Control the road rage!

BALTIMORE - Vacation is over, the kids are back at school which also means there are more drivers on the road and that means more traffic. With traffic comes more of something most of us have experienced, road rage. But there are things you can do to keep your rage in check and keep you safe.

It's that feeling you get when someone in front of you is driving slow in the fast lane or cuts you off on the highway. You honk, maybe even display a certain finger at the other driver, but police say road rage can be more serious than a simple exchange of dirty looks, 'We've seen fights on the side of the road… We've seen people get shot on the side of the road… trying to confront an aggressive driver.'

State Highway officials have seen cases of aggressive driving increase in Maryland. In just 4 years the number of cases went up 63%. There was also a 54% jump in the number of injuries and a 9% jump in deaths. Despite your feelings behind the wheel there are ways to keep your rage in check.

Ways to control your road rages

• First, AAA says Give yourself plenty of time before leaving for work. 'Most people are more stressed if they are rushed and encounter back-ups and congestion. So you want to make sure people give themselves plenty of time before they leave their homes.'

• Second, be courteous, 'Just be a courteous driver is probably the best bet. Obey the speed limits, obey the laws of the road.
• And plan ahead. Check traffic reports before going on long trips to you can avoid the traffic jams. Look for construction projects that are on your route so you can plan your detour in advance.
• 'Avoid conflict, 'Avoid eye contact. Avoid using your horn. These are the sorts of things that trigger people.'
• And don't take matters into your own hands. Commander of the Golden Ring State Police Barrack, Lt. Jim DeWees says, 'If you're being tailgated or you're in an aggressive driving situation or you see an aggressive driving situation unfold, pound 77, 911 if it's that bad or call your local barrack directly. Give us a description of the vehicle, the number of occupants that are in it and the direction they are going.'

 For more information visit:  http://apps.roads.maryland.gov/WebProjectLifeCycle/ProjectHome.asp