Road rage is defined as anger caused by the stress and frustration involved in driving a motor vehicle in difficult conditions. Road rage can take many forms and is not a crime. However, the actions associated with road rage can be. Many times feelings of aggression associated with driving can turn into physical altercations. At that point, road rage becomes a crime. These incidents can result in serious criminal penalties, and in Florida with Stand Your Ground, it can result in death.
Consequences of Road Rage
When you are behind the wheel of a motor vehicle, the law sees you as being in control of a potentially deadly weapon. Any act of aggression, which would be, at worst, a misdemeanor if you did it standing on a street corner, can become a serious felony. For example, intentionally touching someone without their consent is a misdemeanor battery. Intentionally touching someone with your car becomes aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Aggravated battery is a felony punishable by up to 15 years in state prison. Just swerving at someone in another vehicle can be aggravated assault, a felony punishable by up to five years in state prison.