Is Road Rage A Crime?

In California, traffic accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, but there has been a growing trend of road rage accidents and depending on the nature of the accident, it can be devastating for those involved. As millions of drivers have experienced a form of road rage and aggressive driving either in areas with heavy traffic or congested highways, the chances of becoming involved in a road rage accident grows exponentially. However, the question has to be asked “is road rage a crime?” 

What is Road Rage?

Road rage is defined as aggressive or violent behaviors that are exhibited by drivers in response to traffic-related frustrations. This can include various forms of verbal and physical aggression, such as yelling, honking excessively, tailgating, intentionally cutting off other vehicles, brake checking, making rude gestures, or even escalating situations into a physical confrontation. 

While the leading causes of road rage can vary from driver to driver, it is often fueled by stress and impatience that is either caused by the actions of other drivers or another thing that stresses them. However, by allowing an emotional outburst to occur on the road, it allows drivers to become more susceptible to car accidents because they lose focus and proper judgment. With that in mind, it is important for everyone on the road to not drive angry or frustrated, because it could result in a terrible accident. 

Is It Illegal to Drive Angry?

While the act of driving angry or emotionally agitated is not illegal in itself, the possible results of driving angry or emotional can be. For instance, if you start to drive recklessly or speed as a result of your anger, then you would be guilty of reckless driving as per California Vehicle Code 23103 and California Vehicle Code 22350. However, it is important to note that in many jurisdictions, road rage can lead to criminal charges such as assault if someone is seriously injured or killed as per California Penal Code 240. In more extreme cases, people who are caught engaging in road rage may even face jail time, particularly if their behavior leads to severe accidents.

What Happens if You Road Rage?

The consequences of road rage can vary on a case by case scenario, but generally speaking, they are dependent on the severity and nature of the accident. For reckless driving cases, local law enforcement can punish road rage drivers with a fine up to $1000 and county jail imprisonment up to 90 days. 

Should a road rage incident escalate into a serious accident, then drivers can be charged with criminal offenses and can face consequences such as jail time, fines, and loss of driving privileges. In addition, those who are responsible for road rage accidents may face their insurance rate skyrocket and may face civil liability from the injured party in the form of economic and non-economic damages such as medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and emotional distress.  

How Do I Get Out of Road Rage?

If you are experiencing road rage, it is important to deal with it effectively or else the chances of getting involved in a road rage accident will rise dramatically. With that in mind, one of the best ways to deal with anger or high emotions is to recognize the signs of anger that will lead to road rage, because it will allow you to take necessary steps to prevent road rage from coming into fruition. 

As such there are several techniques you can use to deal with road rage, some of the best ways include taking several deep breaths for a brief moment, listening to music, taking a short break, and even avoiding confrontation with other drivers. By doing so, you will be able to lower your heart rate and gain enough composure to calm down, manage your emotions, and drive accordingly especially in escalating situations on the road. 

Should I React to Road Rage?

Generally speaking, it is best not to react to road rage by any means because any acts of yelling, honking, and gesturing can escalate the situation and increase the risk of an accident or a confrontation from occurring. As most road rage accidents are fueled through engagement and adrenaline, staying calm and ignoring aggressive driving can keep you and those around safe and secure. More importantly, if there is an aggressive driver on the road that will not calm down, it is recommended to keep your distance and try to inform local law enforcement about their actions. 

What Should I Do If I Get Into A Road Rage Accident? 

If you have been involved in a road rage accident with another driver, it is highly recommended to stay calm and handle the situation without escalating it any further. As these cases can easily turn from a car accident case to a criminal case, it is recommended to consult with an attorney as soon as possible and have them represent you and your best interests. 

However, if you have been ticketed for reckless driving and any other moving violations, it is best to pay off those tickets as soon as possible or else you risk being subjected to additional fines and violations that may affect your driving record and your ability to legally drive. 

With that in mind, if you been involved in a car accident due to someone’s recklessness and would like to hire legal representation to get it sorted out, contact us today by calling (213) 927-3700 or by filling our contact form to schedule a free consultation with our compassionate and dedicated legal team.