Australia – Rude hand gestures and obscene language are becoming more and more common between motorists and tempers appear to be rising along with increasing traffic congestion on our roads. But now, as the Australian Communications Authority (ACA) reports, a government committee is calling for the introduction of sanctioned signals designed to defuse the tension.

    There's no denying road rage is alive and well on our roads. Many of us have flung abuse at fellow motorists and we've also copped aggressive gestures in return. But there's a worrying trend of more dangerous exchanges, which can lead to injury, even death.

    In an effort to stem the problem, the New South Wales (NSW) Government's road safety committee, Staysafe, claims government-sanctioned hand signals could be the answer. According to Staysafe Committee head Paul Gibson, the introduction of hand symbols, which would be used by motorists when they realise they have done something wrong, could become a global concept in the future.

    It may take some time to catch on, but Gibson believes it won't be long before the friendly wave or the apologetic tap on the head will become just as common and a lot more pleasant than the one-fingered salute.

    Interestingly, an overwhelming 76% of the people in a recent survey on road rage think that ‘I’m sorry’ hand signals would ease road rage.