Despite high gas prices, AAA predicts a record 39.1 million Americans will travel by car over 2026 Memorial Day weekend. More cars on the road means more potential for road rage.

And the Fort Worth Police Department is reminding drivers to keep calm and drive on.

Following a deadly road rage shooting at the Interstate 35 service and Meacham Boulevard on April 30, the Fort Worth PD North Division issued a public safety advisory to local residents in its newsletter, titled "Road Rage: What is It and Why does it occur?"

The department defined road rage as aggressive or violent behavior directed at other motorists.

"Road rage goes beyond normal frustration," they say, "typically involves yelling, honking excessively, driving erratically and, at its worst, can involve physical confrontation."

They remind that road rage is often triggered by stress, traffic congestion, and a loss of emotional control. The sense of anonymity inside a vehicle can also make drivers more likely to act out frustrations, the advisory says.

Police say the best response is to avoid escalating the situation and create as much distance as possible between yourself and the aggressive driver.

How to not become a victim of road rage, per Fort Worth PD:

• Stay alert while driving.
• Do not respond to aggression with aggression.
• Stay calm and avoid making eye contact.
• Safely change lanes or slow down to let the other driver pass.
• Do not flash your bright lights or brake intentionally.
• Exit the area as soon as it is safe to do so.

The department also encourages drivers to use dash cameras to document incidents. Police recommend choosing a camera with at least 1080p resolution, front and rear views, GPS, and a timestamp.

Drivers should call 911 if:

• Someone is threatening them.
• A weapon is displayed.
• They are being followed.

After an incident, drivers can report road rage to the Fort Worth Police Department’s non-emergency line at 817-392-4222 or the Traffic Hotline at 817-392-4850.

Police say callers should be prepared to provide a description of the vehicle, license plate number, location, time of the incident, and any dash cam footage if available.