Outside of NASCAR, driving in traffic is no one’s favorite activity. It frazzles nerves and causes drivers to act impatiently. That can lead to aggressive, at times even violent, behavior. Road rage incidents are a growing concern as more and more cars share our roadways. The repercussions of road rage, both legal and physical, can be devastating.
ROAD RAGE AND LIABILITY
A vehicle collision that would ordinarily be a simple case of liability can become a criminal case when road rage enters the equation. In fact, an injury victim can sue a driver for injuries and damages sustained from a road rage assault, regardless of liability, in addition to filing criminal charges. Conversely, an accident injury victim who might otherwise have rights to compensation could instead face criminal charges if they are found guilty of road rage.
In the state of Georgia, a driver can be charged under Georgia Code O.C.G.A. 40-6-397 (2010) 40-6-397. Aggressive driving; penalty
(a) A person commits the offense of aggressive driving when he or she operates any motor vehicle with the intent to annoy, harass, molest, intimidate, injure, or obstruct another person, including without limitation violating Code Section 40-6-42, 40-6-48, 40-6-49, 40-6-123, 40-6-184, 40-6-312, or 40-6-390 with such intent.
(b) Any person convicted of aggressive driving shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature.
HOW TO AVOID ROAD RAGE
The majority of road rage incidents are precipitated by one or more of the motorists involved driving aggressively. Aggressive driving includes following too closely, speeding, abrupt lane changes, and cutting off other drivers.
Prevent road rage scenarios by practicing courteous driving.
- Avoid tailgating
- Observe traffic signals and speed limits
- Don’t drive angry
- Play relaxing music in your vehicle
- Avoid yelling, or making angry gestures, at other drivers
If you have been injured in a road rage incident, call us at the Fry | Goehring. We are an experienced team of personal injury attorneys who are committed to helping people in situations like yours get fair and reasonable compensation for their injuries.
