IL State Police Targeting Road Rage As Problem Increasing Nationwide

CHICAGO — Illinois State Police on Monday announced special details to combat increasing road rage, which has led to crashes, confrontations and shootings. The agency is targeting areas where its members have seen the most incidents, according to police.

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

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To address aggressive driving, during the first six months of 2026, state police deployed troopers from statewide special operations groups to support law enforcement in the Chicago area on six special details, according to authorities.

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, state police said.

The agency encourages motorists to use the following safety tips when encountering an aggressive driver:

• Keep doors locked and 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.

Drivers who are being followed or feel threatened should drive to a safe public location or police department and call 911, according to authorities. Never drive home or stop to confront the other driver, state police said.

People who witness dangerous driving that poses an immediate threat to public safety should report the vehicle's location, direction of travel, description and license plate information to 911 when possible, according to police.

For more information, visit isp.illinois.gov/TrafficSafety/RoadRage.