Media outlets have been reporting increasing incidents of violence related to angry driving or "road rage" in the last few years. Psychologists estimate that driver frustration, distraction and unsafe driving habits (such as tailgating, cutting other vehicles off, violating posted speed limits, etc.) are primary causes.

"Driving can be a stressful activity, particularly during crowded road conditions, which tend to become more prevalent during holidays. Anger or frustration is a natural response to certain types of driving behavior," Sawyer said. "However, under no circumstances should any driver intentionally seek revenge or cause harm to another driver. The desire to do so is indicative of a problem that needs to be addressed."

"Aggressive driving can be an invitation for trouble," Sawyer said. What is aggressive driving? A 1999 study by the Global Strategy Group shows that over 80 percent of Americans listed the following acts as aggressive: tailgating, making rude and/or obscene gestures, passing on the shoulder, failing to yield to merging traffic and pulling into a parking place someone else is already waiting for.

"A primary difference between getting to our destination safely or becoming a tragic road rage statistic rests with our ability to keep our anger and emotions under control," Sawyer said. Here are some tips from the web-based RoadRage.com on how to avoid a potentially deadly highway confrontation:

• Do not retaliate. Never take another driver’s actions personally. He or she is only reacting on road rage instinct.

• Avoid eye contact with an angry driver. Your actions could be misinterpreted as aggressive or threatening behavior.

• Consider the stakes. Before reacting to anything that has occurred, ask yourself if retaliation or revenge is worth your life.

• Practice the Golden Rule. Be polite and courteous – even if other drivers are not.

• Nobody is perfect. Before overreacting, consider the possibility that the other driver simply made a mistake.

• Guard your own safety. If you think you are being followed or harassed by another driver, do not go home – travel to the nearest police or law enforcement post. Also, take the nearest detour to get away from the other driver as quickly and safely as possible.

• It can happen to you. Don’t forget that road rage is becoming more frequent and commonplace. Never underestimate other drivers’ capacity for mayhem.

• Take it easy. Slow down, take a deep breath and relax!

• Reduce your driving stress. Allow plenty of time to get to your destination. Try and minimize driving distractions – turn off your cell phone, play soothing music, make sure all pets are in carrying cases and children are securely and safely in their seats.

• You are in control. Understand that you cannot control the drivers around you, but you can control the way they affect your emotional and physical well being.

For more information and resources about road rage, these organizations can help:

This web site is devoted to road rage and driving safety. You can view statistics about road rage, report an incident, take an interactive test to analyze your driving style, link to other driving resources and read the latest news stories about road rage incidents across North America. You can also let off steam by posting a driving gripe on the RoadRagers.com message board.

The American Institute for Public Safety

Toll-free phone: (888) 458-2477

This Miami-based organization is comprised of various elected officials and policy makers to save taxpayer dollars and use humor to change the behavior of aggressive, potentially deadly drivers.

Dr. Driving’s Driving Psychology Web Site

This web site contains extensive information about road rage, including statistics, videos, polls, tests, news articles and a message board. "Dr. Driving" is Dr. Leon James, Professor of Traffic Psychology at the University of Hawaii and a renowned expert on road rage. He has testified before Congress about the perils of road rage and has authored over 500 articles on the subject.