by Vickie Marcy

Created on: March 19, 2009

Road Rage is a term that describes a deliberate and often violent act that is meant to put others in danger. Deliberately using a vehicle, a weapon, fists or physical force to harm drivers who have upset another driver is just one form of road rage.

When emotions are allowed to run wild, frustration and anger lead to acts of violence. Cutting in front of another car, driving too slow, driving too fast; any number of things can trigger road rage that could have irreversible consequences.

Most people don't get into their vehicles with the intention of harming others. Most of us are pretty decent people and yet, road rage is becoming more common everyday. How can you avoid road rage and prevent a potentially dangerous situation?

Instead of getting mad and reacting without thinking, think SCUD.

S. Stay calm and try to put as much distance between you and the other driver as possible.

C. Continue to drive responsibly and continue to keep distance between your vehicles.

U. Under no circumstances should you try to retaliate, control your emotions.

D. Don't give in to your own feelings of anger; doing so could make matters worse. Being responsible and mature in dangerous situations could save your life and the lives of others.

Keeping a cool head and putting as much distance between you and the other driver shows that you're being a responsible driver. It doesn't mean you're a coward or afraid of confrontations, it means you are very smart.

Don't let your emotions get the upper hand; keep your temper in check and continue to drive responsibly. Retaliation isn't an option or an answer; you want to get home safely.

If the enraged driver manages to follow you when you get off at your exit, drive directly to your nearest law enforcement agency and if possible, go inside immediately. Otherwise, honk your horn continuously until you get someone's attention, and make sure your doors are locked and windows are rolled up until help arrives.

Not many people would follow someone to a law enforcement agency after terrorizing them on the highway but there are people out there who for whatever reason just don't care. Should you ever be in a situation where tyou have to stop your car for traffic, be alert. If the other driver exits their vehicle to approach you at the exit ramp, drive off as safely as possible and try to get to a law enforcement agency or dial 911 on your cell phone.

Having a cell phone with you can be a blessing in a situation such as road rage. Program 911 into your cell phone and you'll have an operator with one press of the button. Explain your situation and pay attention to where you are; help can't come to you if they don't know where you are.

Remember to be courteous on the roadways and give the other guy the benefit of the doubt. They could have just lost a loved one, or been told they have cancer, or maybe their child was injured in an accident. A small act of random kindness goes a long way and could mean the difference between life or death so please drive responsibly at all times.

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