Every Journey Carries a Life: Sussex Road Safety Guide

Q: What should I do if another driver behaves aggressively?

Remain calm, create distance and avoid confrontation. Call 999 if there is an immediate danger or crime in progress, or report the incident to Sussex Police afterwards.

This Message Comes from the Road

At Sussex Taxis, our drivers spend thousands of hours every year travelling through Brighton, Hove, Lewes, Worthing, Shoreham, Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath, Eastbourne, Gatwick, Heathrow and communities throughout Sussex.

Over recent years, particularly since the disruption of the pandemic, members of our team have felt that impatience, distraction and aggressive behaviour have become more visible on the road.

This is an observation from our daily professional driving experience. It is not a scientific claim that every driver has become worse, and it is not written to attack or embarrass anyone.

It is written because we all have families, friends, colleagues and people we love. Every driver, passenger, pedestrian, cyclist and motorcyclist deserves the opportunity to return home safely.

Good driving is not only about passing a test, avoiding penalty points or escaping a fine. It is about protecting human life.

Driver distracted by a phone while approaching the scene of a road collision

A moment of distraction can have consequences that last for a lifetime. The road can change in a second. A screen can wait.

Please note: The image above is an illustrative road safety image. It does not depict any of the real incidents described in this article.

Why This Conversation Matters

Provisional Department for Transport figures for 2025 show that serious harm on British roads remains a major public safety issue.

1,556 Estimated road fatalities in Great Britain during 2025.

29,910 Estimated people killed or seriously injured during 2025.

127,870 Estimated casualties of all severities during 2025.

About the figures: These are provisional Department for Transport estimates published in May 2026. Final 2025 statistics are scheduled for publication in July 2026 and may differ.

Numbers can feel distant, but each number represents a person. A parent. A child. A partner. A friend. A colleague. Somebody whose ordinary journey changed many lives forever.

What Our Drivers Have Seen

These experiences are not included to create fear. They show how quickly unnecessary impatience or anger can turn an ordinary journey into a dangerous situation.

An Observation from David

Racing to the Same Red Light

One of our drivers, David, described something he sees regularly. A vehicle passes at speed, changes lanes repeatedly and appears desperate to get ahead.

One or two minutes later, at the next set of traffic lights, that same vehicle is often sitting beside him again.

What was gained? Perhaps a few seconds. During those seconds, however, the speeding driver increased the risk for everyone nearby.

Most drivers are travelling towards the same traffic, junctions and red lights. Calm, steady driving often gets us there at almost exactly the same time.

A Reported Road Incident

When Aggression Became Violence

Another member of our driving team experienced a deeply concerning incident following an aggressive overtaking attempt.

The other road user deliberately moved towards his vehicle and threw a small hammer at it before driving away. The incident was reported to the police.

Thankfully, it did not result in a serious collision. It could easily have ended differently.

No delay, misunderstanding or mistake by another driver justifies intimidation, dangerous manoeuvres or violence.

If we are all going to meet again at the next red light, why risk somebody's life to get there first? A road safety message from Sussex Taxis

The Road Is Not a Competition

Driving can make people feel anonymous. We see vehicles rather than people, and that distance can encourage behaviour that would never be acceptable face to face.

1

Speed

Arriving Safely Matters More

A speed limit is a legal maximum, not a target. Rain, darkness, parked vehicles, schools, pedestrians and restricted visibility may require a much lower speed.

Speeding may feel like progress, but traffic lights, junctions and congestion quickly remove most imagined time savings.

2

Distraction

The Screen Can Wait

Modern drivers depend heavily on phones for navigation, traffic information, work and communication. The danger begins when the screen receives the attention needed by the road.

Reading a message, entering an address or changing music can mean missing the pedestrian, cyclist or braking vehicle ahead.

3

Following Distance

Leave Space to React

Following closely does not make the traffic move faster. It removes the time and distance needed to respond when something unexpected happens.

Leave more space in rain, darkness, poor visibility and behind large vehicles that restrict your view.

4

Overtaking

Wait for a Truly Safe Opportunity

An overtake should never depend on another road user braking, moving aside or correcting your decision.

If the road, visibility, markings or traffic do not provide a clearly safe opportunity, wait. A delayed overtake is better than a collision.

5

Road Anger

Create Distance, Not Conflict

Another driver may make a mistake. They may hesitate, miss a turning or enter the wrong lane. Their error does not justify intimidation or retaliation.

Do not follow, race, block, brake-check or confront another road user. Create distance and report serious behaviour through the correct channels.

6

Fatigue

Tired Driving Is Dangerous Driving

Heavy eyes, repeated yawning, missed signs and difficulty remembering the previous few miles are warnings that should not be ignored.

Stop somewhere safe, rest and continue only when fit to drive. A timetable is never more important than safety.

7

Vulnerable Road Users

See the Person, Not the Obstacle

Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are not obstacles delaying a journey. They are people using the same road with far less physical protection.

Slow near crossings, schools and bus stops. Check mirrors carefully and allow proper passing space.

8

Patience

Expect Other People to Make Mistakes

Some drivers are learning, elderly, unfamiliar with the road, driving a new vehicle or living with a condition that is not visible.

Sounding the horn or driving close behind them usually increases pressure and danger. Patience is part of responsible driving.

9

Seat Belts

Every Person, Every Journey

Drivers and passengers should wear a seat belt whenever required, including during familiar local journeys.

A collision does not become less serious because the destination was only a few streets away.

Using Phones and Navigation More Safely

Navigation technology is valuable and often essential for professional drivers. It must be prepared and used in a way that does not take control of the driver's attention.

Before Moving

Enter the destination before beginning the journey.
Secure the device in a suitable holder.
Check the initial route and major road changes.
Set music, climate and notifications in advance.
Use voice guidance where possible.

During the Journey

Do not hold or type on the phone while driving.
Do not read messages or scroll through applications.
Do not attempt complicated route changes while moving.
Allow a passenger to help where appropriate.
Stop legally and safely before making adjustments.

Missing a turning is inconvenient. Missing a pedestrian can be fatal.

Hands-free technology can still distract a driver. Legal use does not automatically mean safe use in every situation. The driver must remain in proper control of the vehicle and give the road their full attention.

Ten Seconds of Patience

Ten seconds can feel important when we are late. It is nothing compared with the permanent consequences of a serious collision.

Wait Before Overtaking

Do not force an unsafe opportunity because frustration is building behind a slower vehicle.

Allow the Cyclist Space

Let them move safely around drains, parked vehicles, potholes and other hazards.

Give Pedestrians Time

Children, older people and disabled pedestrians may need longer to cross safely.

Let Someone Join the Lane

Allowing one vehicle into traffic does not mean that another driver has beaten you.

Accept the Missed Turning

Continue safely and allow navigation to recalculate instead of making a sudden manoeuvre.

Call Ahead When Late

A delayed appointment can be rearranged. A life cannot.

Patience is not weakness. It is the ability to protect yourself and other people even when you feel frustrated, pressured or late.

Passengers Share the Responsibility

Road safety is not only the driver's responsibility. Passengers can either reduce distraction or increase it.

A Responsible Passenger

Wears a seat belt.
Does not pressure the driver to speed.
Avoids distracting the driver at difficult junctions.
Helps with navigation only when requested.
Speaks calmly when driving feels unsafe.

When You Are Running Late

Contact the destination and explain.
Do not ask the driver to break the speed limit.
Do not encourage risky overtaking.
Accept that traffic and delays happen.
Plan more time for future journeys.

Professional Driving Means Safe Driving

As a taxi company, we recognise that road safety messages must also apply to us. Professional driving should never mean rushing to recover lost time.

Our Responsibility

Plan journeys using realistic travel times.
Expect legal and considerate driving.
Never encourage speeding to recover a delay.
Take safety concerns and complaints seriously.
Promote rest and fitness to drive.
Keep vehicles maintained and roadworthy.

What Passengers Should Expect

Smooth and controlled acceleration.
Safe following distances.
Respect for speed limits and conditions.
Consideration for every road user.
No unsafe phone use.
A journey that feels calm and professional.

The best professional driver is not the person who arrives first. It is the person passengers trust with their lives.

The Sussex Safe Driving Promise

A simple promise for drivers, passengers, businesses and communities throughout East and West Sussex.

I will respect speed limits and road conditions.

I will put the phone away while driving.

I will leave enough space to react safely.

I will respect pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.

I will not use my vehicle to intimidate another person.

I will not respond to aggression with aggression.

I will stop and rest when I am too tired to drive.

I will remember that every journey carries a life.

Official Road Safety Resources

Use these official government, police, council and road safety resources for current law, safety guidance, educational campaigns and local reporting.

The Highway Code The official rules, guidance and legal requirements for drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and other road users.

GOV.UK

THINK Road Safety National road safety campaigns covering speed, mobile phones, seat belts, drink driving, drug driving and young drivers.

Department for Transport

THINK Speed Guidance Official educational material about inappropriate speed, stopping distances and the consequences of speeding.

THINK

Mobile Phones and Driving Law Official information about handheld phone use, navigation devices, exemptions, penalties and staying in control.

GOV.UK

Travel Like You Know Them A campaign encouraging road users to recognise the people and lives behind each vehicle, bicycle and journey.

THINK

Concentrate on the Road Road safety material about distraction, phone use and the particular responsibilities of professional drivers.

THINK

Driving and Riding Safely for Work Health and Safety Executive guidance for employers, businesses, professional drivers and people who drive for work.

HSE

Plan and Manage Work Journeys Official guidance on realistic schedules, journey planning, driver fatigue, weather, workload and business responsibility.

HSE

Sussex Police Road Safety Police information about speeding, dangerous driving, collisions and road safety enforcement across Sussex.

Sussex Police

Sussex Community Speedwatch Information about local volunteers working with Sussex Police to monitor speeds and encourage drivers to slow down.

Sussex Police

East Sussex Road Safety Local guidance about speed limits, education, safer roads and road safety responsibilities in East Sussex.

East Sussex County Council

West Sussex Road Safety Local road safety services, educational information and guidance for communities throughout West Sussex.

West Sussex County Council

Brighton & Hove Road Safety Local information for drivers about safer behaviour, skills, awareness and reducing collisions.

Brighton & Hove City Council

UK Road Safety Statistics Official Department for Transport publications, casualty figures, data tables and road safety analysis.

GOV.UK

Reporting Dangerous Driving in Sussex

Different situations require different reporting routes. Never use a phone while driving to make a report. Stop safely first, or ask a passenger to help.

Situation	What to Do	Important Note
Immediate danger or crime in progress	Call 999 when it is safe to do so.	Do not follow, chase or confront the other road user.
Dangerous or antisocial driving that has already happened	Report through Sussex Police online services or call 101.	Record only details that can be remembered safely and accurately.
A collision involving injury	Stop, make the area as safe as possible and contact emergency services where required.	Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger.
Local concern about repeated speeding	Contact Sussex Police or explore the local Community Speedwatch programme.	Councils set and review limits, while police are responsible for enforcement.
Dashcam footage of a road offence	Check the current Sussex Police online reporting process.	Keep the original unedited file and submit it within the requested timeframe.

Do not place yourself in danger to gather evidence. Never film with a handheld phone while driving, pursue another vehicle or begin a confrontation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why has Sussex Taxis published this road safety article?

Our drivers spend thousands of hours on the road and have observed concerning examples of speeding, distraction and aggressive behaviour. The article is intended to encourage safer choices, not to blame every driver.

Did driving standards definitely become worse after the pandemic?

Our team has felt that impatience and aggressive behaviour have become more visible since the pandemic, but this is a professional observation rather than a scientific conclusion. The wider road safety figures show that deaths and serious injuries remain a major concern.

Is the speed limit always a safe speed?

No. A speed limit is the maximum permitted speed under normal circumstances. Drivers may need to travel more slowly because of weather, visibility, pedestrians, traffic, road condition or other hazards.

Can I touch a phone while stopped at a red light?

Handheld phone restrictions generally continue to apply while stopped in traffic or at traffic lights. Check the current GOV.UK guidance for the law, permitted exceptions and penalties.

Is hands-free phone use completely safe?

No. Hands-free use may be legal, but a conversation or complicated navigation task can still reduce concentration. The driver must remain in full control and should stop safely when the task is distracting.

What should I do if another driver behaves aggressively?

Remain calm, create distance and avoid gestures or confrontation. Do not follow the vehicle. Call 999 if there is an immediate danger or crime in progress, or report the incident to Sussex Police afterwards.

Should a taxi driver speed when a passenger is late?

No. A passenger being late does not remove the driver's legal or professional responsibilities. A safe driver should follow the law, drive for the conditions and refuse pressure to take unnecessary risks.

Where can I find official Sussex road safety information?

The official resources section above includes Sussex Police, East Sussex County Council, West Sussex County Council, Brighton & Hove City Council, GOV.UK, THINK and the Health and Safety Executive.

We All Have Somebody Waiting for Us

The car in front may be carrying somebody's child. The cyclist may be somebody's parent. The pedestrian may be returning home to a family. The hesitant driver may be doing everything possible to stay safe.

We all experience stress. We all become late. We all make mistakes. When we take control of a vehicle, however, we also accept responsibility for the lives around us.

Drive like somebody's life depends on it.
Because it does.

Slow down. Put the phone away. Leave space. Expect mistakes. Choose not to respond to aggression. Help everybody get home safely.

Read the Sussex Promise Official Safety Resources Visit Sussex Taxis

A public road safety message from Sussex Taxis.
We Love Sussex. Let us protect the people who travel through it.