Important Tips to Know About Road Rage

Law Office of Linzer and Gaines
Road rage

What to Know…

In recent years, Road Rage has become a more frequent occurrence. We have all experienced that feeling when someone cuts you off, drives below the speed limit, slows down and makes you miss a light, or slams on the brakes at the last second causing you to do the same. You feel something boil up inside you and you want to do something. Most of us shake our heads, or mumble an expletive, or maybe make a hand gesture. AAA gathered data in 2020 which shows that men and younger drivers tend to respond to bad driving more aggressively. And their study showed that 8 out of 10 drivers demonstrate aggressive driving behind the wheel. But there are those who take it from aggressive driving to another level – road rage. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over a period of seven years, 218 murders and 12, 610 injuries were attributed to road rage.

Unfortunately, road rage incidents are in the news daily, many resulting in serious bodily injury or death. Driving is a privilege and not a right. By obtaining a Texas driver’s license we all agree to follow the transportation code which outlines the “rules of the road.” When someone fails to follow the rules of the road, or drives aggressively, often instances of road rage occur in response.

What Should I do in Response to a Road Rage Incident?

If you encounter another driver exhibiting road rage, do not respond in kind and do not retaliate. Do what you can to de escalate the situation by using the following as tips:

  • If someone following too closely, change lanes or move to the shoulder to let them pass.
  • Don’t return gestures or honk back.
  • Don’t make eye contact.
  • Be forgiving and assume it isn’t personal – they don’t know you.
  • If you feel you are in danger, call 911.
  • Take a breath and think about getting home safely and not winning the current battle.

What is Aggressive Driving?

If you are driving aggressively, you may be faced with a ticket or a misdemeanor charge. Examples of aggressive driving in Texas include:

  • Speeding
  • Running a red light
  • Cutting off another driver
  • Preventing others from passing
  • Changing lanes without using a signal
  • Passing on the wrong side of the road

If you exhibit more violent behaviors, such as running someone off the road or using a firearm, you may be faced with more serious criminal charges. These charges can include disorderly conduct, terroristic threat, aggravated assault and even murder.

The bottom line is to share the road.

If you or a loved one find yourself faced with criminal charges in Conroe ,TX or the surrounding area, contact the criminal defense lawyers at Linzer and Gaines Attorneys at Law to schedule your free consultation today.

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