A lawmaker in Louisiana is hoping to reduce traffic accidents by making aggressive driving a crime.
According to a report from KPLC News, Louisiana Democratic State Representative Sam Jenkins has proposed a new law that will make it a crime to drive aggressively and apparently there could be some public support. According to lawmakers, they believe they can cut down on traffic deaths by getting the people who drive violently in court before fatal accidents occur. A government report suggests that aggressive driving causing 66 percent of traffic deaths.
So what would be deemed “aggressive driving?”
Now, of course, this would be determined by law enforcement on the scene but aggressive driving could be drivers who are tailgating another vehicle, speeding excessively or displaying road rage. If this law gets passed, drivers who display aggressive behavior could be arrested, pay a maximum fine of $500, and possibly lose their driver’s license for 6 months.
Once, I followed a vehicle too closely and didn’t realize it. I guess I was into the music or just in la-la land. But one evening, while driving to my sister’s apartment, a vehicle in front of me slammed on its brakes on I-49. I was watching, so I had enough time to slow down and go around the vehicle. Then that same vehicle started tailgating me, flashing its headlights and then proceeded to follow me to my sister’s place. When I got out, the driver got out and started yelling at me and pointing her finger in my face. Apparently, she was upset because I was following her too close. I told I did not mean to do it. (I really just have a heavy foot and like to be in front of other cars.) She left huffing and puffing. The whole debacle made me realized that people get upset over their space being invaded so it’s best to not follow people too close.
KPLC – State Lawmakers Wants To Make Aggressive Driving A Crime