On October 15th, Julius Smith, the accused, was taken into custody for the misdemeanor charge of simple battery and for the felony charge of aggravated obstruction of a highway of commerce. According to the police report, the complainant alleges that Smith intentionally performed an act placing human life in danger while on a roadway. According to the police report, he passed his own neighborhood to follow the female complainant on Greenwell Springs Road, driving erratically and screaming at the complainant, who was following her boyfriend home. The police report states that, while stopped at the Greenwell Springs/Central Thruway intersection, Smith exited his vehicle and stood outside of the victim’s car door in an attempt to confront her. Smith reached through the open window, put his hands around her neck, and began yelling at her. The complainant’s boyfriend came to her aid and provided a distraction so that Smith released the her. Both the complainant and her boyfriend were able to recall the license plate number of the truck the accused was driving. Smith was positively identified afterward by the complainant and her boyfriend, and he was transported to EBR Parish Prison.
Avoid Road Rage – Protect Yourself & Others
From the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
You know aggressive drivers who weave in and out of traffic, drive too fast on crowded highways, tailgate, scream at you or use obscene gestures. They are a new kind of road hazard.
Let's face it… at one time or another, everyone has been angry while driving. In today's hectic, fast-paced world, it's easy to become frustrated, and increasingly people express their anger when driving. Avoid the consequences of road rage by following these tips.
Control Yourself
Wind down before you crank it up. Avoid making other drivers angry by avoiding anger yourself.
Anticipate situations and make plans accordingly. Regular traffic reports in most cities alert you to the traffic congestion. Learn alternate routes or leave for work earlier.
Take action before stress and fatigue get to you. Learn to spot warning signs and act on them.
If you plan a long journey, take it in stages. Do not remain behind the wheel for more than three hours without a break.
Be Patient & Pay Attention
Don't yell or use obscene gestures.
Don't block the passing lane. Stay to the right if you are obstructing the flow of traffic.
Always signal when changing lanes. Use your horn sparingly.
Don't tailgate.
Cooperate and don't compete on the road. Let other drivers merge into traffic in an orderly fashion.
Don't take another's actions personally. Everybody makes mistakes.
Avoid A Driving Assault
Don't react to another driver's uncivil behavior–avoid eye contact and don't tailgate, accelerate, brake or swerve suddenly, which can be seen as confrontational.
If confronted by an aggressive driver, go to the nearest police station if you continue to be hassled or think you are being followed.
Lock your doors.
When stopped in traffic, leave enough space to pull out from behind the car you are following.
Don't be tempted to start a fight or carry any sort of weapon. These acts may provoke an assault.
For more information on road rage, contact the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) at 202/452-6005.
0 comments