Road rage can be terrifying. Here's what you should do if you find yourself on the receiving end of harassment on the road.

We have all seen drivers weaving in and out of traffic, tailgating other cars, or refusing to let people merge in. What happens when these behaviors escalate into full-fledged road rage and you begin to fear for your safety? Here are some tips that will come in handy the next time you feel anxious about being on the receiving end of road rage.

Slow down and distance yourself from your aggressor.

Start by adding a car length or two between you and the aggressive driver. Get over to the right when it is safe to do so, and consider getting off the road in a safe place. Avoid making eye contact with the driver and concentrate on simply putting distance between you. Chances are, an aggressive driver is just in a hurry and will rush off when given the opportunity.

Pull over into a public place, preferably a police station, fire station, or somewhere with security.

Banks, malls, and hospitals likely both have security officers nearby, but any well-populated, well-lit parking lot is a good idea. The goal here is to slow down and find help. The worst thing you can do is pull off into a secluded area where you could potentially be isolated from the aggressive driver.

Call 911.

Did you know that you don't have to wait for the non-emergency police phone number to pick up your call? An active road rage incident should be reported to 911. Gauge your location and direction of travel as best you can, and be sure to use your hands-free phone option. If you're lucky, there will be an officer posted near you who can help out quickly.

According to the Washington State Patrol, the following information can be extremely helpful to have on hand when calling in with a report of road rage:

• the aggressor's car make, model, and license plate number
• the road you're on
• the direction you're traveling
• a description of the driver
• whether weapons were involved or visible

Do not exit your vehicle.

As tempting as it may be to give the other driver a piece of your mind, safety is the most important thing. Stay on the phone with the police until an officer arrives, even if the aggressive driver has approached your car.

If you're on the road and you witness road rage, it's completely acceptable to give the police a call. Share all of the information listed above and identify yourself as a witness—you could help save someone from an aggressive driver!

In the end, prevention is the best way to avoid road rage. Do your best to follow the rules of the road, and ignore people who are driving erratically. As difficult as it may be, sometimes you just have to take the proverbial high road.