Amid Increases in Road Rage Nationwide, Illinois State Police Conducts Special Details

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois, like the rest of the country, has been impacted by road rage incidents in recent years. These incidents have led to crashes, confrontations, and even expressway shootings. To reduce the risk to motorists, the Illinois State Police (ISP) is dedicating resources to deter aggressive and dangerous driving in areas where we see the most incidents.

“To combat increases in road rage, ISP has conducted saturation patrols and special details on Chicago expressways using Troopers from across Illinois,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “We will continue to focus on drivers who have no respect for the law or their fellow human beings.”

To address aggressive driving, during the first six months of 2026, ISP deployed Troopers from the statewide ISP Special Operations Groups to support Troopers in the Chicago area on six special details. These special details are in addition to the multifaceted approach ISP uses on a daily basis, dedicating personnel, technology, Air Operations, K9 units, forensics, and investigative expertise.

Behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, weaving through traffic, brake checking, making obscene gestures, excessive horn use, or confronting another driver dramatically increase the risk of crashes, injuries, and violence.

ISP encourages motorists to follow these safety tips when encountering an aggressive driver.

• Keep your doors locked and your windows rolled up.
• Avoid making eye contact or responding to aggressive gestures.
• Do not tailgate or attempt to “teach another driver a lesson.”
• If another driver wants to pass, safely move over and allow them to do so.
• Give aggressive drivers plenty of space and avoid driving beside them.
• If someone cuts you off, slow down and allow them room rather than reacting in anger.
• If you are being followed or feel threatened, drive to a safe public location or police department and call 911. Never drive home or stop to confront the other driver.
• If you witness dangerous driving that poses an immediate threat to public safety, report the vehicle’s location, direction of travel, description, and license plate information to 911 when possible.

ISP reminds the public that when it comes to aggressive driving, don’t lose your temper or your life. Road Rage. Don’t Engage. For more information about how to avoid road rage, or ISP’s “Road Rage. Don’t Engage.” campaign, visit the ISP website at: https://isp.illinois.gov/TrafficSafety/RoadRage

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