ST. LOUIS — According to Missouri’s law 304.012, drivers operating vehicles on roads and highways are obligated to proceed with care at the posted speed limit.

The statute says, “Every person operating a motor vehicle on the roads and highways of this state shall drive the vehicle in a careful and prudent manner and at a rate of speed so as not to endanger the property of another or the life or limb of any person and shall exercise the highest degree of care.”

Yet some drivers let their emotions get the best of them, which can lead to road rage.  Citizens experience “road rage” when they act mean or violently behind the wheel because they are angry at other drivers or think they have done something wrong.

This kind of behavior can include following too close, yelling, honking too much, making rude gestures, or even getting into fights. Basically, it’s a strong emotional response while driving that can lead to dangerous situations on the road.

Missouri clearly recognizes road rage as a crime, considering the arrest of a Missouri mayor when he was arrested regarding an incident with a bicyclist in 2014, the charges were later dropped.

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Law enforcement authorities in Missouri, such as the Springfield Police Department, acknowledge that road rage is not a new problem and expects its continued rise.

Police suggest that road rage may be caused by the increasing number of vehicles on the road and the lack of updated infrastructure to accommodate this growth. As roads become more congested, frustrations can mount, leading to heightened emotions and a greater propensity for aggressive driving behaviors.

Springfield Police offer advice on mitigating road rage incidents, including refraining from cutting off other drivers, avoiding tailgating, refraining from gestures or eye contact with other drivers, and adhering to speed limits.

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Under Missouri law, individuals found guilty of reckless driving face a class B misdemeanor, though this can escalate to a class A misdemeanor if an accident occurs as a result.

Meanwhile, in neighboring Illinois, authorities have launched a campaign titled “Road Rage. Don’t Engage.” aimed at educating the public on identifying signs of road rage and strategies for avoidance.

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