Road Rage Is on the Rise, and It Can Kill

 Posted on December 23, 2024 in Car accidents

On December 15, 2024, an argument at a San Antonio flea market escalated into a fatal road rage crash. After leaving the flea market, one man intentionally hit another vehicle several times in an apparent road rage incident. Although the family inside tried to escape, the other driver’s maneuvers eventually caused both cars to roll over. The man who caused the rollover wreck died from his injuries, and the other driver and his two young children were transported to a hospital.

A recent 2024 survey reports that 96 percent of respondents had seen a road rage incident during the past six months. Aggressive driving causes a staggering 66 percent of traffic fatalities. An experienced San Antonio, TX personal injury attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve if you are injured in a motor vehicle crash.

What Is Road Rage?

Road rage is a term that describes angry and aggressive driving that disregards the safety of others, often targeting a particular vehicle or pedestrian. Aggressive driving and road rage can take many forms, including:

• Excessive speed

• Angry honking

• Intentionally blocking or cutting off another vehicle

• Tailgating

• Purposefully hitting another vehicle

• Following another vehicle to its destination

• Confronting another motorist outside the vehicle

• Yelling and angry gestures

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says road rage is a step above aggressive driving due to its violent nature.

What Causes Road Rage?

Drivers can become enraged for various reasons, such as:

• Reacting to perceived or actual road rage in other motorists

• Traffic delays, particularly when they are running late

• Encountering motorists going far slower than posted speed limits

• Stress in their personal lives

Behind the wheel of a car, these drivers may think their anonymity excuses highly aggressive behaviors. However, when they use their vehicles as weapons, catastrophic wrecks and injuries can occur.

How Does Road Rage Affect a Driver?

Drivers in the grips of road rage often have tunnel vision, focusing only on the object of their rage instead of safety and other nearby traffic. Their ability to make good decisions can falter, and reactions to dangerous conditions are often delayed. Their erratic driving presents a danger not only to their target but also to others sharing the road.

What Should I Do if I Am a Victim of Road Rage?

Call the police if you are being pursued or endangered by another car. Do not stop unless it is necessary. If possible, drive to a police station. Do not go home, as the driver could follow you there.

Call a competent attorney if you are injured in a road rage accident. We can preserve evidence and assist with your compensation claim. We can also help families with wrongful death claims if a road rage crash claims a life. We work hard to maximize your compensation.

Discuss Your Case With a Skilled Austin, TX Car Accident Lawyer

If road rage or other negligent and dangerous behavior causes a wreck that injures you, Alford Law PLLC can provide invaluable assistance. You deserve compensation, and the at-fault party needs to be held accountable. Contact us online or call 210-951-9467 to speak with a dedicated Bexar County, TX personal injury attorney.