let a faster driver pass by moving to the right lane.

   Source: Handbook p. 60

   “Tailgating is a very common cause of crashes and can be avoided by simply moving to the right lane and letting the faster driver pass.”
   Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Handbook p. 60

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Louisiana practice test

1. 1. When confronted by an aggressive driver, which action is recommended?

   1. Use the horn repeatedly to make the driver stop
   2. Hold position and prevent the driver from passing
   3. Return gestures so the driver knows you are not intimidated
   4. Avoid eye contact, steer clear, and give the driver plenty of room
   Show answer

   Avoid eye contact, steer clear, and give the driver plenty of room. The safe response to an aggressive driver is to avoid eye contact, steer clear, and provide plenty of room. The guide also advises staying calm, refusing to return gestures, and making every attempt to get out of the way without escalating the situation. Holding position, trading gestures, or using the horn to punish someone can turn a traffic problem into road rage. Keep your attention on an escape route, let the other driver pass when possible, and do not stop on the roadside to settle the conflict.

2. 2. How many crashes did drowsy driving cause, according to statistics in the Louisiana guide?

   1. Over 72,000
   2. About 500
   3. About 5 million
   4. About 1,000
   Show answer

   Over 72,000. According to recent statistics, drowsy driving caused over 72,000 crashes. On long trips the guide suggests 100 to 110 miles every two hours with 10 to 15 minute breaks every 2 to 3 hours, hour long meal stops, and no more than 10 to 11 hours of total driving even with drivers sharing. Ask a passenger to serve as co pilot and stop at the first sign of drowsiness.

3. 3. When another vehicle is following too closely, what response does the guide recommend?

   1. Move into the opposing lane to create a gap
   2. Brake sharply to punish the following driver
   3. Accelerate and race until the other vehicle falls behind
   4. Pull to the right and allow the following vehicle to pass
   Show answer

   Pull to the right and allow the following vehicle to pass. When a driver is following too closely, move to the right and allow that vehicle to pass. This reduces the pressure behind you and avoids turning the situation into a contest. Sharp braking can cause a rear-end collision, accelerating prolongs the unsafe interaction, and entering opposing traffic creates a head-on risk. Keep control of your lane, check that the roadside is safe, and give the other driver room to go by. The useful cue is to create separation by yielding space, not by speeding up or confronting the tailgater.

Source: the Louisiana Class D and E Driver's Guide, Chapter 5: Safe Driving Habits. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.