Brooklyn Road Rage Incident Results in Death of Off-Duty FDNY Firefighter

Road rage is blamed in the recent death of an off-duty New York City firefighter. The victim was involved in a minor car accident on the Belt Parkway near the Verrazzano Bridge. When he pulled over to the side of the road, the second driver allegedly attacked him, stuck him in the head with a heavy object and fled the scene. The 33-year old victim’s death was ruled a homicide, with the cause of death determined to be blunt force trauma of the head.

U.S. Marshals and members of the New York Police Department tracked down the second driver and arrested him. Murder charges are pending the outcome of an extradition hearing.

What Is Road Rage?

Road rage is violent or aggressive behavior caused by a driver’s unrestrained anger at the actions of another motorist. The “enraged” driver may hit your vehicle with their car; try to run you off the road; exit their car and engage you in a physical confrontation; incite passengers to get involved in the fight; use a weapon to damage you or your vehicle.

Aggressive driving can escalate road rage, particularly because of these behaviors:

· Speeding

· Honking the horn

· Tailgating

· Cutting other drivers off

· Cursing other drivers

· Flashing headlights

Often drivers exhibiting these behaviors have experienced emotional triggers. It’s dangerous for you and others to carry emotional problems over to driving. As responsible drivers, we must take care that aggressive driving does not escalate into road rage.

You Can Protect Yourself Against Road Rage

Here are some practical tips on how to avoid road rage and how to handle a road rage situation:

· Plan ahead for any delays during your journey.

· Stay calm!

· Don’t speed.

· Don’t cut off other vehicles.

· Don’t tailgate. If someone is tailgating you, move over safely.

· If you are being harassed by another driver, use an “I’m sorry” gesture such as a wave to try and defuse the situation.

· Drive in the correct lane on highways and at an appropriate speed.

· Use your horn sparingly.

· Avoid making eye contact with other drivers.

· Give other vehicles plenty of room.

Be courteous when driving! By avoiding road rage situations, you will reduce the risk of harm to you, your passengers and your car.

However, if you feel that you are in imminent danger because of the actions of another driver, call the police.

Let Us Know If You Have Been Injured in an Auto Accident

If you or a family member has been harmed by a car accident, truck accident, construction accident, slip and fall or any other type of personal injury, please contact StolzenbergCortelli, LLC Attorneys at Law immediately. Please call us for a free consultation. Attorneys Howard Stolzenberg and Terrence James Cortelli, personal injury attorneys in White Plains, Nyack and New York City, will fight to secure justice for you and your family. You can reach us at (914) 361 – 4888 or contact us via the website.