Road rage ‘not worth it,’ say RCMP after video circulates

Every driver has been cut off, tailgated or stuck behind someone going painfully slow.

RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Dal Hutchinson said it's better to shrug it off and not the frustration build to the point where you lose control of your emotions.

It's not illegal to honk the horn or extend a middle finger, but if the aggression elevates to uttering threats or violence, charges could be laid.

“Is it something you want to risk the safety of yourself and others for, or even have yourself charged under the Criminal Code because someone ticked you off as you were driving down the highway? It's not worth it,” he told NEWS 95.7's The Sheldon MacLeod Show. “It's very important that people manage their feelings.”

The advice comes after a video captured Tuesday morning circulated around social media.

It shows a man appearing to complain through a car window to the couple inside about being given the finger.

The video of the incident was posted by Eric McIntyre — the passenger in the car — who claims the man recklessly passed them, then stopped his car on the highway, got out and started yelling at them.

The man is heard saying, “Maybe it's an Asian thing,” to the woman in the driver's seat before walking away.

Hutchinson said if you're faced with an aggressive driver who wants to confront you, try to avoid the encounter.

“Do not engage the angry motorist. If they are motioning for you to pull over, don't do it,” he explained. “If you do have to pull off for whatever reason and they confront you and you're feeling threatened or concerned for your well-being, call 911.”

If you're forced into an encounter, he said it's a good idea to grab a cellphone and record it.

If a formal complaint is filed, police will look into the incident, but it doesn't always result in charges.

“If you do have to approach another motorist about their driving habits, be civil about it,” said Hutchinson. “Be professional, be polite. Don't be rude and don't be aggressive.”