It won't happen to me ... Will it?

So you are a good driver. You always take care on the road and act courteously towards other drivers, always giving way when appropriate, sticking to the rules, etc.

But, sooner or later you will be faced with aggressive drivers who cut in front of you, slow you up, overtake on the left, swear at you whether or not you have made a mistake, and who indulge in other anti-social behaviour.

One definition of road rage is 'unchecked behaviour designed to cause harm to another road user'; often, however, the person committing the road rage is acting totally out of character. Some drivers describe the red mist which clouds their judgment. They get so angry they only concentrate on getting even with another driver.

This egocentric behaviour is similar to that exhibited by angry children who cannot rationalise behaviour in a given situation. Sadly, drivers can all too easily be killed or injured when at the wheel in this state. So here's a question...

Have you ever lost your temper? (Not only on the road, but anywhere)

If the answer to the question is 'No', see a doctor. But if you are normal, and you get mad from time to time, you will probably get mad on the road; a survey carried out by the Green Flag motoring organisation in 2007 found that eight out of ten drivers experienced some sort of road rage once a week or more.

Do you ever feel that other drivers should pay more attention? Have you ever been frustrated when stuck in traffic? Have you ever suggested to another driver (politely) that perhaps they could have done something differently? If the answer to any of these questions is 'yes', check your 'Road Rage' potential.

Start the 'Road rage quiz' on the next page ...