According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the average U.S. citizen drives 13,474 miles per year. At times, it feels like many of those miles are filled with selfish speedsters, angry men in pickup trucks, millennials swiping right, and other shiesty individuals. When you really have somewhere to be, it’s hard not become frustrated at the person in the next lane that doesn’t share your sense of urgency. Also, you may be minding your own business and before you know, you’re embroiled in a full on conflict with an irrational individual.
Unfortunately, road rage has become a dangerous part of life for those who frequent Tampa’s highways, but can a road rage incident lead to an arrest? In a number of cases, the answer is yes. While there’s no Florida law against road rage, this type of conflict can lead to an arrest in a number of instances.
This may come as a surprise to many but when you yell at, follow or wave a firearm at an individual to let them know that you mean business, it’s a form of harassment. If a police officer sees it or if an individual feels threatened and calls 9-1-1, it could be grounds for an arrest.
You don’t have to own a gun to get arrested for assault with a weapon. Your car is considered a weapon if you use it to ram or swerve into another vehicle. The court takes these actions serious and taking part in one of them will certainly cause you to need the services of an aggravated assault attorney in Tampa.
In some situations, conflict on the road can elevate quickly. If you get out of your car and attack another individual, you can get arrested for assault. In cases where a weapon was used, an individual can be arrested for aggravated assault. The latter brings with it stiffer penalties.
It’s not easy, but the best thing you can do when you have been wronged on the road or if you have wronged someone is to take a deep breath and keep it moving. There are a number of road rage situations that dissolve as soon as you drive away while others are life changing and deadly. In any case, you must ask yourself, is acting in anger worth it? Most times, the answer is no.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.