It can get frustrating out there. Our Florida roadways are busier than ever. But it’s important that we all work together — so more are not needlessly hurt.
One driver got so mad behind the wheel, that he allegedly fatally stabbed another driver and is now facing second-degree murder as well as resisting arrest with violence, according to The Miami Herald. According to incident reports, the violence and the stabbing was sparked by a traffic accident.
Officials with the Broward Sheriff’s Office are investigating.
Our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers understand that we all get a little heated from time to time. Our roadways are too often jam packed; there are questionable drivers sharing the road with us; and we’re also faced with some serious roadway obstacles (like construction and weather conditions). But in these instances, it’s important that we keep our minds clear and our emotions in check. Remember, we’re all out there with one goal in mind — to get to where we need to be. Let’s all work together to help to avoid the risks of aggressive driving and road rage in South Florida.
If you take a look at the statistics, we’ve all been involved in an aggressive driving incident in our time — whether we’ve displayed the aggression or have been the victim of it.
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, both aggressive driving and road rage are on the rise. Statistics show that roughly 1,500 are seriously injured or killed in these kinds of accidents annually.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), road rage is “an assault with a motor vehicle or other dangerous weapon by the operator or passenger(s) of one motor vehicle on the operator or passenger(s) of another motor vehicle or is caused by an incident that occurred on a roadway.”
While many of you out there display aggressive driving habits, like speeding, tailgating, erratic or unsafe lane changes and failure to obey traffic devices. Taking it a step further may lead to a crime of violence, such as assault.
Experts say aggressive driving behaviors are triggered by a variety of stimuli. Some are provoked by the actions of another driver; others are set off by roadway congestion. But, most are caused by the drivers’ own moods and reactions when they get behind the wheel.
In most jurisdictions, road rage isn’t a specific crime. Many aggressive driving maneuvers fall under the category of traffic violations, but there are only a few districts that try to define aggressive driving or road rage as an illegal activity.
If it seems that there are more cases of rude and outrageous behavior on the road now than in the past, the observation is correct, if for no other reason than there are more drivers driving more miles on the same roads.
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a car accident, call Freeman, Mallard, Sharp & Gonzalez — 1-800-561-7777 for a free appointment to discuss your rights.