Road rage in St. Lucie County: Is it out of control?

St. Lucie County has seen an alarming rise in road rage incidents. What’s causing drivers to snap? And what can you do to stay safe?

Last month, a road rage incident in Port St. Lucie made national headlines. A 63-year-old man was arrested after pulling a firearm on another vehicle on Southwest Briarwood Drive after an alleged “brake checking” incident.

Yet, that road rage incident is just one of many in St. Lucie County in recent months. In December 2023, a man was arrested for firing multiple rounds at another vehicle traveling northbound on I-95 just south of Midway Road. The reason? Suspected road rage caused by a minor traffic incident. Similarly, a Fort Pierce man was arrested after pulling a gun on another driver who reportedly “cut him off.”

St. Lucie County is seeing an alarming spike in road rage incidents, and officials fear the trend may continue. Now more than ever, drivers are behaving erratically behind the wheel. While every individual and incident is different, officials believe this is due to the increased stress and frustration that everyone is feeling in today’s high-pressure world. From aggressive driving behaviors to violent confrontations, road rage not only poses a risk to those involved but also to innocent bystanders. In this blog, we explore the reasons why road rage in St. Lucie County is escalating, and most importantly, share tips on how you can protect yourself on the road.

Why is road rage in St. Lucie County escalating?

Recent reports show a disturbing increase in road rage incidents across the country. Recent studies and reports show a disturbing increase in road rage incidents across the globe. In a study published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), aggressive driving is a factor in 56% of all fatal crashes. Even more concerning, an investigation conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that nearly 80% of all drivers admit to experiencing anger, frustration, aggression and road rage while driving at least once in the previous year.

These statistics expose a serious problem: road rage is not just an occasional outburst but a widespread issue that’s only getting worse—and we’re seeing it at home in St. Lucie County. Officials attribute the rise in road rage incidents to increased traffic congestion, longer commute times, and the general stress of modern life. But what exactly is driving this surge in aggressive driving behavior in Port St. Lucie and Fort Pierce?

5 factors contributing to road rage in Port St. Lucie and Fort Pierce

Road rage in Port St. Lucie and Fort Pierce can happen for any reason—and sometimes there isn’t even an obvious trigger. But, here are five of the most common factors that contribute to road rage in St. Lucie County.

• Everyone is under more stress – Scroll through social media, read recent headlines, or turn on the news—our world seems more chaotic, problematic and stressful than ever before. Plus, with work pressures, family responsibilities, and financial stress from the current economy, everyone is feeling overwhelmed and easily agitated. Combine that with the triggers of heavy traffic, congestion, and inconsiderate or reckless driving behaviors, and you get drivers who can snap.

• Distracted driving is pervasive – We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: distracted driving is a huge problem on our roadways. With the rise of smartphones and other in-car technologies, drivers are becoming increasingly distracted. This leads to slower reaction times, sudden braking, or erratic swerves and lane changes than can raise tensions on the road.

• Patience is no longer a virtue – How many times have you been late for work or an event and feel agitated that traffic is moving slowly? Speeding is a growing problem in St. Lucie County. According to the Florida Department of Transportation, speeding contributes to nearly 10% of all Florida traffic fatalities. As patience dwindles and speeding increases, we are seeing a surge in aggressive driving tactics.

• A false sense of security – Just as people will say things online because they feel safe behind their phones or computers, people have a false sense of security when inside their vehicles. Behind the wheel, drivers may display behaviors that they normally wouldn’t display “face-to-face”, and this “road rage mask” can embolden individuals to act more aggressively.

• We live in an aggressive driving culture – Unfortunately, we live in an aggressive driving culture, meaning reckless behaviors are encouraged and can even be contagious. How many times have you seen a driver cut someone off or pass on a shoulder and then see another driver do it as well? Recklessly driving can create a chain reaction. After all, many people assume, “If he or she did it, then I will too.”

Tips to protect yourself from road rage

With road rage in St. Lucie County on the rise, it’s more important than ever to know how to protect yourself from these situations. Don’t become a victim. Here are practical tips to help keep you safe.

• Stay calm and carry on – If you encounter an aggressive driver, the best thing you can do is stay calm and not react. Resist the urge to engage or retaliate. Avoid escalation by not making eye contact and not gesturing, honking, yelling or getting out of your vehicle. Instead, take a deep breath and focus on your own driving.

• Give aggressive drivers space – If you notice a driver behaving erratically, back off. Change lanes, slow down, let them pass, or take an alternate route if possible.

• Report dangerous drivers – If you feel an aggressive driver could cause an accident or harm someone else, report them to the authorities. Provide a description of the vehicle, license plate number, and location, if possible. You could save lives by doing so.

• Drive defensively—not aggressively – Defensive driving is not the same as aggressive driving. Defensive driving means you are practicing safe techniques, such as giving cars plenty of space, being aware of your surroundings, and anticipating the actions of others.

• Avoid distractions – Again, distracted driving is a factor in many accidents and road rage incidents. Avoid distractions by keeping your focus on the road. Don’t text and drive; don’t scroll through social media while behind the wheel; and don’t look up things on your phone.

• Don’t take it personally – Always remember this golden rule: “You never know what someone else is going through.” The other driver may be having a horrible day. They could have just gotten bad news, been fired, lost a loved one, or have relationship troubles. Their anger is not a reflection of you—rather a reflection of their own stress, hurt, and frustration. Don’t let their behavior affect your mood or actions.

Don’t be the next victim. Protect yourself from road rage.

Road rage in St. Lucie County is a growing problem, but you don’t have to be a victim. By understanding why road rage incidents occur and taking proactive steps to protect yourself, you can help reduce the likelihood of this happening to you. Remember, the best way to combat road rage is to stay calm, drive defensively, and always prioritize your wellbeing over confrontation. Stay safe out there St. Lucie County!

Are you a victim of a road rage accident in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach or Okeechobee?

Call 866-930-6435 to speak with one of our accident attorneys now

If you’ve been injured in a road rage accident, it’s crucial to have experienced legal advocates on your side to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. At Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd, and Lloyd, we understand the complexities of road rage cases and the severe impact they can have on your life. Our dedicated team of personal injury attorneys has the expertise and resources to thoroughly investigate your case, hold the responsible parties accountable, and ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering. Don’t face this battle alone—call Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd, and Lloyd today for a free consultation and take the first step towards securing the justice and peace of mind you deserve.

Speak with one of our Florida accident attorneys today. Call 866-930-6435 now for a free consultation.