Extreme Road Rage and Example of Aggressive Driving in Alpharetta

Reports out of Alpharetta covered a disturbing story about Austin Cape experiencing what was described as extreme road rage last week. According to reports, Cape was driving with his children in the car when he drove in front of another driver, Jonathan Rucks. Rucks said that Cape drove in front of him and slammed on his brakes. He then tried to run Rucks off the road before a busier intersection. At the intersection, he got out of his car, kicked in Rucks door, and allegedly punched Rucks in the face in front of his children. He then drove away.

As a Georgia DUI Lawyer, I would like to cover the precursor crime to this strings of offenses which would most likely be aggressive driving. Not many people are aware of the crime of aggressive driving in Georgia nor what actions constitute this offense.

Aggressive Driving in Georgia

Aggressive Driving in Georgia is defined by the Georgia Code in O.C.G.A. §40-6-397 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.

More simply - aggressive driving refers to selfish, unsafe and risky driving behavior that shows the deliberate disregard for the safety of other drivers.

Aggressive driving behaviors include: weaving in and out of traffic, changing lanes without signaling, passing in no-passing zones or emergency lanes, forceful merging, failing to yield, cutting off other drivers at close range, speeding, inappropriate gesturing and hand signals, inappropriate use of horns, flashing headlights, and tailgating.

An aggressive driving conviction will add 6 points to your license. The crime of aggressive driving is a serious misdemeanor offense that can result in potential time in jail, plus any related driving consequences.

Practice Note

As I stated above - aggressive driving is a serious offense in the state of Georgia. It usually leads to other offenses if the situation gets heated enough. If you or a loved one has been arrested or received a citation for a serious traffic violation - such as DUI in Georgia - contact our offices today.

A Georgia DUI Attorney is here and knows how to handle all different types of cases. Call us now.