Holiday Traffic
According to Hopper Media, 70% of Americans said they have travel plans for the end-of-the-year holidays. Peak travel days are just before Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s and immediately after when everyone travels home. Travelers should prepare for more people on the roadways and expect long delays and congestion. Holiday traffic can be stressful and aggressive, escalating drivers into making poor decisions. These conditions are a perfect storm designed to escalate drivers into road rage. Even without holiday traffic, examples of road rage can be found throughout our great state.
Two men in Nassau County face second-degree murder charges, having shot each other’s daughters in a confrontation on Highway 1 on October 8th. According to the report, William Hale’s daughter (5) was wounded in her calf, while Frank Allison’s daughter (14) suffered a collapsed lung. In what appears to be a case of “cat and mouse” road rage, both vehicles were witnessed to have been driven erratically and chasing each other, bottles of water were thrown, drivers engaged in “brake checking,” and fingers were apparently flicked. Leading both men to grab their guns. Allison is quoted as saying he fired his shot to ‘get out of the situation.’
Cases like this are not just devastating for the families involved but have been known to quickly go viral, making defense far more complex. After an arrest, you have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you. In this case, Allison has admitted publicly to having shot his gun. Not only has this tampered with the potential jury pool, but it is an admission the prosecution will certainly bring up in the courtroom.
Hiring an experienced criminal traffic attorney can make all the difference when facing a group of your peers and a seasoned judge. As a former prosecutor, Attorney David A. Webster intimately understands both sides of the litigation, giving you a uniquely tailored defense when seeking a favorable outcome.
For a FREE case evaluation, call our office today at 407-862-9222. We are available 24/7.
Charges, Charges, and More Charges
Cases of road rage are hardly ever simple and have the potential of leaving you with more significant penalties than a DUI charge. Based on the merits of the incident, individuals could face multiple charges. A man was arrested in Clermont, FL, back in February; he faces charges of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Injuries, Shooting into an Occupied Vehicle, Criminal Mischief over $1,000, and Reckless Driving. The police made a statement saying that even more charges were possible and that the investigation was still ongoing. Multiple charges present a very bad optic in court and complicate your defense strategy. The sooner you contact our office, the better. We are prepared to give you immediate representation and can help you protect your license and your future.
Facts About Road Rage
- Insurance companies could spike your rates by 70% if you are served a road rage citation
- Insurance companies may refuse to cover you and may cancel your policy altogether
- You could face both civil and criminal charges, up to and including murder charges
- Convictions could cost you more than just driving privileges, but hefty fines and even jail time
- 8 out of 10 Americans express significant anger, road rage, or aggression at least once a month (AAA)
- Road rage fatalities increased 500% in 10 years and are still on the rise (NHTSA)
How to Prevent Road Rage
The following information from the AAA website includes helpful tips on preventing and dealing with road rage incidents.
Manage your behavior, manage your responses
You will see other drivers doing things that are illegal, inconsiderate, and even incomprehensible. Don’t respond personally. Most drivers are not thinking about their impact on you; they are just rushed, distracted or upset.
Follow the rules of the road:
- Maintain adequate following distance.
- Use turn signals.
- Allow others to merge.
- Use your high beams responsibly.
- Tap your horn if you must (but no long blasts with accompanying hand gestures).
- Be considerate in parking lots. Park in one spot, not across multiple spaces. Be careful not to hit cars next to you with your door.
Remaining calm and courteous behind the wheel lowers your risk of an unpleasant encounter – with another driver and with law enforcement.
Dealing with Confrontation
- Avoid eye contact with angry drivers.
- Don’t respond to aggression with aggression.
- If you feel you are at risk, drive to a public place such as a police station, hospital, or fire station.
- When you park, allow room so you can pull out safely if someone approaches you aggressively.
- Use your horn to attract attention but remain in your locked vehicle.
- If you are confronted, stay as calm and courteous as possible.
- If you feel threatened, call 911.
Always Remember
- Don’t Offend: Never cause another driver to change their speed or direction. That means not forcing another driver to use their brakes or turn the steering wheel in response to something you have done.
- Be Tolerant and Forgiving: The other driver may just be having a really bad day. Assume that it’s not personal.
- Do Not Respond: Avoid eye contact, don’t make gestures, maintain space around your vehicle, and contact 9-1-1 if needed.
Contact The Law Office of David A. Webster, P.A. Today
If you receive a citation this holiday season, let our experienced criminal defense lawyers build your defense and assert your innocence in court. Our firm has represented thousands of clients who faced criminal traffic charges. In some cases, we have been able to have charges reduced and even dropped. To see if your case qualifies, call today for a FREE case evaluation at 407-862-9222.
Sources
Drivers shoot daughters in Florida road rage confrontation
