First Case of Road Rage and Aggressive Driving of the New Year in Georgia

Authorities in Hall County are requesting anyone who has seen a pick-up truck with damage to its front-end to contact them immediately.

According to reports, a driver reported a road rage incident to the police after an unidentified driver rammed into the back of his vehicle on I-985. The driver allegedly was chased down the highway by the unidentified suspect trailing him with the headlights of his vehicle turned off.

In today's post, I will outline the offense of aggressive driving. If this suspect is found, however, and the the facts reported are true, then he will be charged with more than just this traffic violation.

Aggressive Driving in Georgia

The Georgia Code defines aggressive driving in Georgia in the following statute.

(a) A person commits the offense of aggressive driving when he or she operates any motor vehicle with the intent to annoy, harass, molest, intimidate, injure, or obstruct another person, including without limitation violating Code Section 40-6-42 (Unlawful Passing in Georgia), 40-6-48 (Improper Lane Change in Georgia), 40-6-49 (Following Too Closely in Georgia), 40-6-123 (Failure to Signal in Georgia), 40-6-184 (Driving Too Slowly in Georgia), 40-6-312 (Lane Usage by Motorcycles in Georgia), or 40-6-390 (Reckless Driving in Georgia) with such intent. (b) Any person convicted of aggressive driving shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature.

Aggressive driving behavior can include the following:

• Weaving in and out of traffic
• Changing lanes without signaling
• Passing in no-passing zones
• Failing to yield
• Cutting other drivers off
• Speeding
• Flashing headlights
• Tailgating

Practice Note

As a Georgia DUI Lawyer, I can best describe aggressive driving as both unsafe and risky driving behavior that shows a disregard for the safety of other drivers. However, there are scenarios in which aggressive driving - just as with any other traffic violation - a person is wrongly accused.

If you or a loved one has been arrested or has received a serious traffic citation, contact our offices today.