On average, 1,500 people are injured or killed each year due to aggressive driving in the United States. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic 2019 data, nearly 80% of drivers expressed significant anger, aggression or road rage behind the wheel in the last 30 days.

Considering these statistics, it’s evident that road rage presents a dangerous and deadly risk to all drivers. Here are six tips to keep you safe on the road:

• Practice polite driving. Avoid tailgating, speeding, weaving, erratic braking and leaving on high beams. When in doubt, behave courteously.
• Give other drivers the benefit of the doubt. Most driving mistakes are unintentional. Try not to take them personally. An aggressive response isn’t worth the risk of injury or death.
•  Keep your travel expectations reasonable. Don’t set unrealistic goals for how quickly you can get to a destination. Know when there will be traffic and give yourself plenty of time to reduce your chances of using unsafe driving behaviors and getting angry at other drivers.
•  Steer clear of aggressive drivers. Put space between yourself and aggressive drivers. Consider slowing down to let aggressive drivers ahead or changing lanes to create distance.
•  Don’t make rude gestures. Avoid making eye contact or making hand gestures at aggressive drivers. Use your horn sparingly and only for emergency situations.
•  Call 911. If an aggressive driver is targeting you, call 911 and stay on the phone with the dispatcher. Consider driving to the nearest police station, convenience store or public location. Do not go home if you’re being followed.