Driving can frustrate some people, and enrage others. From laying on the horn to screaming at other drivers, most people have witnessed some form of road rage at least once.
This 2016 study by the American Automobile Association found that 80 percent of American drivers admit to at least one road rage incident in their lives. The most common behaviors included:
- “Purposefully tailgating: 51 percent (104 million drivers)
- Yelling at another driver: 47 percent (95 million drivers)
- Honking to show annoyance or anger: 45 percent (91 million drivers)
- Making angry gestures: 33 percent (67 million drivers)
- Trying to block another vehicle from changing lanes: 24 percent (49 million drivers)
- Cutting off another vehicle on purpose: 12 percent (24 million drivers)
- Getting out of the vehicle to confront another driver: 4 percent (7.6 million drivers)
- Bumping or ramming another vehicle on purpose: 3 percent (5.7 million drivers)”
Men and younger drivers (ages 19-39) are the most likely to engage in aggressive behaviors. What happens if the enraged driver causes an accident?
Is road rage against the law?
There’s no specific road rage law in Ohio. Depending on the behaviors the driver exhibited, they may be charged with a number of traffic violations or criminal offenses.
There are also civil penalties associated with road rage. As you can see from the list above, common road rage behaviors like tailgating, blocking vehicles from changing lanes, cutting off vehicles or bumping other vehicles on purpose are all potentially dangerous behaviors.
Every driver has an obligation to avoid causing harm to others. In personal injury law, this is called the “duty of care.” When someone violates their duty of care, they may be held liable for any damages which result.
What to do if you’re in a road rage accident
If you were harmed as a result of a road rage incident, the Law Offices of Tim Misny can help. Depending on the facts of your case, you may be able to file a negligence claim against the angry driver.
After the accident, seek medical help immediately. Even if you feel fine, you may have hidden injuries. Try to document the accident and each appointment in as much detail as possible. Then call our offices. Should you prevail on a negligence claim, detailed information about your injuries and recovery can support our request for compensation.
Road rage accidents are terrifying—but we can help hold angry drivers accountable.
Discuss your case with an Ohio personal injury lawyer today
When someone else’s negligence and road rage is responsible for your accident, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office at (800) 556-4769 so that I can evaluate your case as soon as possible. We may be able to recover compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, lost wages and more.