What is road rage? From hand gestures to physical disputes, "any display of aggression by a driver" is considered road rage. While only 6 percent of drivers will admit to road rage, 62 percent say they have been on the receiving end. What causes road rage? Imagine you've had a rough day at the office. You are driving home and just before you exit the highway, you get cut off by the car next to you. A little expression of your unchecked anger won't hurt anyone, right? Wrong. Although some drivers see vehicles as a safe zone where space, speed and anonymity mean expressions (large or small) of unchecked anger won't hurt anyone, others easily misinterpret this as an intentional attack on their being, and real danger can result from this. What are the signs of road rage? Telltale signs a driver is experiencing road rage include: Sudden accelerationTailgating or blockingFlashing lightsThrowing objects out of the windowGetting out the of the vehicleInstigating a physical confrontationDisplaying a weaponHow to respond to road rage? Whenever possible, avoid becoming a participant in road rage. If you identify a potential road-rage situation on the road around you, or directed at you, try not to react: Avoid eye contact as it can easily be interpreted as the acceptance of an unspoken challenge.Avoid unnecessary changes to your driving such as sudden braking, swerving, acceleration or stopping.Do not make hand gestures, obscene or otherwise.Do not get out of your car to address a confrontation.If you feel unsafe, drive to the nearest police station or public place where you can get help, or, when possible, have a passenger call 911. How can I avoid road rage? Studies have found that — to a majority of drivers — distracted driving is the most infuriating act you can partake in while behind the wheel, so avoid distractions when driving and maintain a safe traveling distance. If you are prone to road rage yourself or are feeling particularly agitated, give yourself a break. Instead of getting behind the wheel, consider taking public transportation, carpooling or traveling when traffic is less congested. Driving is stressful enough. Follow these tips to help ensure your time on the road is as safe and stress-free as possible. --ROAD RAGE BUSTERSWant to prevent road rage? Start with our quiz on your driving. And, prevent teen texting while driving.How's My Driving? A 10-Question Quiz--SOURCES"Aggressive Driving and Speed." NCSL. National Conference of State Legislatures. July 2017. Web. 28 May 2020. https://www.ncsl.org/research/transportation/aggressive-driving-and-speed.aspxAlbrecht, Steve, DBA. "The Psychology of Road Rage." Psychology Today, https://www.psychologytoday.com.. 05 Jan. 2013, Web. 28 May 2020. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-act-violence/201301/the-psychology-road-rage"Behaviors of Aggressive Driving." DC.gov. District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles. N.d., Web. 28 May 2020. https://dmv.dc.gov/service/aggressive-driving