Road rage is aggressive behavior that can result in dangerous accidents and criminal charges. In Minnesota, certain road rage behaviors may lead to legal consequences. This guide explains whether road rage is a crime in Minnesota and what actions can lead to criminal charges.
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What Is Road Rage?
Road rage is defined as aggressive driving behavior that can escalate quickly and result in accidents or injuries. It can range from minor acts like tailgating to more severe actions such as assault. Understanding what constitutes road rage helps clarify its legal implications.
Common Road Rage Behaviors
Examples of road rage include:
- Cutting off other drivers
- Tailgating
- Threatening or yelling at other drivers
- Bumping or sideswiping other vehicles
- Physical assault
These actions can be classified as reckless or careless driving, leading to potential criminal charges.
Is Road Rage a Criminal Offense in Minnesota?
While Minnesota doesn’t have a specific law against road rage, aggressive driving behaviors associated with road rage can lead to criminal charges under reckless and careless driving laws.
Reckless Driving and Careless Driving in Minnesota
- Careless Driving: Operating a vehicle carelessly, showing disregard for others’ safety, or endangering people or property.
- Reckless Driving: Consciously disregarding a substantial and unjustifiable risk of harm to people or property. Reckless driving causing injury or death is considered a gross misdemeanor.
Road Rage and Assault Charges in Minnesota
Road rage can escalate to physical assault, which can lead to misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, or felony charges. Minnesota law includes any act that intentionally causes fear of bodily harm or attempts to inflict bodily harm under assault offenses.
How to Prove Fault in a Road Rage Incident
In accidents caused by road rage, proving fault can be difficult. The court will determine who is at fault based on evidence such as:
- Witness statements
- Video footage
- Vehicle damage
- Driver statements
- Skid marks
What Is Considered Road Rage vs. Aggressive Driving?
While both aggressive driving and road rage are dangerous, they differ in severity. Road rage involves intentional violent behavior, while aggressive driving is more about unsafe driving practices without the intent to harm.
Examples of Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving includes:
- Speeding
- Weaving through traffic
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Tailgating
- Illegal lane changes
While aggressive driving is a traffic violation, road rage is a violent offense.
The Consequences of Road Rage
Road rage can have severe consequences, such as accidents, physical assaults, or even fatalities. In fact, 37% of road rage incidents involve a gun, with road rage leading to 30 murders each year.
How to Handle a Road Rage Incident
If you are a victim of road rage, here’s how to protect yourself:
- Don’t Engage: Avoid reacting or escalating the situation.
- Get to a Safe Place: Pull over to a well-lit, public area.
- Call 911: Report the incident with details like the vehicle description and location.
- Avoid Confrontation: Never leave your vehicle to confront an angry driver.
How to Avoid Road Rage While Driving
Managing stress while driving can help prevent road rage incidents. Follow these tips:
- Be Proactive: Pay attention to other drivers to avoid stressful situations.
- Follow Traffic Laws: Obey traffic laws to reduce conflict with other drivers.
- Stay Courteous: Avoid getting upset over traffic delays or other drivers’ actions.
- Drive Sober: Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as it can increase aggression.
How Sieben Polk P.A. Can Help With Road Rage Incidents
If you’ve been involved in a road rage incident, you may be entitled to compensation for damages or injuries. Our experienced car accident attorneys can help guide you through the legal process.
Get a Free Consultation
Contact Sieben Polk P.A. for a free consultation. Our skilled Eagan car crash lawyers will evaluate your case and help you seek the compensation you deserve. Call (651) 437-3148 or contact us online to get started.
