Road rage occurs throughout the year but during the holiday season the incidence increases due to increased stress, crowded parking lots and roadways, increased travel to visit friends and relatives, and reports of “decreased time to get everything done.”
Road Rage in Georgia
The State of Georgia defines road rage or aggressive driving as operating a motor vehicle with the intent to annoy, harass, injure, intimidate, or obstruct another person. Aggressive behaviors may be against another driver, a pedestrian, passengers in another vehicle, or even passengers in the motor vehicle being driven by the accused. The law states that the aggressive driving must be an intentional act that is directed to a specific person or persons.
Road Rage Behaviors
The Department of Motor Vehicles defines road rage as aggressive or violent behavior stemming from a driver’s uncontrolled anger at the actions of another motorist or pedestrian. Examples of these behaviors include:
- Yelling obscenities
- Using rude gestures
- Banging on the horn
- Driving in a dangerous or threatening manner
- Hitting another vehicle with your vehicle
- Running other motorists off the road
- Getting out of your vehicle and physically confronting another
- Inciting the passengers in your car to fight another person
- Using any kind of weapon to inflict harm on another person or property
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Passing on the right, in emergency lanes, or turn lanes
- Tailgating
- Hard braking in front of following vehicles
- Failing to yield or disregarding traffic signals and signs
Penalties and Consequences of Road Rage
If you are a motor vehicle driver who is charged with aggressive driving, you face one of the most serious traffic violations in the state of Georgia, a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature. The first offense may result in a six month license suspension, one year for second or later offenses, fines up to $5,000, and required completion of a Road Rage course.
Far Reaching Consequences of Road Rage
If you are charged with and convicted of aggressive driving you may find yourself facing additional consequences, such as:
- Insurance coverage will not pay for your intentional acts – you will pay out-of-pocket if the other party sues
- Increased insurance premiums
- Court fees and expenses
- Legal fees
- Possible jail time
- Physical harm
- Damage to vehicles
- Financial responsibility for damages to injured parties
Road Rage Attorney
Contact the law office of Attorney Joel Baskin for any charge involving aggressive driving. You need expert guidance and direction for this complex legal traffic offense. Call the office today.