Road rage spikes during the winter holiday season.
Woman Shot in the Foot in Road Rage Incident
According to a KENS5 News report, a woman was shot in the foot due to a road rage incident today.
Police say the incident happened at around 7:41 a.m. Wednesday, November 20th, on I-10 near Fresno just north of downtown. The 27-year-old woman suffered a gunshot wound to the foot and was taken to the hospital. Police say the suspect is a male driving a black Dodge pickup who had not been located at the time of the report. The woman had an infant and an older child (possibly between the ages of 10 and 12 years old) in the vehicle with her at the time of the shooting. The investigation is ongoing.
Did You Know?
California has the most road rage incidents in the United States.
Not So Merry Drivers: Holiday Road Rage in Texas
The approaching holidays bring many warm thoughts and joyful anticipation but can also be incredibly stressful.
During the winter holiday season, Texas sees a spike in road rage incidents. This is particularly concerning for drivers, as Texas has more incidents of road rage shootings than any other state.
Why Does Road Rage Increase During the Holidays?
Road rage is typically a result of a complete loss of emotional control on the part of the driver. The holiday season brings with it a few key factors that generally increase the likelihood of road rage, which are:
- Increased Traffic — The sheer increase in the number of cars on the road during the holidays creates bad traffic.
- Increased Stress — Financial and general stress tend to increase during the holidays and can be made worse by extreme traffic delays.
- Increased Accidents — More cars on the road, increased rates of drunk driving, and longer periods of darkness all contribute to a spike in auto accidents over the holidays, further increasing delays.
How to Avoid Road Rage
You can’t control the actions of other drivers, but you can take steps to ensure that you don’t lose control.
- Plan Ahead — Plan for extra long delays and leave early to ensure you aren’t late.
- Play Calming Music — Keep the vibes cheery in your vehicle. It can go a long way towards keeping you calm.
- Drive Courteously — Everybody is late and stressed out, too. Give extra space, let people pass, and be forgiving of little mistakes.
- Follow the Rules of the Road — It can be tempting to blow stop signs and speed when you’re running behind. These actions are not only illegal and dangerous but can contribute to road rage incidents.
You are not responsible for the actions of other people, but your kindness and consideration during the holidays can go a long way toward making Texas roads safer for everyone.
What To Do If You Encounter a Road Rage Driver?
Road rage drivers are unpredictable — even the most courteous driver can become the target of an out-of-control driver.
If a driver is engaging in road rage behaviors, such as:
- Shouting/Screaming,
- Shaking their fist,
- Brake-checking,
- Erratic lane changes,
- Flashing/Firing a weapon,
- Or any other aggressive or threatening behaviors,
Do not engage with them. Drive away as quickly and safely as possible and call 3-1-1 to report the driver. If you are being followed, or if they are threatening you with a weapon, call the police. They will give you further instructions.
Injured in a Road Rage Accident in Texas? Call Shaw.
Holiday stress is not an excuse: no one should suffer injury at the hands of a road rage driver.
If you were hurt in a road rage accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation for things like:
- Ambulance Costs,
- ER Treatment,
- Medical Bills,
- Trauma/PTSD,
- Missed Work,
- Wrongful Death,
- And More.
We’ll help you find out if you have a case for free.
Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 today to schedule your free case evaluation with a car accident attorney. No fees, no obligations, just the expert legal advice you need. Carabin Shaw puts their clients first. We look forward to serving you.
Our main office is located in San Antonio.