Aggressive Driving: How Angry Motorists Put Others At Risk

It can be challenging to maintain your composure while driving. Heavy traffic tie-ups, detours due to road construction projects, and other challenging situations can cause people to lose their cool and behave in ways they otherwise wouldn’t. Unfortunately, this can have serious consequences for them, their passengers, and others on the road. Recent events in a road rage murder case raise awareness of potential risks. Our Portland car accident attorney explains how even in less severe cases, aggressive driving can result in serious personal injuries.   

Man Sentenced To Prison For Road Rage Incident That Claimed Life Of Portland Resident

A Portland man was tragically killed by another motorist in a violent act of road rage. Two years later, his family is finally getting justice. 

According to a June 2022 Oregon Live news report, the case stems from an incident that occurred in 2020. The 29-year-old victim and father of two were driving on Northeast 66th Avenue when he became involved in a verbal dispute with another driver, who was headed in the opposite direction. After just a brief interaction, the driver pulled out a gun and fired numerous shots, one of which hit the victim in the head.

The driver was originally charged with second-degree murder but was able to strike a plea deal for a lesser offense. He pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter and was sentenced to 17 years in prison.  

While these types of road-rage incidents may not be common, it is important to be aware of the risks. When dealing with angry and aggressive drivers, use caution and take steps to deescalate the situation. This includes: 

• Maintaining your cool at all times;
• Not responding to verbal taunts or hand gestures;
• Not attempting to compete with other drivers;
• Not trying to ‘teach them a lesson’ by engaging in unsafe or aggressive behavior. 

Aggressive Driving Increases Car Accident Risks

Acts of violence between drivers can happen, but car accidents are a more common threat. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), aggressive driving is one of the leading causes of crashes. It includes: 

• Driving too fast for traffic or road conditions;
• Cutting other drivers off when making turns;
• Failure to yield when appropriate;
• Following others too closely, otherwise referred to as tailgating;
• Improper passing;
• Swerving in and out of lanes. 

Unfortunately, nearly 80 percent of drivers admit to losing their cool behind the wheel and engaging in some type of aggressive driving behavior in the preceding 30 days. In addition to endangering their own lives, they create serious risks for others on the road. 

Our Portland Car Accident Attorneys Hold Aggressive Drivers Accountable  

Aggressive drivers can cause you or someone you love to suffer serious personal injuries. At the Johnston Law Firm P.C., we hold them accountable and help you get the compensation you need to recover. To request a consultation with one of our experienced Portland car accident attorneys, contact us online or call (503) 546-3167 today.