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Does Road Rage Cause Accidents in Texas?

Hogan Leatherwood

Does Road Rage Cause Accidents in Texas?

Last June, road rage on a Harris County road resulted in a man getting shot and killed. The incident has prompted many drivers in the area to ask if local drivers are becoming more erratic. According to officials from TxDOT, they are a problem in the state.

“There’s a lot of aggressive driving that we’re seeing out there,” said Danny Perez from TxDOT. “Just keep your emotions in check when you get on the road.”

While TxDOT hasn’t supplied road rage statistics, national research shows it’s a serious risk. One major study using NHTSA data found aggressive driving was a factor in 56% of fatal accidents over four years.

According to the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI):

  • About two gun-related road incidents happen daily in the U.S.
  • 50% of drivers tailgate purposefully
  • 12% cut off other cars intentionally

In short: road rage is a real and growing threat on Texas roads.

Aggressive Driving vs. Road Rage: Key Differences

Both terms involve risky behavior, but there’s a critical distinction—intent.

Aggressive Driving: Disregard for Safety

A pattern of unsafe actions showing disregard for others’ safety.

Common behaviors include:

  • Speeding and weaving through traffic
  • Tailgating
  • Cutting off and slowing down in front of other cars
  • Running red lights or stop signs
  • Unsafe lane changes without signaling
  • Blocking others from passing or changing lanes
  • Illegal passing

Road Rage: Aggression Taken to the Extreme

Road rage goes beyond unsafe driving. It includes hostile, violent, or threatening actions.

Examples:

  • Yelling, cursing, offensive gestures
  • Throwing objects at vehicles or occupants
  • Intentional collisions
  • Forcing others off the road
  • Physical assault of drivers or pedestrians

Intent to cause harm is the primary difference. Aggressive driving is usually reckless. Road rage is often malicious.

When and Where It Happens

Rush Hour is Prime Time

  • Nearly 25% of road rage incidents happen between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays.

Texas Road Rage by the Numbers

  • TxDOT logs 3,600+ collisions yearly related to speeding, tailgating, or failure to maintain lane.
  • From 2020–2024, there were:
    • 642 fatalities
    • Nearly 11,000 serious injuries
  • In Harris County, “suspected road rage” reports rose 22% from 2019 to 2023.
  • Dallas and Bexar Counties: over 150 firearm-related roadway assaults over 5 years—about 2 per week.

Aggressive Driving

Usually handled via citations. But if it causes an accident:

  • Victims may sue for negligence
  • All drivers have a legal duty to drive safely

Road Rage

Intentional harm = potential criminal charges and civil lawsuits:

  • Assault or aggravated assault with a vehicle
  • Victims can claim:
    • Medical bills
    • Lost wages
    • Pain and suffering
    • Wrongful death if applicable

The key is proving negligence or recklessness.

Texas Road Rage & Aggressive Driving FAQ

Q: What Criminal Charges Can You Face for Road Rage in Texas?

  • Class C misdemeanor → Second-degree felony if weapons or injuries are involved
  • Texas Penal Code §22.05: “Deadly conduct” or aggravated assault can carry up to 20 years in prison

Q: Will Auto Insurance Cover Damages If I Lose My Temper Behind the Wheel?

  • Most policies exclude intentional acts
  • You could be personally liable

Q: How Do I Report an Aggressive Driver in Real Time?

  • Pull over safely and dial **CHP (247) or 911 if weapons involved
  • Provide car details and direction
  • Dashcam footage can be uploaded later via TxDOT’s “Report Road Rage” portal

Q: Why Does Heat Make Road Rage Worse?

  • High temperatures increase cortisol and reduce frustration tolerance
  • More aggressive citations occur when heat index exceeds 95°F

Q: Can Technology Reduce Road Rage Collisions?

  • Tools like:
    • Dashcams
    • Speed governors
    • ADAS (e.g., adaptive cruise control)
  • Fleet coaching systems have cut aggressive events by up to 40%

Q: How Should I Coach My Teen About Aggressive Drivers?

  • Leave a 3-second following gap
  • Avoid eye contact
  • Pull into a public lot if followed
  • Call 911, don’t engage
  • Use Texas GDL laws to set curfews

Need Help After a Road Rage Incident?

If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s road rage or aggressive driving, talk to a seasoned car accident attorney . They can review your case and explain your options for pursuing compensation.

📞 Call us at (877) 664-6665 for a free consultation.