Driving can be frustrating. Between things like traffic, construction, and inclement weather, we have all felt frustrated while driving.
However, sometimes this frustration can get out of control. Pretty soon, we begin thinking “If one more person cuts me off…” or “Try that again and see what happens…” and our tempers begin to flare. We can begin to engage in aggressive driving practices (like tailgating, speeding, hostile or non-emergent honking, and weaving through traffic) which may escalate into road rage. Road rage occurs when anger and frustration motivate people to engage in shouting matches, obscene gestures, throwing objects, sideswiping, physical altercations, and even deadly consequences. This was the unfortunate case for several people in St. Louis including a 29-year-old, a 30-year-old, and a 34-year-old. Unfortunately, these separate incidents of road rage in St. Louis follow a pattern for Missouri as a whole.
Road Rage in St. Louis, Missouri
Sadly, according to Forbes, Missouri placed second in the nation for most confrontational drivers. Drivers in Missouri had the highest score for having been yelled at or threatened by another driver. Among those who participated in the survey, drivers in Missouri frequently reported that another driver had intentionally cut them off, forced their car off the road, honked in frustration, or had sought to block them from merging or changing lanes. Road rage is a significant issue. Road rage can impact any vehicle from a pick-up-truck to a golf cart. Yet, like with most accidents, the issue of road rage can escalate significantly when a semi or other big truck is involved.
Road Rage and Semis or Big Trucks in St. Louis, Missouri
Even with properly trained, responsible, and reliable truck drivers, sharing the roads with semis can be incredibly dangerous. Elements like blind spots and extended stopping distances can cause semis to be involved in serious accidents. However, when truck drivers experience road rage due to exhaustion, frustration, or deadlines, roadways can go from dangerous to deadly. Such was the terrifying situation for some of our clients.
The case, which involved significant amounts of aggressive driving and road rage, ended with our clients being run off the road by a semi. Not only was my clients’ vehicle knocked off the road, but they were being followed and threatened by the driver, who had gotten out of his semi and began pursuing them on foot. This is an example of when road rage leads semi drivers to make dangerous and life-threatening decisions. Another incident of road rage involving semis took place on I-44 in Missouri, about an hour outside of St. Louis. This incident involved two semis that had engaged in aggressive driving, resulting in one driver being shot in the abdomen.
While road rage with a vehicle of any size can be dangerous, semis involved in road rage incidents can be life-threatening. When sharing the roadways with semis, it is vital to always be mindful when switching lanes, changing speeds, and monitoring the need to stop. We should be intentional and considerate while operating motor vehicles as this can help to lessen the number of road rage incidents involving 18-wheelers or other big trucks. When driving a semi or other big truck, it is vital to remember the substantial damage that can be done to our fellow human beings when our road rage goes out of control.
How to Refrain from Engaging in Aggressive Driving or Road Rage
Regrettably, road rage is an occurrence that 92% of people in the U.S. have experienced or witnessed within the past year. Since aggressive driving and road rage are quite common, here are some safety tips and reminders to keep yourself and others safe from the danger that comes from road rage:
1. Speeding
It is no surprise that speeding can cause significant and deadly accidents. In 2022, there were 12,151 speeding-related accidents in the U.S. Speeding, in and of itself, is considered aggressive driving. It is vital that drivers adhere to the speed limit. These limits are set to protect drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. When we are running late, stuck in traffic, or anxious to get to our destination, we may be tempted to speed. However, this behavior can have dangerous outcomes. It is especially important for semis and big trucks to keep to the speed limit. Excess speeds limit a driver’s reaction time and can increase the risk for serious accidents. Whether driving a semi or passenger vehicle, remember to drive responsibly and follow the speed limits.
If someone behind you or around you is going over the speed limit, remember that you are under no obligation to match their speeding. Do not feel pressured into going at a speed that you are not comfortable with, or a speed that is against the law. Though it may irritate some irresponsible drivers, it is important to stick to the speed limit to protect yourself and others.
2. Tailgating
When the vehicle in front of us is going much slower than we’d like it to, we may be tempted to tailgate. Tailgating is when a vehicle follows too closely to the vehicle in front of it without leaving enough space between the two. The thought is that if we get as close to them as we can, they will either speed up or get out of the way. However, that isn’t always the case. Tailgating is considered aggressive driving and can lead to road rage. If we aren’t careful, tailgating can lead to devastating consequences for ourselves, or for the people in the car ahead of us. When feeling the urge to tailgate, seek to remain calm and patient to protect yourself and others.
On the flip side, be mindful of drivers that are tailgating you. Tailgating vehicles, especially semis, can be incredibly dangerous. Semis and 18-wheelers are incredibly heavy and can cause significant and catastrophic injuries when they rear-end a vehicle. If a big truck or other vehicle is tailgating you, it is important to maintain a safe speed, be mindful of the cars around you, and to allow the tailgater to pass. This may involve safely switching lanes or even pulling over to allow them to pass. Though tailgaters are annoying, it is important to keep your safety your priority rather than seeking to teach them a lesson.
3. Brake Checking
Brake checking is the act of tapping or slamming on your brakes, which causes the car behind you to slam on their brakes. This is often done to let the vehicle following you know that you are frustrated at them for tailgating or following too closely. While this may seem like a harmless way to communicate while driving, this is considered an aggressive form of driving and is illegal in the state of Missouri. Additionally, brake checking (especially at high speeds) can be the cause of devastating accidents if the driver following you is not paying attention at the precise moment that you slam on your brakes. Remember, semis take more time to slow down because of their size and weight. It is never a good idea to brake check a semi. This action can have fatal repercussions. Rather than brake checking, it may be beneficial to gradually slow your speed to prevent any type of serious accident from occurring.
If a driver brake checks you, your instant reaction might be anger at the danger that they put you in. However, it is important to refrain from lashing out and furthering the confrontation. Though retaliation is tempting, it is not worth it in the long run if you risk your safety or your own life. Even if some brake checks you, it is wise to slow down and resist additional aggressive driving behaviors.
4. Weaving in and Out of Traffic/Cutting People Off
When we are in a rush or a traffic situation is causing frustration, it is tempting to weave in and out of lanes to reach our destination more quickly. However, this aggressive driving behavior can lead to annoyance and anger from other drivers – especially when we are cutting them off. It is a good and safe driving practice to stay in your lane when in dense traffic, and only switch lanes when safely passing.
If you notice someone weaving in and out of traffic, refrain from trying to “trap” them in a spot. This could escalate their behaviors, and land you or others in dangerous situations. Additionally, even if someone rudely cuts you off, remember that retaliation will often not help the driver realize the error of their ways. Rather, this may cause the driver to become more enraged. If you observe someone weaving in and out of traffic, or are cut off by a driver, simply slow down and allow them to pass through.
5. Running Drivers off the Road
Running someone off the road includes intentionally seeking to make someone leave the roadway. This can be done by repeatedly hitting the other vehicle with your car or by participating in dangerous maneuvers that necessitate the other driver leaving the roadway. No matter how rude, reckless, or erratic a driver may be, it is never wise, responsible, or right to seek to run another vehicle off the road because of road rage. No matter how big your car, truck, or semi is compared to the other vehicle, driving someone off the road can be disastrous. Driving others off the road is a dangerous act of aggressive driving. Not only that, but intentionally driving others off the road is considered an act of vehicular assault.
If someone runs you off the road, it is important to immediately call the police – whether or not an accident occurred. If the driver is angry enough to seek to run you off the road, they may be angry enough to return. It is important not to pursue any retaliation and to seek safety.
6. Physical Altercations
Even if someone has behaved abominably while driving, it is very important to refrain from physically approaching their vehicle. Shootings from road rage have increased almost 450% within the last decade. Though it may feel tempting to tell someone off for the way they have behaved, this conduct can be perceived by the other person as life-threatening. Sadly, an Indiana man recently lost his life due to such a circumstance. Refrain from getting out of your vehicle when overwhelmed with road rage – it may very well save your life.
If someone seeks to interact with you regarding a road rage situation, it is important for you to safely exit the situation as soon as possible and to call the police for your safety and protection. Unless required by law (like a stop signal or sign), refrain from stopping near the individual that is initiating the contact. People can go to drastic lengths when they are angry.
7. Keeping it Positive
Other elements that can escalate aggressive driving and road rage include inappropriate gestures, obscene remarks, throwing objects at the vehicle or person, unnecessary honking, and more. It may even be helpful to refrain from making eye contact with the driver. They may inaccurately interpret a look or expression, which could potentially lead to violence or furthering the situation. Recently, two semis were involved in a road rage incident that led to shots being fired while the trucks were driving. When it comes to road rage, retaliation is rarely worth the danger and the damage that can come to you, your loved ones, or other drivers.
To the best of your ability, seek to embrace patience, understanding, and calmness – even when other drivers are behaving irresponsibly. Road rage can have devastating consequences, and seeking to keep a positive, forgiving, and mature attitude may prevent serious harm.
Repercussions of Road Rage in St. Louis, Missouri
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in an accident involving road rage, the law firm of Craig, Kelley & Faultless is here for you. We have experience working with clients who have sustained life-altering injuries from road rage incidents. Our attorney, Chris Barry, is licensed in Missouri and is able to assist you with your case. If you are in the St. Louis area and would be interested in meeting with us, our address is 5585 Pershing Ave, Suite 110, St. Louis, MO 63112. Please note that meetings at our St. Louis location are by appointment only, call us at: (314) 367-2661.
We know the damage that can be done by angry and aggressive drivers, and we know how to fight to get you what you deserve.
David W. Craig sits on the Board of Regents of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys (which requires the board certification in truck accident law). He is the managing partner and one of the founding partners of Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC. He is recognized as a Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyer and Top 100 Trial Lawyer in Indiana by the National Trial Lawyers, as well as a Top 50 Indiana lawyer by Super Lawyers. David is the author of Semitruck Wreck, A Guide for Victims and Their Families, written to help people navigate a terrible situation by answering questions that come after a tragic wreck. He also hosts the podcast After the Crash, where you can gain valuable information about the dangers involving semis and large trucks that do not follow Indiana law safety protocol regarding speed, weather conditions, maintenance upkeep, etc.
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