Although road rage is not a new problem, it has been on the rise. Learn to recognize and avoid incidents of aggressive behavior on the road with these tips:

The warning signs
Examples of aggressive driving that can lead to road rage:

• exceeding the speed limit by more than 10 mph
• running red lights and stop signs
• tailgating
• driving in the left lane continually, blocking the passing lane
• making hand gestures at other drivers
• unnecessary use of high-beam headlights or the car horn
• abrupt and frequent lane changing
• failure to use turn signals

How to avoid road rage

• Avoid cutting off other drivers in traffic.
• Don’t tailgate. Allow at least a two-second space between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
• Signal well in advance before changing lanes or turning.
• Avoid exchanging hand gestures.
• Do not make eye contact with other involved drivers.
• Obey speed limits.
• Drive in the right lane except when passing.

What to do in a road rage situation

• If someone follows you after an on-the-road incident, drive to the nearest crowded public place.
• If a public place is not immediately available, call 9-1-1 and an operator will direct you to one while sending officers to the scene.
• Report all aggressive driving incidents to the police as soon as possible.