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Traffic is usually unpredictable and a cause for frustration for some drivers. Being late for important events can cause these drivers to react irrationally. When this happens, drivers may resort to aggressive driving maneuvers as the result of road rage. Road rage can escalate and result in serious accidents. 

ABC-7 reported that in early April 2018, a Sarasota, Florida driver slammed into a motorcyclist, pushing him off the road, during a road rage incident that was captured on video. The motorcyclist said he got into a heated confrontation with a driver who then hit his bike and caused him to crash.  The motorcyclist was badly bruised, and his bike was totaled. During the incident, the motorcyclist told authorities that the driver threw loose change out the window while driving, which ended up striking his bike and helmet. Allegedly, the car slammed into the motorcycle causing the rider to crash. The driver of the car drove off, but was arrested later and charged with aggravated battery and driving without a license. 

The AAA (American Automobile Association) Foundation for Traffic Safety conducted a study which examined police records nationally. As a result, AAA found that, on average, there are more than 1,200 incidents of road rage per year in the United States, a number of which ended with serious injuries or fatalities. 

What is considered road rage? 

The terms “road rage” and “aggressive driving” are often used interchangeably. However, the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) says that, “A distinction is made between the traffic offense of aggressive driving and the criminal offense of road rage, defined as an assault with a motor vehicle or other dangerous weapon by the operator or passenger(s) of one motor vehicle or precipitated by an incident that occurred on a roadway. 

How prevalent are road rage behaviors? 

AAA said in 2014 that 78 percent of U.S. drivers reported having engaged in at least one aggressive driving behavior at least once in the previous year. It found the most common behaviors were: 

• Purposefully tailgating another vehicle – 50.8 percent
• Yelling at another driver – 46.6 percent
• Honking their horn “to show annoyance or anger” – 44.5 percent
• Making angry gestures at another driver – 33 percent
• Purposely trying to block another driver from changing lanes – 25 percent
• Cutting off another vehicle on purpose – 11.9 percent
• Exiting a vehicle to confront another driver – 3.7 percent
• Bumping or ramming another vehicle on purpose – 2.8 percent 

Is there any legal penalty for road rage? 

Road rage itself is not necessarily classified in most states as a crime as experts say that it is often difficult to quantify road rage behaviors. However, when stopped by the police, drivers exhibiting road rage may be charged with other offenses such as careless or reckless driving and/or aggressive driving. 

SafeMotorist.com suggests that drivers diffuse the situation by: 

• Avoiding eye contact
• Allowing the other driver plenty of room to pass
• Continuing to practice safe driving habits
• Trying to put some distance between you and the other driver 

“Should you be injured in a vehicle accident first seek medical attention then contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. We have the experience to assist you and are available 24/7,” said Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey. 

Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.