The recent spate of viral videos showing the modern phenomenon of road rage has brought the topic into sharp focus. The expression only became commonplace in the 1990s when it became apparent that drivers were becoming generally more impatient and, in some cases, aggressive to each other

Man chased and pulled over by police

It is well known that anger can be detrimental to anyone’s health and even more so when it spirals completely out of control. Offences of careless and dangerous driving can very often occur during or in the aftermath of road rage incidents.

In this technology driven age, if the state is not watching on CCTV the public may well be later on as in-car video is becoming more widespread as are smaller devices fitted to motorcycle helmets. These days there are more reasons than ever to think twice before giving it “the big I am.”

There is no specific offence of “road rage” in law. However, there are a whole range of offences within the Public Order Act which cover disorderly behaviour, such as causing harassment, alarm and distress. These offences can occur even where there is no actual threat of violence. If fear of imminent physical alarm is caused, even where there may have been no actual violence, the offence of common assault may have taken place. All these offences can carry a custodial sentence.

Britain has developed an enviable road safety record over the years. Less deaths occur here than anywhere else in Europe in spite of the fact that we have the busiest roads. It could therefore be regarded as something of an anomaly that more drivers experience road rage here than anywhere else in the world. Perhaps a little bit of anger is not always a bad thing if it prevents something more serious taking place?

If you are concerned about the consequences of road rage, we recommend you visit an anger management counsellor – plenty are available and have listings on the internet.

If you’re already in danger of being convicted of careless and/or dangerous driving, then contact us at any time for legal advice on 08004334678.