Analysis of Aggressive Driving in Georgia After Road Rage Leads to a Father in Intensive Care

Travis Abbott is in intensive care after being hit in the head with a steel bar after an alleged road-rage incident in Spalding County. 

According to reports, Abbott was driving on US 41 with his wife and their three children. They were allegedly run off the road near Atlanta Motor Speedway by another driver. Abbott then caught up to the driver and got him to stop and asked him what he was doing. The situation progressed, and the other driver then followed the family's car for a few miles and demanded them to pull over. 

The two vehicles pulled into an auto store lot where the two men exited their cars and got into a physical altercation. Then the other driver pulled a steel bar out form his vehicle and hit Abbott in the head. 

The man is still wanted by the Spalding County Sheriff's Office.

As a Georgia DUI Lawyer, I'd like to outline the offense of aggressive driving in Georgia in today's post.

Aggressive Driving in Georgia 

The Georgia Code defines Aggressive Driving in Georgia as:

Driving with the intent to annoy, harass, molest, intimidate, injure, or obstruct another person, including without limitation violating Code Section 40-6-42 [overtaking and passing], 40-6-48 [improper lane change or usage], 40-6-49 [following too closely], 40-6-123 [failing to signal], 40-6-184 [driving too slowly], 40-6-312 [lane usage by motorcycles], or 40-6-390 [reckless driving] with such intent. O.C.G.A. §40-6-397.

Aggressive Driving is classified as Georgia high and aggravated misdemeanor. The punishment could include a fine up to $5,000, jail time of up to 12 months, or both. Moreover, an aggressive driving conviction will also add six points to your license, which has an even greater potential of leading to a driver's license suspension.

Practice Note

The state of Georgia must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Therefore, there must be a demonstration through evidence that the driver had the intent of harassing, annoying, molesting, intimidating, injuring, or obstructing another driver. 

Aggressive driving puts other people at risk which is why Georgia is so strict about enforcing both safe and reasonable driving. 

If you or a loved one has been charged with a DUI in Georgia and your charges include aggressive driving, contact a Georgia DUI Attorney today.