Road Rage in the Ohio Valley is on the rise, and it has caught the attention of local drivers. It can be as brief as a hand gesture, or as violent as punches being thrown. Five cases have been reported since last Thursday, several of which have involved guns. One of those instances involved shots being fired.

The first incident happened last Thursday on I-70. Two more incidents were reported over the weekend, one in Dillonvale and the other in Wintersville. The fourth occurred on I-70 in Belmont County Monday afternoon.

The most recent report of road rage happened just after 10 p.m. Monday in Belmont County, right in front of the new Bridgeport High School.

The scariest thought for drivers is that an incident involving guns could happen to them. Several drivers admitted to NEWS9 that they have been guilty of road rage from time to time but are able to keep themselves under control.

Police advise that there isn't much they can do to prevent road rage. Officers did tell News9 that drivers should never confront anyone and always do everything they can to get away from potentially violent situations.

"If need be, lock yourself in your car," said Lt. Roger Norris of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. "Do whatever you need to do to protect yourself."