STEVENSVILLE, Md. — Roads are likely to be crowded this weekend for the Memorial Day holiday, and that has area officials advising drivers not to succumb to or be victimized by road rage.

“Let’s not be crabby,” said Jim Ports, deputy secretary of Maryland’s Department of Transportation. “Don’t get hot out there on the roads — be cool.”

Promoting summer travel free of road rage, Ports spoke at a Tuesday safety event sponsored by AAA mid-Atlantic near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.

“Have some family time, turn up the music, relax — get there safely,” Ports said.

How quickly you reach your destination, Ports said, is less important than arriving safely. Law enforcement agreed.

“If somebody’s aggravated at you, remember: Slow down. Move away from that vehicle,” said Maryland Transportation Authority police Maj. Kevin Anderson. “If it persists, by all means get to a safe place.”

To avoid confrontation with an aggressive driver, Anderson recommends pulling over onto the shoulder (if you can do so safely) and calling police.

“Contact law enforcement calling #77 or 911, and we will respond to investigate,” Anderson said.