Atlanta is Experiencing a High Number of Road Rage Incidents
Unfortunately, we have seen a spike in road rage incidents lately in Atlanta, GA. Road rage is defined as when a driver feels violent anger while operating a vehicle due to the conditions and other drivers around them on the road. Oftentimes this might lead to people yelling, honking, or giving someone the middle finger. However, in some cases drivers will take it to an extreme and dangerous level and will actually engage in a physical altercation with another driver – whether by ramming into them with their car, getting out and using their fists or a weapon, and even sometimes in fatal cases they will use firearms. Lloyd H. Thomas Law is a personal injury lawyer and has helped clients who were the victims of road rage.
Recent Road Rage Incidents
There have been several recent road rage incidents in Atlanta recently. In one, a family’s car was shot by an angry driver and the mother was shot in the back and had to be rushed to the hospital. In another, a man was shot when another driver pulled up next to him, apparently unhappy with the way that he was driving. In a third incident, a driver was being tailgated and moved into the shoulder just to let another driver pass since that driver clearly wanted him to go faster. As he passed, he rolled his window down and fired a pistol at the driver. This video shows an incident from 2019 in Gwinnett County just outside of Atlanta, where a road rage incident led to a driver being dragged by another moving car.
Impatience and stress are often the leading factors in road rage incidents. When there are traffic jams, drivers tend to get irritable, and this is when tempers flare. Road rage usually happens when a driver feels like they have been cut off, brake checked, or if they are being held up by a slower driver. If someone is riding up closely behind you or is indicating that they are irritated, move over and let them pass. It is better to avoid the situation than let it escalate and result in violence.
Take These Steps before Flipping the Bird
1) Take a deep breath, focus on the road, and take control of your emotions.
2) Remember that you have no idea about the mental state of the other person, nor do you know if they have a weapon or if things could become violent.
3) Focus on your destination since getting there safely is the most important thing for you to do.
CNN has some excellent tips for surviving road rage encounters. Keep in mind that insurance companies will not cover a driver if they do something intentionally. That is why it is important to have uninsured motorist insurance on your policy to protect yourself from potential incidents.
Contact Lloyd H. Thomas Law
Were you the victim of a road rage incident, or do you have a personal injury case or questions about your settlement? Call Lloyd at (404) 848-8898 or send him a message today. Lloyd H. Thomas is an injury attorney with the experience and expertise needed to help you properly settle your case. When the unexpected happens in life and you need help with a settlement we are here to help!
