It is said that anger is one letter short of danger. Angry drivers are not in control and should steer clear of driving. The concise English dictionary describes anger as "a violent passion; excited by real or supposed injury; resentment; to irritate".

"Although anger is a common emotion, it is important to learn how to express one's anger in non-violent ways," says Dr Hame Persaud, who practises on Constant Spring Road in St Andrew.

The doctor, who uses humour as part of his therapy, explains that anger held inside for too long causes headaches, backaches and stomach problems.

occasional outburst

"Everyone experiences angry feelings occasionally," says Dr Josephine A. Foster, assistant superintendent at Alexander County Schools, North Carolina.

"It is important to learn how to express that anger responsibly," said Foster, who is consulting author of the book Creative Living.

Helpful techniques

Here are a few helpful techniques to help drivers control their anger.

1. Avoid using caffeine to keep awake and alert. It may cause anxiety that can lead to anger.

2. Drivers should ensure that they relax before a long or relatively short trip.

3. Get yourself in the right frame of mind before you begin to drive.

4. All drivers should make an effort to improve their driving attitude. The manner in which you think about other drivers will make you feel better to deal with the eventualities of the road.

5. No driver should place their bodies in a vehicle if they are angry.

6. If you are angry at or about someone, have a real good scream.

7. Talk to someone with whom you feel comfortable, without judgement.

8. After a full day's work, drivers should do something physical to work off his or her anger.

9. Be assertive and drive away from being aggressive. Make your needs, challenges, issues, concerns, known in a clear, mature, calm and orderly manner. As a driver say: "I would like so and so ..." or, "it would help me if ..." rather than " I need ..." or, "you must ...".

10. Drivers can count to 20 and also say the letters of the alphabet out loud.

11. Take time to breathe deeply until you feel calmer. Go into another room or go outside until you cool off.

12. Hug a soft and gentle pillow; and splash some cold water on your face.