It is always better to try and prevent these situations from arising and escalating rather than having to deal with them and the trauma that follows. 

The key is to stay safe and make informed choices that suit your personal situation. 

Drivers who look vulnerable may draw attention to themselves, as do drivers who carry out manoeuvres without consideration of other road users. 

Try and look confident when out and about and aviod making eye contact with other road users. 

If travelling in unfamiliar territory try to plan your route, this will add to your confidence. 

Many road rage incidents occur as a result of drivers carrying out manoeuvres which aggravate other drivers. 

Whenever there are motorists on the road there will always be scope for driver error, the key issue is eliminating those errors. 

Should you find yourself in a situation which you feel is threatening, try and remain calm. 

By remaining calm you will be able to think straight and decide upon your course of action. Try to avoid meeting aggression with aggression. 

If you think you are being followed, continue to travel in a well-lit area or one where there is plenty of pedestrian activity or vehicular movement. 

Consider places such as retail outlets, petrol stations and fast food outlets. 

It could be that you are not in a position to leave the road you are on, for example you may be on a motorway or dual carriageway. 

In these circumstances consider using a mobile telephone if there is an immediate threat to your personal safety. 

If the situation escalates and the driver tries to encourage you to stop your vehicle continue to travel, you may consider sounding your horn or flashing your lights in order to draw attention to yourself. 

If the driver of the other vehicle stops the car in front of you, do not be tempted to stop your vehicle and enter into a conflict situation. 

Keep all windows closed and doors locked. Do not switch your engine off as you may flood the engine if you try to re-start it in a panic. 

By keeping the engine running you will be in a better position to reverse your car in order to leave the scene. 

If you are unable to leave the scene and find yourself in a conflict situation try to obtain as much information as possible for any Police investigation. Details of the vehicle, what your attacker looks like etc.