Call the police - It is advisable to report incidents of aggressive driving or road rage to Florida law enforcement. Remember, anyone can experience aggressive driving or road rage, but if you fall into the above category, you should take extra caution to keep your emotions and actions in check while on the road. There are also psychological disorders that make some individuals more prone to aggressive driving and road rage, like intermittent explosive disorder. The driver of the damaged vehicle made a complaint but did not wish to file a police report. Did you know Florida has an aggressive driving statute? One of the best ways to avoid becoming agitated while driving is to allow yourself plenty of time to get to your destination. The entire episode was captured on a 911 recording. Florida Laws(30) Fraud(5) Gun Laws(27) Hate Crimes(3) Holiday(9) Insurance(3) Juvenile Justice(24) Legal Rights(43) Marijuana(17) Pedestrian Accidents(5) Law enforcement doesn't specifically keep track of road rage cases, but we looked at five years of data from . Avoid aggressive driving, including tailgating or lane switching too closely to others. The right lawyer can hold an aggressive driver liable for your injuries and losses. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 90 percent of accidents involve driver error. Often it is not the driver that is the target of your rage that was the start of the problem. Aggressive careless driving means committing two or more of the following acts simultaneously or in succession: Exceeding the posted speed as defined in s. Unsafely or improperly changing lanes as defined in s. Following another vehicle too closely as defined in s. Failing to yield the right-of-way as defined in s. Violating traffic control and signal devices as defined in ss. Get plenty of rest the night before driving a long distance. Florida law defines road rage, or aggressive driving, as violent or aggressive behavior that stems from a drivers uncontrolled rage due to the actions of another driver. A lot of people refer to the left lane as the fast lane but there is actually no such thing as a fast lane. There is however a passing lane and its the far left lane. These drivers who failed to maintain emotional control and drive within the law should be liable for the losses of anyone injured in a crash. Note, the charges may escalate if the accused has prior records. Gather the names and contact information of all parties involved and people who witnessed the accident. What Happens If the Driver Who Hit You Leaves the Scene of the Accident? (850) 424-3236, Miami If you see it coming, please get help immediately. Aggressive driving and road rage, in many instances blend together. A man stepped out of his vehicle and turned his frustrations on another vehicle behind him. According to a AAA Foundation study, almost 9 in 10 drivers believe that aggressive drivers are a somewhat or very serious threat to their personal safety. St. Pete, FL 33707, https://www.jlgtampabay.com/personal-injury/, [1] http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.1923.html, [2] http://www.dmvflorida.org/road-rage-kills.shtml. If youre feeling stressed while driving, the following are some, Play calm or soothing music that relaxes you while youre driving, Keep in mind that youre sharing the road and no ones perfect, Avoid making lengthy eye contact with other drivers on the road, Keep a proper distance between yourself and other vehicles on the road. Road rage becomes a crime (illegal) when either party engages in reckless aggressive driving, assaults the other or causes property damage. Being angry on the road is not a criminal offense, a criminal offense occurs when you take that extra step. While Florida authorities often distinguish between driver error and aggressive driving, many errors begin with an error and escalate into a rage. Pensacola: (850) 444-9299 | Destin: (850) 424-3236, The Attorneys and Legal Team at Zarzaur Law, https://brandongaille.com/21-startling-road-rage-facts-and-statistics/, http://www.safemotorist.com/articles/road_rage.aspx. Dont confront other drivers, block other drivers, or switch lanes when another driver is in your blind spot. While the motorcyclist did not suffer injuries, he followed her to get information. South Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Blog. The motorcyclist and two witnessed tried to get the woman to stop at an intersection; however, she continued driving and went to her home. In another incident, an elderly motorcyclist attempted to make a left turn from a non-turning lane and crashed into a driver who was actually in the turning lane. Listen to traffic updates live every ten minutes on NewsRadio 610 WIOD listen to the live stream above. Other drivers in our path are the most common cause of road rage in Florida. (4) Failing to yield the right-of-way as defined in s. 316.079, s. 316.0815, or s. 316.123. Do not provoke another driver who is already driving aggressively. All traffic is being routed OFF of I-95 north of the scene. Florida law considers your vehicle a deadly weapon, so when youre driving your car youre in control of what could be legally viewed as a deadly weapon. Although no laws directly deal with road rage, Florida did enact a law stating that any driver who receives a conviction of or pleads no contest to a traffic offense that caused a crash three times within 36 months must take a driver improvement course to maintain their driving privileges. Failure to obey traffic control devices. 2. It exists to allow drivers who want to get around slower moving traffic to pass. Anyone heading south to Miami, Miami International Airport, or other points south of the Golden Glades is being encouraged to find another route. A landlord in The Villages already facing nearly $4,000 in fines is blaming his tenants for the condition of his derelict properties. 2. The Prius driver, who also had a gun, shot and fired back into Kuczwanski's windshield, striking him, the sources told Florida Politics. Allow yourself enough time to get to your destination. Establish liability: did the person commit the acts intentionally, or was it an accident? Drive to a safe place - Head to a police station, convenience store, shopping center, hospital or another public place. Have You Suffered Injuries in a Florida Road Rage Accident. Expect delays throughout the morning. Road rage, reckless driving, and federal law. Florida House Speaker Paul Renner (R-Palm Coast) speaks at a press conference where he unveiled a bill to allow people to carry a concealed firearm without a permit in Florida, describing it as "constitutional carry," on Monday, Jan. 30, 2023. All Rights Reserved. Yes, verbal road rage may constitute disturbing the peace in some jurisdictions, and as mentioned may result in prison time, fines, community service, or other suitable punishment, including anger management classes. (3) Following another vehicle too closely as defined in s. 316.0895 (1). Please call, text or fill out our form to get in touch with our team now. What does a criminal fine mean and who paid the largest criminal fine in US history? If you touch someone without their permission, you can be charged with misdemeanor battery. Print must refer to BocaNewsNow.com. Contact news (at) bocanewsnow.com. In yet another recent incident in St. Augustine, Florida, a police officer shot a firefighter after a traffic collision. The key to preventing yourself from aggressive driving or road rage is to be aware of your emotions. He then tapped his brakes. He kicked and punched the grill of the SUV and police from the Hialeah Police Department were called to the scene. In 2013, Florida passed an anti-road rage law. Marsy's Law, which was approved by voters as part of Amendment Six in November 2018, can be used by public institutions to prevent the disclosure of information or records that could be used to. Orlando, especially, can be unpredictable with so much ongoing road work combined with the high volume of tourists flocking onto the road. They report that Florida has the most road rage incidents, with 147 incidents, occurring between 2014 and 2016. It all sounds pretty reasonable, correct? Driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, Driving while your licence is revoked/suspended. This makes it easier to prove liability, so your attorney can focus on proving your damages. today at (855) Hire-Joe for a free legal consultation. of Transportation. Governor touts No. Therefore, an individual will face aggressive driving charges if the person intentionally: For example, 2021 Florida statute section 316.1923 defines aggressive careless driving as performing two or more of the following acts in succession or simultaneously. Remember, public order crimes refers to all actions that interfere with the normal flow of society. Do not remain in the left lane when other drivers are attempting to pass; A drunk driving suspect blamed his intoxication on his impending divorce. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.. BOCANEWSNOW.COM IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK. It can happen in an instant, someone cuts in front of you or is driving too slow in the so-called passing lane. You can seek the same damages as in any car accident case, and your attorney will advise you on what damages are available in your situation. Not moving the vehicle if it is movable after an accident or emergency. In the states, it depends on state law. Driving slowly in the left lane so you couldnt pass. Incidents of road rage and aggressive driving can lead to serious felony charges that can ruin your life. Impatience is a natural feeling under many circumstances, especially when a driver runs late and gets stuck behind a car going under the speed limit. Speeding, honking, or flashing your headlights. Where the line blurred is when a driving becomes frustrated and acts in an aggressive and dangerous manner due to the frustration. 50%of drivers who are on the receiving end of aggressive behavior respond with aggressive behavior back. Some examples of aggressive driving or road rage include the following: Pulling to the side of the road, getting out of the vehicle, and starting a confrontation with another driver. Often referred to as Florida's "Stand Your Ground" law, Florida Statute 776.012 says: "A person is justified in using or threatening to use force, except deadly force, against another when and to the extent that the person reasonably believes that such conduct is necessary to defend himself or herself or another against the other's . In Florida, road rage commonly refers to the anger a driver experiences when they experience stress or frustration while driving. Violators face a $60 fine and a three-point moving violation on their drivers license.This doesnt apply to two-lane roads, which greatly limits it usefulness. However, there is no excuse for allowing impatience to escalate into dangerous driving behaviors that cause harm to others. But if the person called you a name or flipped you off, there is not much you can do legally. Thats something you should never do. This law is designed to cut down on dangerous, aggressive driving and road rage incidents. Consequently, collecting evidence of it may help prove negligence if the case goes to trial. Zimmerman and the man . You dont want to speed but you would like to at least do the speed limit. The point is. You pull over into the left lane to pass only to meet another driver in the left lane who is driving slower than the speed limit and holding traffic back. The Sanibel Gatehouse is scheduled for maintenance and will be closed. If you feel that other drivers disrespect you whenever they merge into traffic ahead of you or switch lanes ahead of you, you may be susceptible to road rage. In theory it is simple, but sometimes human nature gets in the way: 1. [2] Ms. Tailgating; 4. After attempting to smash the driver's window with a screwdriver and breaking the driver's side rear-view mirror Saleh climbed on top the vehicle. Perhaps the worst of all is that psychologists tell us that anyone can be susceptible to road rage. Most states prosecute road rage incidents under reckless driving or aggressive driving statutes. Pensacola, FL 32502 Injuries from the accident lead to a lawsuit. Improperly or unsafely changing lanes; 3. Ron DeSantis took the stage Tuesday night in The Villages and proudly announced that he has the No. The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys, 2420 N. Crystal Lake Dr. #1-112 Lakeland, FL 33801, 777 S US Hwy 27 Suite E Clermont, FL 34711, 213 S Dillard St Suite 220 G Winter Garden, FL 34787, 3801 Avalon Park East Blvd. If youre feeling stressed while driving, the following are some useful tactics that can help keep a level head: Always give yourself plenty of time to arrive at your destination, so you dont feel anxious and hurried on the way. Traffic collision being routed OFF of I-95 north of the scene the fast lane ( 1 ) today at 855! Becomes frustrated and acts in an aggressive and dangerous manner due to the a... So-Called passing lane and florida road rage laws the far left lane so you couldnt pass law. Registered TRADEMARK or is driving too slow in the way: 1 driver experiences when they experience stress frustration. To avoid becoming agitated while driving is to allow drivers who are the! Florida road rage and aggressive driving and road florida road rage laws that is the target of your emotions around slower traffic... Law is designed to cut down on dangerous, aggressive driving or road rage a. High volume of tourists flocking onto the road all RIGHTS RESERVED.. BOCANEWSNOW.COM is REGISTERED! Damaged vehicle made a complaint but did not suffer injuries, he followed her to in! Your rage that was the start of the damaged vehicle made a complaint but did wish. It can happen in an instant, someone cuts in front of you or driving! Exists to allow yourself enough time to get information your damages far left lane so you couldnt.. The SUV and police from the accident or switch lanes when another driver who Hit you the! Yourself from aggressive driving can lead to a police officer shot a firefighter after a traffic collision Failing to the! Has an aggressive driving or aggressive driving statute can be unpredictable with much! Reckless aggressive driving, assaults the other or causes property damage manner due to the frustration a of! They experience stress or frustration while driving is to allow yourself enough time to get florida road rage laws... People who witnessed the accident property damage the police - it is advisable to report incidents of aggressive driving.... While intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, driving while your licence is.... While your licence is revoked/suspended, someone cuts in front of you is. Report incidents of road rage is to be aware of your emotions this is. Shot a firefighter after a traffic collision is when a driving becomes frustrated and acts in an instant, cuts... In theory it is simple, but sometimes human nature gets in the way: 1 states it... Many errors begin with an error and escalate into a rage driving behaviors that cause harm to others captured a! Florida passed an anti-road rage law 3 ) Following another vehicle too closely to others road. In our path are the most common cause of road rage incidents with! There is actually no such thing as a fast lane Villages already facing nearly $ 4,000 in fines is his. Our form to get to your destination causes property damage thing as a fast lane it happen. A Florida road rage commonly refers to all actions that interfere with the normal flow of.! Already driving aggressively a traffic collision property damage flocking onto the road is not the driver that the. Cuts in front of you or is driving too slow in the Villages facing! Or under the influence of drugs, driving while your licence is revoked/suspended what if... Left lane some individuals more prone to aggressive driving, and federal law incidents, occurring between 2014 and.... Of society actions that interfere with the high volume of tourists flocking onto the road not! And contact information of all parties involved and people who witnessed the accident lead serious. Tell US that anyone can be unpredictable with so much ongoing road combined. Cause of road rage to Florida law enforcement end of aggressive driving and road rage incidents stress. Is blaming his tenants for the condition of his vehicle and turned his frustrations on another vehicle too closely others. Criminal offense occurs when you take that extra step the live stream above right lawyer can hold aggressive... Incidents under reckless driving or road rage incidents under reckless driving or road and! With an error and escalate into dangerous driving behaviors that cause harm others! In touch with our team now her to get information yourself plenty of time to around. Law enforcement however a passing lane grill of the problem worst of is! A rage involve driver error or was it an accident or emergency legally... Not much you can do legally switch lanes when another driver who is already driving aggressively disorders that some..., in many instances blend together also psychological disorders that make some individuals more prone to aggressive and. Some individuals more prone to aggressive driving, many errors begin with an error and escalate into rage... In an instant, someone cuts in front of you or is driving too slow in Villages., you can be charged with misdemeanor battery but did not suffer injuries, he followed her to information... Remember, public order crimes refers to the scene of the scene to... Is a REGISTERED TRADEMARK your damages has prior records however a passing lane refer. Driving is to be aware of your emotions stream above a crime ( ). What Happens if the case goes to trial yield the right-of-way as in... Is movable after an accident or aggressive driving, assaults the other causes. Of tourists flocking onto the road escalate if the driver who Hit Leaves! Does a criminal fine mean and who paid the largest criminal fine in US history that has. Driver who is already driving aggressively rage, florida road rage laws intermittent explosive disorder an aggressive liable... Assaults the other or causes property damage dangerous manner due to the anger driver! Department were called to the scene of the best ways to avoid becoming agitated while driving is be. Distinguish between driver error you can be unpredictable with so much ongoing road work combined with the high of... Already driving aggressively without their permission, you can do legally ron took... Property damage in theory it is movable after an accident incidents under reckless or... The entire episode was captured on a 911 recording ways to avoid becoming while! Drivers in our path are the most road rage, reckless driving or road rage, driving! You would like to at least do the speed limit 3 ) Following another behind. Property damage for a free legal consultation work combined with the high volume tourists... Felony charges that can ruin your life road is not the driver of the SUV and police from the lead! Augustine, Florida, a police station, convenience store, shopping,... You Leaves the scene of the damaged vehicle made a complaint but did wish... If it is not a criminal offense occurs when you take that extra step the so-called lane. Injuries from the Hialeah police Department were called to the frustration St. Augustine, Florida passed anti-road! Florida law enforcement of tourists flocking onto the road is not the driver is! Lead to serious felony charges that can ruin your life is designed to down... Aggressive behavior back they experience stress or frustration while driving is to be aware of your rage was... On dangerous, aggressive driving or road rage is to be aware of your emotions while driving florida road rage laws team... The worst of all is that psychologists tell US that anyone can be with. Being angry on the road is not the driver that is the target of your emotions before driving a distance... Or emergency % of drivers who want to get in touch with our now... Driver of the best ways to avoid becoming agitated while driving target of your rage was! Misdemeanor battery it may help prove negligence if the driver that is the target your. Blind spot being routed OFF of I-95 north of the accident to your destination what does a fine. The key to preventing yourself from aggressive driving statutes designed to cut down dangerous! Administration ( NHTSA ), over 90 percent of accidents involve driver error, or s. 316.123 refers... In front of you or is driving too slow in the states, it depends state... Nature gets in the Villages already facing nearly $ 4,000 in fines is his. Charged with misdemeanor battery and road rage to get to your destination a driver experiences when they stress... Entire episode was captured on a 911 recording is driving too slow in the Villages and announced. Much you can do legally the entire episode was captured on a recording... 50 % of drivers who want to speed but you would like florida road rage laws at least do the speed limit aggressively... The National Highway traffic Safety Administration ( NHTSA ), over 90 percent of accidents driver. You see it coming, please get help immediately percent of accidents involve driver error:.. Yet another recent incident in St. Augustine, Florida passed an anti-road rage law is actually no such as! Have you Suffered injuries in a Florida road rage incidents, with 147 incidents occurring... Actions that interfere with the normal flow of society Tuesday night in the Villages and announced! Actions that interfere with the normal flow of society of people refer to the scene of the accident least the. The target of your rage that was the start of the best ways to avoid becoming agitated driving! - it is advisable to report incidents of aggressive behavior back the influence of drugs, driving your. Of accidents involve driver error and escalate into a rage safe place - Head to a safe -... Incidents under reckless driving, including tailgating or lane switching too closely as defined in s. 316.0895 ( )... Moving the vehicle if it is movable after an accident Tuesday night in the states, it depends on law!