Calm driving urged as police hunt road-rage shooter

Nearly 24 hours after a 23-yearold driver was shot in an apparent case of road rage, Montreal police were continuing their hunt for the shooter on Tuesday.

The attack occurred around 1:40 p.m. Monday on the service road of Highway 40 near the Langelier Blvd. exit in the borough of St-Léonard. The driver of a van was struck by a single bullet in the upper body and suffered non-life threatening injuries.

Monday’s shooting has revived the issue of road rage and how to avoid suffering from it or engaging in it yourself. CARFAX, a website that provides information for those who wish to buy or sell a car, offers the following advice.

Don’t rush. “Give yourself plenty of time by leaving early and having realistic expectations. If you’re running late, accept the fact that you’ll probably be late.”

Don’t take it personally. “Understand that drivers are humans and they make mistakes. If another driver almost hits you or pulls out in front of you, be thankful that an accident didn’t happen and move on. Don’t take these mistakes personally and don’t overreact.”

Lay off the horn. “The purpose of your horn is to alert or warn other drivers of your presence. It’s not an instrument to vent your frustration.”

Follow the rules. “You can’t expect others to follow the rules of the road if you don’t. Be courteous to other drivers and communicate your intentions. Use your signal lights, don’t tailgate, don’t putt around in the passing lane, don’t hog the lane, and drive at a steady, even speed.”

Control yourself. “If someone gestures at you, cuts you off or tries to engage you in a race of sorts while you’re behind the wheel. let it go.”

When necessary, get help. “If you find you can’t escape an angry driver or you fear for your safety, go to a police station or a public place, if there isn’t a station nearby. Don’t pull over and get out of your car or drive home, as you could be followed.”