Turn on the local news, and you may get bombarded with stories about the increase in road rage incidents hitting Ohio communities. Data from the Ohio State Highway Patrol indicates that the number of road rage incidents in the state is on the rise, increasing from 1,765 incidents in 2018 to 2,043 incidents in 2022. While these incidents may start on the road, they can end in off-road, violent altercations and fatalities.
At Oliver Law Office, our Ohio car accident attorneys know how challenging it can be to recover compensation for your injuries and financial losses after a road rage incident. We’re committed to advocating for you and helping you find legal resolutions to the road rage situation that injured you.
What Is Road Rage?
The terms road rage and aggressive driving are sometimes used interchangeably to describe driving behaviors that endanger other motorists. However, road rage is an extreme form of aggressive driving that occurs when a driver’s behavior turns reckless and violent. Intense road rage reactions quickly escalate into criminal offenses and, in extreme cases, can lead to violent altercations.
Why Do Drivers React with Rage?
Why do so many drivers react with such rage on the road? Vehicles provide people with some level of anonymity. Shielded inside their vehicles, they develop a sense of detachment from other drivers, leading them to react dangerously to common irritations like construction, slow drivers, or perceived slights. They justify this behavior by thinking that it is unlikely they will ever see the other driver again, so it is “okay” to vent their frustrations in aggressive and potentially unsafe ways.
Some drivers experience elevated levels of stress and anxiety behind the wheel. When an unexpected or frustrating situation occurs, they lash out and take their anger out on other drivers. However, road rage is not a normal emotion. It is an unsafe and potentially fatal driving behavior.
Examples of Road Rage Behavior
Road rage can take many forms. Some of the most common examples of behavior that can emerge during a road rage incident include:
- Yelling or shouting
- Using obscene or offensive language
- Throwing objects at other vehicles
- Shooting at other vehicles or occupants of vehicles
- Brandishing a weapon
- Intentionally cutting off another driver
- Tailgating
- Forcing another car to swerve or brake suddenly
- Passing cars in prohibited zones
- Chasing or following other drivers
- Excessive speeding
Unfortunately, road rage behavior often leads to significant accidents and devastating injuries.
What to Do in a Road Rage Incident
If an angry driver confronts you or causes an accident, remain calm and contact the authorities. It is common sense to exchange information with the other driver. However, that may not be safe in a road rage incident. Wait for law enforcement to arrive, and never confront a rage-filled motorist. You should hire an attorney to help you pursue maximum compensation for your injuries and financial losses.
An Experienced Ohio Car Accident Attorney Is Here for You
Road rage accidents can cause life-altering injuries and significant emotional distress. At Oliver Law Office, our legal team can help you hold the at-fault driver accountable.
Contact our office now to arrange a free injury consultation.
