Due to its high population, diverse cultures, and very different driving styles, it’s no surprise that Florida has a known reputation for road rage. A survey conducted by AutoVantage gave south Florida the worst rating for road rage incidents – for three years in a row.
This shocking title can be demonstrated by a road rage incident back in October 2018 that involved driver Jahsie Mahoney and his shooting of another driver, Caleb Smith, in South Florida. Both men were involved in a driving dispute caused by Mahoney refusing to allow Smith to change lanes to make a left turn. Smith became incensed and engaged in a verbal argument which escalated to murder when Mahoney pulled a gun from his car and shot the unarmed victim. Anyone who has been arrested for this type of traffic crime should reach out to an Orlando road rage lawyer.
As a general definition, road rage is frustration while driving and demonstrating excessively angry behaviors and driving patterns.
One should be aware of overly aggressive driving patterns that might indicate you or another driver on the road is showing road rage behavior.
These behaviors include, but are not limited to:
Just because you don’t run someone off the road, doesn’t mean you didn’t commit a road rage offense. On the other hand, if you are the target of this kind of behavior, do not engage the other driver and call for police assistance if you feel that your life is in danger.
Some tips to follow if you are experiencing a road rage situation are:
When driving on Florida streets and highways, if law enforcement or other drivers witness you engaging in road rage behavior, you could be charged. The consequences of being charged for road rage is a serious offense and can result in several severe penalties.
Those charged with the crime of road rage will be required to:
Even worse are the consequences an aggressive driver might pay outside of a courtroom. When someone is angry and reacts thoughtlessly to a frustrating traffic situation, some of the following could occur before ever seeing the police:
You cannot be sure what is happening in the other vehicle you might be having a dispute with and expose you and your passengers to a severe situation. Road rage is not worth the potential loss and legal troubles. The main thing to remember is that a few moments of frustration aren’t worth a lifetime of sadness.
Road rage is similar to a felonious assault in some cases, so if you are facing road rage charges, be sure to hire an Orlando road rage lawyer. The Umansky Law Firm has over 100 years of combined experience representing clients from all walks of life and court case needs. Our experienced legal team will help you reach a desirable outcome for your case while protecting your reputation and future. Contact us today for a free case evaluation so we can go over every aspect of your case, identify any evidence that could be used against you, and determine your best possible defense.
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys