Atlanta Police Investigating Violent Road Rage Incident

Atlanta Police

Atlanta, Ga. – Atlanta Police are still investigating a case that happened over the weekend in order to determine the cause. A man was pronounced dead yesterday after his vehicle was shot up in the Buckhead area near Piedmont Road.

According to reports, someone opened fire on his vehicle around 3AM early Sunday morning. The cause of the shooting is unknown.

As an Atlanta DUI Lawyer, it is quite possible that this was an exaggerated example of road rage. Shootings happen regularly in traffic within the Metro Atlanta area and the majority of the time, road rage is to blame.

In today's post, I will focus on the offense of aggressive driving which is a predicate to these types of shootings.

Aggressive Driving in Georgia

The Georgia Code defines aggressive driving 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.

According to the statute, aggressive driving just needs to target another person - not just a driver. The aggressive driving could be directed at pedestrians or passengers in other vehicles or even passengers in the same vehicle as the aggressive driver. 

If convicted of aggressive driving, you're guilty of a high and aggravated misdemeanor. This means that the punishment could include a fine up to $5,000, jail time of up to 12 months, or both. 

A conviction for aggressive driving will also add six points to your license. This could lead to a points suspension of your Georgia driver's license if you have accumulated fifteen or more points in a consecutive 24-month period. If you're a driver under 21 years old, any offense that is four points or more will suspend your Georgia driver's license for a six-month period. 

Practice Note

Aggressive driving is considered a serious traffic offense – much like DUI in Atlanta. If you or a loved one has been arrested or cited for a serious traffic violation, contact our offices now. We can help you with your case today.