Road rage is a popular topic in the media and the community these days. Hardly a week goes by without a story about the roads being a battlefield, and the ever increasing occurrence of rage on our roads.

But what is road rage really? When asked, many drivers would say they have experienced ‘road rage' when other drivers do something rude, inconsiderate, aggressive or dangerous. Actions such as cutting other drivers off, tailgating, not using indicators, swearing and rude gestures are commonly cited as examples of road rage.

However, the word rage suggests out-of-control anger, seething hatred, or fury. How often do we really feel like this while driving? Annoyed, frustrated, or irritated might be closer to the mark for most of us. Examples of actual rage, which sometimes end in violence are very serious but, fortunately also very rare.

So maybe it should really be road frustration – not as newsworthy

but more accurate!

Who is involved?

Research suggests that the vast majority of incidences of aggressive driving are carried out by males. This is similar to rates of violent offence as a whole. It also seems that people who do exhibit aggressive behaviour on the road are often the same personality types who are involved in violence in other areas of life, in sport, at work or in social settings.

Information from police forces around Australia shows that in many of cases of serious road related violence, the people involved know each other, and the conflict is often about something that has nothing to do with the road, it is just played out there. Research has also indicated that the incidence of serious assaults, including those on the roads, have not increased over recent years as is sometimes suggested in the media.

What can you do?

There are a number of ways that you can reduce the frustrations of dealing with traffic:

• Plan your drive – Too often we make short and long trips without thinking about how long the trip will take. Allow plenty of time, especially at peak traffic periods in the early morning and mid to late afternoon.
• Look for alternative routes – Often traffic congestion is worst on major arterial roads. Try to vary your route to avoid these roads where possible. While it may take you a little longer, it's often far less frustrating to be moving than sitting in traffic.
• Relax! – If you have planned your trip you should feel more relaxed about the time you have to get from A to B. Put some enjoyable music on to help you remain calm.
• Don't drive angry – If you are tired or emotionally stressed it's not a good idea to drive. You're likely to over-react to the things other drivers do. Take some time to calm down or rest if you can.
• Use your mobile (hands-free of course!) – If, despite your planning the traffic holds you up, call ahead to let people know you'll be late rather than taking risks like speeding and running lights. Most of us are quite understanding of people held up by traffic as it happens a lot.
• Be tolerant – We all make mistakes and poor decisions at times on the road. Often drivers do things because they're easier or quicker – if you're tolerant of others they're more likely to be tolerant of you.

There are also alternatives to driving which are worth investigating if you are sick of the commuting grind and the constant traffic delays:

• Use public transport – Although it can have its own frustrations, public transport has benefits too. It's likely to be cheaper than running a car and allows you to sit and read, listen to music or talk to friends. Even using public transport once or twice a week might make the days when you do drive more bearable.
• Car pool with workmates – This gives you a break from driving but still has the flexibility and convenience of leaving when you want. It's likely to save you money as well.
• Vary your work arrangements – It's a lot more common now for employers to be flexible about the hours people work. Can you start earlier and finish earlier? Leaving later in the morning can also make a big difference to travel times as the roads are most heavily congested in the morning peak periods, often until about the time schools start their day.

What if the situation gets serious?

Sometimes despite all your best efforts, you may get into a potentially serious situation on the road. The most important thing to remember is to avoid inflaming the situation:

• Don't react in any visible way to the small mistakes or poor decisions of others.
• Avoid eye contact with angry drivers - while eye contact is useful in certain driving situations it can inflame the situation where a driver is angry.
• Keep your hands on the wheel and don't make gestures. They can easily be misinterpreted (even shaking your head can enrage someone).
• If you feel you are in a dangerous situation call for help or drive somewhere where they are lots of people.
• Finally, do not get out of your car. This should help you avoid any physical confrontation.

Whether it's road rage or simply frustration, there are simple steps you can take to maintain your safety.