Florida Leads the Country in Road Rage Cases
Statistics show that Florida is the state with the highest rate of road rage incidents. It even outdoes large states like Texas and California. A considerable increase in road rage cases from 2014 to 2017 bumped the state to the top of the list. During that time frame, Florida had 277 cases of road rage, while Texas had 220 and California had only 157, despite high traffic in their cities.
In addition to the uptick in road rage cases, in general, Florida has also had more gun violence during these road confrontations. Since 2014, 20 people in the state received shotgun wounds, and 60 have injuries from firearms used in road rage incidents.
Top Causes of Road Rage Incidents
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd stated that too many people in a small area trying to get to their destination leads to frustration when they believe someone else is in their way. The culprit is most likely Florida’s ever-increasing population.
Dr. Nydia Conrad, a psychologist based in Wesley Chapel, FL, said that drivers who get frustrated and angry behind the wheel stop seeing other people on the road as people and merely as obstacles. She stated that people are becoming more enraged, more aggressive, and exhibiting impulsive behavior. When someone sees other humans as an obstacle, they are more likely to act out against them.
Cases of road rage involving guns are on the rise. Many of the perpetrators who have been caught have been discovered to have a history of violence and charges against them unrelated to road rage.
Preventing a Violent Incident on the Road
As of the second week of September 2018, there were 38 road rage incidents in the state. The best thing drivers can do is stay aware of the situation as they drive. No matter what, it’s best not to engage with people who are enraged behind the wheel. Aggressive behavior includes
- Excessive horn honking
- Tailgating
- Weaving in and out of lanes
These are typical behaviors, and on their own, they are not considered road rage; however, an individual who is already breaking laws on the road is likely to turn violent if they find another person to turn their anger towards.
If you’re driving down the road with an erratic driver, allow them to pass you. That way, you won’t find yourself in the middle of a fight with an irate individual. You can also call in the authorities, so they can stop the person before they find themselves in a violent altercation.
Compensation for Road Rage Accidents
If you’re involved in a road rage incident, you should obtain legal counsel immediately. You deserve just compensation for any injuries and car damage you’ve sustained at the hands of an aggressive driver. Attorneys with The Umansky Law Firm have over 100 years of combined experience practicing personal injury law throughout Orlando. Call our office or schedule a free consultation online.
