We drivers have all seen them -- speeding, passing unsafely, tailgating, running the lights and of course the universal hand gestures so frequently employed by the aggressive driver.

Halton officers have investigated many incidents of aggressive driving that all too often result in collisions, assaults and a general endangerment of others.

A Milton officer recently drove up to a traffic light to see one driver exiting his vehicle with a baseball bat to confront another. Fortunately, the officer made an arrest before violence ensued (and charges of assault with a weapon followed).

Why, you ask? He thought the other driver "cut him off," an explanation I'm sure his wife found lacking when she had to come pick him up from the police station.

Our roadways are shared by all, and drivers do have varying skill levels.

If a mistake is made, perhaps a "sorry" would help; if someone does something courteous a simple "thank you" goes a long way. No driving issue is worth getting so angry and upset that lives need to be placed in danger. Yes, it might take a little longer to get to work, but at least you will arrive in one piece.

What do I do if I encounter an aggressive driver?

We are all responsible for ensuring the safety of our roads. Like the drunk driver, "road ragers" need to be reported to police (Halton Police non-emergency line at 905-878-5511). Try to provide the plate number of the vehicle, a description of the driver and as much detail as possible about the driving incident observed.

If you want to report the person in anonymity, call Halton's Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

If you're witnessing a road rage incident in progress, call 9-1-1 immediately.

What happens when I report it?

If the incident is relatively minor in nature, the offending driver could receive a warning letter from our Road Watch Program (www.roadwatch.ca). If they have already received prior warning letters, they can expect a personal visit from an officer.

If a criminal offence has occurred, it will be investigated with the same tenacity as any other. If charges can be supported, they will be laid.

Driving in Ontario is a privilege, not a right. Aggressive drivers put us all at risk and don't deserve to continue to enjoy the freedom of sharing our roads. They need to be held accountable for their actions - report them.

Sgt. Derek Davis is the supervisor of the 1 District Response Unit, focusing on traffic enforcement within the communities of Milton and Halton Hills.