There is a new kind of road hazard - aggressive drivers that weave in and out of traffic, drive too fast, tailgate, scream at other drivers or use gestures that can best be described as uncivil.

Did you know?

• The most obvious form of road rage is aggressive and excessive speeding, particularly on congested highways or in bad weather.
• Speed causes nearly one-third of all fatal motor vehicle crashes.
• Speeding reduces the time drivers have to avoid a crash or a dangerous situation and greatly increases the likelihood the crash will be severe.
• The energy released in a collision at 60 mph is 200 percent greater than at 40 mph, even though the speed has increased by only 50 percent.

Control Yourself

• Wind down before you crank it up. Avoid making other drivers angry by avoiding anger yourself.
• Take action before stress and fatigue get to you. Learn to spot warning signs and act on them.
• If you are planning a long journey, plan to take frequent breaks.

Be Patient and Pay Attention

• Don't yell or use obscene gestures.
• Stay to the right if you are obstructing the flow of traffic.
• Always signal when changing lanes. Use your horn sparingly.
• Don't tailgate.
• Cooperate and don't compete on the the road.
• Let other drivers merge into traffic in an orderly fashion.
• Don't take another's actions personally. Everybody makes mistakes.

Avoid a Driving Assault

• Don't react to another driver's uncivil behavoir - avoid eye contact and don't tailgate, accelerate, brake or swerve suddenly, which can be misconstrued as being confrontational.
• If confronted by an aggressive driver, go to the nearest police station if you continue to be harassed or think you are being followed.
• Lock your doors.
• When stopped in traffic, leave enough space to pull out from behind the car you are following.
• Don't be tempted to start a fight or carry any sort of weapon. These acts may provoke an assault.
• A good rule of thumb when stopped in traffic is if you can not see the rear wheels of the vehicle in front of you, you are probably too close.