Road Rage Solicitors

The police and courts treat road rage as a serious problem.  There are many scenarios which can be considered as road rage such as anger from a motorist which is deemed to create an intimidating driving environment on the road with actions, such as: tailgating, gesturing, shouting, staring, flashing headlights and sudden braking; but actions such as speeding, can also be considered a form of aggressive driving.

What is road rage?

Road rage is aggressive or angry behaviour exhibited by motorists. The term is widely used to cover anything from verbal abuse, threats, criminal damage, and physical violence from drivers.

How common is road rage in the UK?

The police are frequently dealing with road rage matters on UK roads with almost two in three (62%) drivers experience road rage, with almost one in three (30%) reporting they had experienced a face-to-face confrontation with another driver. 

Is Road Rage a criminal offence?

Although there is no specific offence of “Road Rage” in the UK, poor standards of behaviour on the road, involving road rage, can be classed as dangerous or careless driving.

Furthermore, swearing or gesturing at other drivers, often a result of road rage, can be considered disorderly conduct. The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 empowers law enforcement to take action against such behaviour; and further charges will be brought if the abuse is target at a driver based on their race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or gender.

If a road rage incident results in damage to a vehicle or property, this might constitute the offence of criminal damage, and the perpetrator can be charged under the Criminal Damage Act 1971.

If physical violence is involved, such as punching, kicking, pushing and receiving a genuine threat of violence, this will involve charges for Assault.

Road Rage Solicitors

If you are under investigation or being charged for road traffic offences, Lucinda Dore Road Traffic Solicitors are road traffic specialists and have more than 20-years’ experience representing clients who have been involved in road rage incidents. We can attend the police station with you, prepare statutory defences when applicable and defend against charges of alleged offences, such as driving without due care and attention, dangerous driving, speeding, criminal damage and/or assault.