Road Rage Turned Fatal South of Atlanta

Fulton County Government Center

Atlanta, Ga. - Another disturbing report has made its way into headlines as authorities south of the City of Atlanta are asking for help from the public.

The incident occurred near Tara Boulevard in Clayton County. According to witnesses, a dispute that appeared as road rage resulted in gunfire. The shooting resulted in the death of a driver who was then left in the roadway. Witnesses reported seeing a black Dodge Journey flee the scene. The investigation is still ongoing.

As an Atlanta DUI Lawyer, I specialize in all offenses related to traffic, alcohol, and drugs. Road rage incidents are common and especially violent within the Metro Atlanta Area, and in today's post, I will focus on the law behind the offense of aggressive driving.

Aggressive Driving

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.

Aggressive driving is classified as 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. 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.

Examples of aggressive driving can include:

• Weaving in and out of lanes of traffic
• Driving at high speeds
• Tailgating
• Forceful merging
• Cutting other drivers off
• Passing in shoulder lanes or no-passing zones

Practice Note

Aggressive driving is a serious offense much like other traffic violations such as DUI in Atlanta. If you have been arrested for such an offense, call our offices now.