Road Rage

As the population of the Des Moines area increases, more vehicles are out on the roads. Increased traffic often means longer lines at intersections, highway entrances, and stoplights. Occasionally, drivers’ tempers flare while they are behind the wheel. To avoid being a victim of “road rage," please consider the following tips:

• Obey posted speed limits and traffic laws. Slower traffic keep to the right.
• If you see an individual driving recklessly and have a cell phone, call 911 with the location, a description of the car, the license plate number, and direction of travel.
• Be cautious of other drivers and drive defensively.
• Don’t make eye contact with an irate driver.
• Don’t confront an upset motorist.
• If you are cut off, don’t make any hand gestures to the other motorist.
• If you are being chased by another motorist who appears to be in a rage, do not weave in and out of traffic. You could cause harm to yourself, passengers, and other motorists.
• If you are being chased, drive with the flow of traffic. If you have a cell phone, call 911. Go to a place where you feel safe.
• If you have to pull over, try to go to a well-lit location where there are other people.