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Clinical psychologist Dr Paul Smith is opining that many incidents of road rage are tied to unchecked psychological issues some of which could be lurking under the surface for years.

"It is possible that extreme levels of rage is coming from other issues not necessarily what happened on the road. But it could be relationships, in how the person views others, if women are easy prey. One would not just have an outburst out of isolation, it has to be something that is a part of who the person is," he said.

"If somebody is depressed too, they might resort to that level of road rage. They can't regulate their emotions and if they can't, then that's dysregulation which is a disorder. When they are triggered, it is almost impossible for them to control what they say and how they behave," Smith explained.

St Andrew businessman Robert Bell is currently facing assault and firearm charges following an altercation with a woman which reportedly stemmed from a case of road rage.

Smith explained that it has become common behaviour for Jamaicans to only react to aggression, which motivates that kind of behaviour, something that he has experienced.

"The chances of this kind of behaviour being repeated in the future are very high, especially if they don't get intervention. Anger management, use of emotional intelligence, respect for other road users, self-awareness in terms of what triggers anger," he said.

"It has happened, in my view, too frequently," said Assistant Commissioner of Police Dr Gary McKenzie, head of the Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch. "Most times it does not escalate into physical violence, but we have seen cases where vehicles were damaged, people attacked, and in some cases, worse."

"That's why I say, when somebody try block yuh in or act aggressive, don't get into it," McKenzie warned. "Call the police right away, give a description of the vehicle and your location." He also urged bystanders not to ignore what's happening.

"Say it out loud if yuh being attacked so others can see and maybe step in, or record what's happening," he said. "Videos and photos can help us catch the perpetrator if they leave the scene."

Both McKenzie and Smith agree that it's best to avoid confrontation at all costs even if you're in the right.

"De-escalate," said Smith. "Keep your windows wound up, doors locked. Do not engage. Don't get out of the vehicle to go argue it just fuels the fire." The psychologist, who has been practising for 15 years, added that many of the aggressors have either poor emotional regulation, inflated egos, or a learnt belief that aggression is the only way to get attention or compliance.

"We see a lot of narcissistic behaviour. 'Nobody should do this to me and get away.' That mindset is dangerous. And social learning adds to it. They learn that if you don't behave aggressively, nobody responds."

McKenzie also had a special plea to the men of Jamaica.

"Where you see women or children being attacked, please say something. Don't put yourself in danger, but don't stand by and let it happen. The culture must change." Both men said prevention is key, whether by remaining calm, calling the police, or simply removing yourself from a potential attack.

"Sometimes you have to remind yourself 'I have a life to live. I have my family. Let me just go,'" said Smith.