Community members mourned after the recent death of CATS bus driver Ethan Rivera. An angry motorist shot Rivera during a road rage incident. WBTV reports that the CATS transit service called the shooting death a “senseless act of violence.”
How can drivers and riders protect themselves from the threat of a road rage incident? When may someone file charges in a case of road rage?
Road rage still on the increase
ABC News reports that incidents of road rage are still very high. The number of individuals shot due to road rage almost doubled between May 2020 and June 2021.
Though more people work from home, the stress of economic uncertainty and pandemic fatigue has pushed many people to a breaking point. Motorists and passengers do well to recognize that others are under intense pressure, and one aggressive move, whether interpreted correctly or not, can lead to an attack from another driver.
Sound advice for a dangerous situation
Travelers will inevitably make mistakes. A driver may accidentally cut someone off or drive too slowly for someone’s taste. Motorists should remain calm to hopefully diffuse tense situations. Having a dash camera installed to record occurrences is helpful if a case arises and a person needs to prove the order of events. The device may motivate antagonists to behave civilly since any untoward action could be on record.
Road rage remains a threat on North Carolina roads, and too many lives have been tragically lost. Drivers should prepare themselves to protect themselves and their loved ones by acting with restraint if confronted by an aggressive individual.