Do you consider yourself an aggressive driver? Maybe you’re on the opposite end of the spectrum and find other people on the road to be rude, angry, or even violent.
Whichever scenario applies to you, you need to be aware of the legal ramifications of road rage. We are going to look at the question, ‘is road rage a crime?’ and what might happen if you become involved with a raging driver.
Keep reading for more information!
What is Road Rage?
Road rage is an angry response that typically stems from one driver reacting to another person’s actions on the road. The driver that causes this reaction may not even be aware that they’ve done anything wrong.
Often, the angered person will tailgate, make obscene gestures, curse (mentally or verbally,) attempt to run the other driver off the road or even hit the offending driver’s vehicle with their own.
Additionally, a driver with road rage may honk, slow their speed, or not respond to traffic lights. They may also exit their vehicle in an attempt to start a physical altercation.
How to Respond to Angry Drivers
If you are on the receiving end of an angry driver’s aggressions, do not engage. Attempt to wave or mouth the word ‘sorry.’ Sometimes this isn’t enough and the other driver may continue this behavior.
In this event, try to remember the license plate number and contact the police if you’re fearful. Avoid getting out of your vehicle if there is an accident until help arrives.
Curious about how to handle a road rage accident? Learn more here.
…But is Road Rage a Crime?
Road rage is a crime and an officer may ticket the offending driver. Often, drivers aren’t caught, but if they are seen driving aggressively, they may face fines. If the driver causes an accident with injuries, they may also face jail time.
Aside from paying legal fees from a road rage ticket, insurance costs will likely increase. The angry driver may also have to live with the guilt that they injured or killed someone in a fit of rage.
Avoiding Dangerous Situations
Unfortunately, you can’t control other drivers or their behavior. The easiest way to try to avoid these drivers is to follow local laws. This includes using a turn signal, not driving in passing lanes, and being courteous to other vehicles.
Always check before a lane change by turning your head – don’t rely solely on your mirrors as there can be a car in your blind spot.
Sometimes, the shoe is on the other foot and you may feel your temper rising. When this happens, slow down if you’re speeding, take some deep breaths, and turn on some calming music.
Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum, remember the answer to ‘is road rage a crime’ is always yes – and the outcome isn’t worth it!
Looking for more legal advice or tips on staying safe and healthy? Check out the rest of our blog!