Estimated read time: 6-7 minutes
Anger and driving don't mix well, yet many otherwise calm Utahns are increasingly losing their temper behind the wheel and taking out their frustrations on others. Unfortunately, this isn't just about honking or shouting; In many cases, road rage escalates into violence — and even death.
According to a recent KSL report by Becky Bruce, incidents of road rage involving guns in Utah have doubled over the past year.
There's no doubt — road rage is a serious issue that's growing worse. While not every case makes the news, here are some recent incidents that have captured public attention.
Man killed in deadly road rage incident on Highway 201
This recent road rage incident highlights just how dangerous angry driving can be. On Monday, Oct. 7, 50-year-old Jose R. Ramirez died after a heated altercation with another driver led to a deadly shooting.
As Brian Carlson reported for KSL, both cars were driving along Highway 201 when Ramirez's truck cut off the other driver's SUV. Thomas Long, the 44-year-old man driving the SUV retaliated by brake-checking Ramirez and cutting him off. After intentionally crashing into each other multiple times, Long eventually pulled a gun on Ramirez and fired 15 times, according to police. However, he claims it was in self-defense. Ramirez died on the scene.
Long is now being held in the Salt Lake County Jail on multiple charges, including:
Murder involving road rage, a first-degree felony; reckless driving including road rage, a class B misdemeanor, and aggravated assault including road rage, a third-degree felony.
Man fires shot at a slow driver in Taylorsville
In September, 38-year-old Capone Hovietz Dickson was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail after allegedly shooting through another driver's windshield for driving too slowly.
Reporting for KSL, Pat Reavy notes that the victim, who was standing outside his car, was not injured. Dickson fled to a nearby Walmart, where security cameras captured his license plate, leading police to identify him.
Driver with two young kids in the back seat chases another driver and fires 13 rounds
In August, 33-year-old Tony Larod Robinson was arrested and booked into the Salt Lake County Jail after firing 13 rounds from his gun at another driver following a road rage incident.
"At the intersection, Robinson got into an argument with another driver over an undisclosed matter, pulled out a gun and fired multiple rounds, according to the affidavit," Pat Reavy reported for KSL.com.
The saddest part? Robinson's two children, ages 6 and 3, were in the back seat of his car and witnessed the whole thing. Fortunately, no one was injured in this case.
Utah's new road rage law aims to curb future incidents
All of these stories, combined with the troubling statistics of road rage incidents, prompted lawmakers to recently pass a new state road rage law, House Bill 30.
This bill allows law enforcement to increase charges if road rage is a factor in an incident. For example, a class B misdemeanor can be upgraded to a class A misdemeanor. The law also gives judges the power to revoke a driver's license after the first offense if road rage causes a crash and allows for impounding vehicles involved in road rage incidents.
Hopefully, Utah's road rage law will make people think twice before losing their tempers while driving.
What you can do about road rage
Unfortunately, no law can guarantee that every driver will be on their best behavior. While the increase in road rage incidents is alarming, here are some strategies to help you cope with angry drivers:
- Stay calm and avoid retaliation. This might be a hard tip to follow, but the most effective way to prevent a road rage incident is by remaining calm. If another driver is tailgating or cutting you off, resist the urge to retaliate. Avoid making eye contact or engaging in any aggressive gestures. The best strategy is to safely change lanes or let the aggressive driver pass.
- Maintain a safe following distance. Keeping a safe distance from other vehicles can help prevent tailgating situations. If you're being tailgated, consider switching lanes to allow the driver to pass, rather than speeding up or slamming on the brakes. It's a simple move that can quickly diffuse a tense situation.
- Report aggressive drivers. If you witness dangerous or aggressive driving, it's important to report it to the authorities by calling 911. Doing this can help reduce the number of dangerous drivers on the road.
- Practice defensive driving. Defensive driving is about anticipating potential hazards and reacting appropriately. Keeping your focus on the road, staying aware of your surroundings and alert for signs of aggression from other drivers can help you avoid conflict.
- Take a break. Even the calmest people can lose their temper from time to time, so it's important to know how to manage your emotions when they rise. If you feel yourself becoming frustrated, it's important to pull over and take a break. Whether it's a quick stop for water or a deep breath to calm your nerves, giving yourself a moment of respite can help you regain control of your emotions.
Involved in a road rage incident? Contact Parker and McConkie
Road rage incidents can quickly lead to serious legal issues, such as personal injuries, criminal charges, or disputes over fault.
The attorneys at Parker & McConkie are committed to helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of road rage cases. They recently represented a family who lost their daughter from a road rage incident in 2023. Rodney Salm and Michaela Himmleberger were victims of a road rage situation that unfolded on the other side of the highway and that they had nothing to do with. The incident happened on the Cory Wride Memorial Highway on the northwest of Utah Lake. KSL.com reported Rodney's parents were driving in the same area and saw the road closed for a crash, not knowing their son was involved.
Whether you're dealing with property damage, physical injury, criminal accusations, or emotional distress, consulting a lawyer can help you understand your rights and available options. Getting legal advice early on ensures you take the right steps to protect yourself, get the proper compensation and avoid future legal trouble.
The attorneys at Parker & McConkie are committed to helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of road rage cases. They will fight to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
To learn more about how they can assist you, visit parkerandmcconkie.com.
Is road rage in your future? Take the quiz
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