At some point, nearly every driver witnesses “road rage.” Many factors contribute to someone expressing road rage: they may be late or frustrated that they are stuck in traffic. Sometimes, the person is short-tempered and may feel safely anonymous, expressing anger from their car’s security. Regardless of the reason, road rage is dangerous. It causes car accidents that can result in injuries and even death. Many behaviors exhibited by angry drivers would fall into reckless driving. When these behaviors escalate, they can qualify for assault and battery with deadly weapon charges. Although South Carolina does not have a law specifically for road rage, it does have penalties for reckless driving.
Recognizing Signs of Road Rage
As a responsible driver, you pay attention to what’s going on around you on the road.
Signs that someone is possibly experiencing road rage can include:
- Screaming, yelling, and cursing while driving either inside their car or out the window at another driver
- Obscene gestures or physical displays of anger
- Repeatedly flashing their lights behind a vehicle
- Blowing the horn excessively
- Speeding up dangerously close to another car, tailgating
- Revving the engine
- Unsafe maneuvers, sudden lane changes, etc.
Steer Clear
If you see someone exhibiting signs of road rage, your best bet is to give them a wide berth and ignore them as much as possible. Do not retaliate. Report aggressive drivers to the police. Be sure to provide the license plate number and vehicle make and model. While the police cannot act on that information alone, they will be looking for that driver and can pull them over if caught in the act. Your actions could help prevent an accident down the road.
Road Rage Accidents
If you’ve been in an accident preceded by road rage and aggressive driving, contact our experienced attorneys for help. In addition to damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage, you may also be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering for the emotional distress caused by being involved in a road rage accident.
A car accident can leave a lasting impact. We’re here to help. We can support many cases if you are hurt in a car accident. Contact the experienced car accident attorneys at Jebaily Law Firm today for help with rear-end collisions, T-bone collisions, sideswipe accidents, head-on crashes, and rollovers. Reach out now for a free, no-obligation consultation.
