In my case (non-hybrid) slow acceleration is key. I can honestly say that I have only "caused" (and that is the wrong term) road rage because of that once in six months of doing this. There have been a few other instances of road rage behind me because of my refusal to drive more than 5mph over the speed limit, or in some cases below the speed limit which I do only in such conditions where there is plenty of room to pass. So it does happen.

But honestly, a person who decides to make me the target of their abuse was going to do it to somebody else if not me. Their desire to operate their vehicle outside the bounds of the law (which is generally what initiates this kind of incident...I get in the way of their doing 10-15mph over the limit for all of ten seconds) that's not my problem. There's always a way around, or if they're truly stuck behind me I'll always drive at an even, more "normal" pace. I've even taken to pulling over for a few seconds at one particular point on the afternoon commute to let traffic by so that I can go my merry way without affecting them.

The biggest problem IMO is that road rage is contagious. He abuses me, I want to "get back," and that's the instinct that absolutely must be mastered. Otherwise it'll ruin your day. Control your emotions and you will see the situation for what it really is: you were the first guy (or gal) to get in the way, and you won't be the last to take the abuse. Not your fault. Just be courteous and moderate your hypermiling techniques when necessary, and take full advantage when the rear view is empty. Like Hot Georgia said, make the transition slowly and you will learn to manage your environment just fine.

If any good comes out of high gas prices, I hope it will be that folks learn to chill out and drive for fuel economy rather than hassling others for sport.