Sarah receives a frantic phone call from her sister. Their mother is in critical condition at the hospital. She immediately gets in her car and heads for the hospital.

Focused on getting to the hospital quickly, Sarah realizes she is driving too close to the car in front of her, and she reduces her speed. But, the driver in the vehicle ahead is angry. Angry because he noticed he was being tailgated, but did not notice that the following car has now increased its distance.

In a moment of rage, he hits his breaks, causing Sarah to swerve off the highway to avoid a collision. Instead, her car crashes into a utility pole. The emergency squad rushes her to the hospital, but not in the manner she had intended.

Tragic road rage occurrences, such as this one, happen when individuals allow their emotions to drive them.

Common courtesy on Ohio’s roadways can go a long way to increasing safety on our highways. Share the roadways, have patience, and respect other drivers. All too often drivers do not display good judgment. Instead, many motorists are aggressive, driving as if other vehicles are the enemy.

Aggressive driving is a serious danger on our roadways. Road rage incidents are on the rise and have resulted in several recent deaths in Ohio. These tragic incidents occur when motorists allow their emotions to take charge behind the wheel.

Problems associated with aggressive driving and road rage came to the forefront of public awareness in the late 1990s. Characteristics of aggressive driving include speeding, improper lane changes, excessive lane changes, and improper passing.

The Patrol took action to reduce this type of driving in June 1997, when Operation TRIAD (Targeting Reckless, Intimidating and Aggressive Drivers) was implemented. Operation TRIAD is a unique program that incorporates aircraft enforcement to target motor vehicle violations that are typically difficult to detect and enforce by road troopers.

Since the launch of Operation TRIAD, troopers have joined forces with local law enforcement and conducted more than 140 Operation TRIAD details in the state, resulting in more than 3,000 aggressive driving related citations for violations including passing on the berm, following too close, and speeding.

One major trigger for aggressive driving and road rage occurs when someone feels they have been cut off by another vehicle. I urge you not to view another driver’s lane change as a personal affront. Consider the other driver is probably just trying to get from point A to point B.

Also keep in mind that the other driver may not be as familiar with the road as you are. Although you may drive on a particular road every day and know the traffic patterns, others may be using the road for the first time.

If you feel provoked by another driver’s actions, recognize your agitation, but do not allow yourself to act on your feelings. Use your intelligence, rather than emotions, to remain calm and avoid aggressive driving habits.

A car seems to give people a feeling of anonymity, and drivers will act in a manner they otherwise would not, if they were face-to-face with an individual.

There are several strategies you can use to minimize the potential dangers of road rage, including:

• Be polite and courteous, even when other drivers are not
• Share the road
• Remain calm and move out of the way of an unsafe driver
• Do not react to provocation
• Stay away from erratic drivers
• Avoid eye contact with an aggressive driver
• Use your horn sparingly
• Do not make unfriendly gestures
• Always use your signals before changing lanes
• Do not tailgate
• Do not block the passing lane
• When parking, do not take more than one parking space
• Allow plenty of time for your trip

We all share the responsibility of keeping the roadways in Ohio among the safest to travel in the nation. As a member of the motoring public, you can be a great resource for law enforcement.

I urge you to take a more active role in traffic safety and not to engage in aggressive driving.

Throughout Ohio, large blue highway signs remind motorists to call the Patrol toll-free at 1-877-7-PATROL to report aggressive drivers, receive highway help, and advise troopers of disabled vehicles.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol will continue to watch Ohio’s highways for aggressive drivers, but the driving public can make a significant impact by working toward changing driving attitudes. There are many frustrating elements on the roadways, but do not let them get the best of you. Remain levelheaded and drive sensibly. Don’t let your emotions behind the wheel. It's about safety.