Menu
F
r
e
e

C
o
n
s
u
l
t
a
t
i
o
n

How Does Parking Your Car Turn into a Hate Crime? It Happened in Santa Monica

On behalf of The Law Offices of Howard Kornberg Posted in Car Accident

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.

Arrow Prev Prev Next Arrow Next
blog-bg
T
Howard Kornberg has been helping injured victims for over 35 years in
J
Howard's Law Office is undoubtedly the go-to place in Los Angeles for
R
Howard Kornberg and his team were utterly amazing from start to finish
M
Excellent experience! Howard and his team are smart, competent, honest
f
The Law Offices of Howard Kornberg were highly recommend by someone I
T
Despite having to to deal with multiple family members and the death o
M
What a great!! experience I had with the Law Offices of Howard Kornber
P
Working with Howard Kornberg and his associates is like having an exte
E
Mr Kornberg represented me very well in my case resulting in an outsta
A
Howard Kornberg did an impeccable job in representing me in my trial.
A
Mr Kornberg and his staff are truly outstanding. Their diligent and ho
A
The people that work here are honest and straight up, Ana and Robert w
J
I took my "car accident" case to Mr. Kornberg for review. I had been t
J
Howard is an amazing lawyer who gets the job done. He's a great guy, h
M
My experience with this office and Mr. Kornberg was everything I could
H
Howard is a great person to work with and his integrity is unquestione
M
Howard is a phenomenal, exemplary, kind lawyer who will fight for you
C
I needed a good personal injury lawyer, I was injured in a car acciden
R
Does great work and will go out of his way to ensure you get what you
j
Friendly people, very professional, very detail oriented, and he will
R
HCK and staff are amazing!!
C
Positive: Responsiveness
A
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness