- Risky driving behaviors can be the impetus for road rage.truck speeding down the street image by Larry Roberg from Fotolia.com
Maybe you've experienced it the last time you were in bumper-to-bumper traffic. A car makes its way down the shoulder and then zips back into your lane -- forcing you to slam on the brakes to avoid an accident. If you and the other driver had an aggressive exchange of words, hand signals or horn-honking, that might be considered a form of road rage. Because of its pervasiveness, several states have implemented road rage laws. The next time your patience is challenged behind the wheel, you should know the legal limits of road rage. - Road rage is defined as an act of violence or assault that occurs as a result of driving or an incident on a roadway. The term road rage was coined by the media to describe episodes in which driving disputes escalated into weapon assaults or another form of retaliation that results in murder. Road rage is a criminal act punishable with jail time and hefty fines. For example, in California, an assault from road age on another driver, pedestrian or bicyclist can result in a maximum four year prison term, a $10,000 fine and a 30-day license suspension. If the assault is not your first offense, the penalties can be stiffer.
- In some states, acts such as flashing your headlights, honking your horn, making lewd hand gestures or engaging in intimidating driving behaviors are considered "aggressive driving." These acts may be subject to tickets or fines. Contact your highway patrol district office to determine what infractions are punishable in your state.
- Road rage is sometimes used synonymously or can occur as a result of aggressive driving behavior. A person commits aggressive driving or reckless driving if they engage in unsafe behaviors with blatant disregard for safety rules. These may include violating the basic or posted speed limits, especially in a school zone. When a driver overtakes another by passing them on the shoulder or unpaved portion of the road, or across lanes not marked for passing -- this is also considered aggressive driving behavior. Failure to yield the right-of-way and creating a hazard are also deemed aggressive. In some states, jail time can range from a 10-day sentence, to a six-month imprisonment. Fines may range from $100 to $2,500. Action against your license can also follow. The penalties vary depending on whether its your first offense. You are encouraged to call 911 to report any drivers engaging in risk-taking behavior.
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