Bad parking can be annoying, there is no denying that, but normally it does not escalate beyond a few moments of irritation and some frustration at being unable to secure a parking space. However, a video shot in the parking lot of Santa Monica College on Tuesday, May 1 shows how parking over the dividing line between two spaces escalated into a physical altercation, and racial slurs aimed at an African-American woman. According to witnesses, the woman was in the process of moving her car and positioning it correctly within a single parking spot, when the 80-year-old white man started to make racially derogatory comments towards her and eventually resorted to kicking and shoving.
The man in question, Frederic Allan Shinerock, was arrested and taken into custody, where he was cited with misdemeanor battery before being released. Due to the racial slurs, Santa Monica College officials have confirmed the incident is being treated as a hate crime.
Road Rage Contributes to Countless Car Accidents – What You Should Do to Avoid Being Targeted
Although this particular incident took place in a parking lot rather than on the road, it is not unusual for tempers to become frayed and tensions to run high while driving. Road rage contributes to a relatively high proportion of Los Angeles car accidents; the highest across the United States, in fact. According to figures released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
- 66% of all traffic fatalities across the United States are due, at least in part, to road rage
- 37% of aggressive driving incidents involve a firearm of some description
- Young male drivers, still in their teens, are statistically most likely to exhibit aggression while driving
- Around 50% of drivers who have been targeted by road rage admit to responding in an equally aggressive manner, which can cause the situation to escalate dangerously
While you cannot control or predict the behavior of other motorists, there are some guidelines you can follow to help avoid escalation when you are faced with aggressive driving behavior. According to our Los Angeles car accident attorney, this is what you should do to avoid contributing to road rage:
- Always be a courteous and considerate driver. Do not give in to the temptation to become aggressive, or to react to another driver’s aggression
- Never use your smartphone when driving. As well as being incredibly dangerous, this can lead to aggression amongst other motorists
- Never cut in front of queuing vehicles
- Avoid tailgating. Again, it is dangerous in itself, and can also invoke the wrath of other drivers
- Let faster-moving cars pass you
Remember that, although these may help to reduce the likelihood of road rage, you are never responsible for the behavior of other drivers. If you are injured due to road rage, a car accident lawyer in Los Angeles could help you to recover damages in respect of your injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages.
Injured in a Los Angeles Car Accident? Speak to an Experienced Attorney Today
If you have been injured in a car accident, road rage-related, or otherwise, a skilled Los Angeles attorney should be the recipient of one of the first calls you make. To discuss your case with an esteemed and knowledgeable attorney, schedule your free initial consultation by calling us today on 310-997-0904.
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