Holiday Road Rage Results in the Serious Injury of a Local Georgia Man

Rene Valentin, a local Georgia man, was involved in a very minor accident the weekend after Thanksgiving. He reported that another car sideswiped his vehicle near Lenox Mall. He made attempts to get the car to pull over but the driver continued for about a block and a half before stopping. Both drivers exited their vehicles. 

This was when Valentin reported that he was assaulted by the other driver. Valentin ended up with staples and a metal plate in his hand, and the other driver has yet to be tracked down.

Atlanta police said they have a good lead and that they are still investigating.

As a Georgia DUI Lawyer, I will outline what most likely began this incident: the offense of aggressive driving. Aggressive driving is the legal term for what we refer to as road rage. Road rage can sometimes be harmless only resulting in the exchange of harsh words. However, incidents like this occur within the city limits of Atlanta quite frequently. 

Aggressive Driving in Georgia

Aggressive driving in Georgia is defined by the Georgia Code as:

When a person operates a motor vehicle with the intent to annoy, harass, molest, intimidate, injure, or obstruct another person, including without limitation violating Code Section 40-6-42 [Illegal Passing], 40-6-48 [Improper Lane Change in Georgia], 40-6-49 [Following Too Closely], 40-6-123 [Failing to Signal in Georgia], 40-6-184 [Driving Too Slowly], 40-6-312 [Lane Usage by Motorcycles], or 40-6-390 [Reckless Driving] with such intent.

If convicted of aggressive driving, a driver will be guilty of a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature in Georgia. The penalty can include a fine up to $5,000 or by jail time for up to 12 months, or both.  Being classified as a high and aggravated misdemeanor means that the amount of earned time allowance will be limited to no more than 4 days per month for jail sentences. 

Furthermore an aggressive driving conviction will add 6 points to a Georgia Driver's License.

Practice Note

Aggressive driving is not just considered a minor traffic violation - this offense is considered a relatively serious crime, much like DUI in Georgia.

There are many instances of aggressive driving in the state of Georgia. If you have been arrested for a serious traffic violation, contact a Georgia DUI Attorney today.