Interstate Freeway Shooting Injures Child
A freeway shooting in Vacaville injured a minor in Solano County on May 9, and authorities are looking for the shooter. The accident happened along eastbound I-80 near Alamo Drive around 4:20 in the afternoon, according to the report issued by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The child who was injured is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries at the North Bay Medical Center.
Authorities Seeking Driver in Vacaville Freeway Shooting
Officers with the CHP found the vehicle that was struck by at least seven bullets parked in front of the hospital in Fairfield and are trying to determine if the shooting was targeted. Following the shooting, the driver went directly to a hospital to seek care for the child. One bullet casing was found by officers along the interstate in the slow lane. Information is being sought to locate the driver who fired the gun and then fled the scene. Those with any information are asked to call (707) 917-4491, which is the CHP’s Tip Line. Callers can remain anonymous.
Causes of a Freeway Shooting
Although some accidents that involve drivers are intentional due to a personal conflict or other causes, many are the result of road rage or aggressive driving. According to SafeMotorist, 218 murders and 12,610 injuries were attributed to road rage over a period of seven years of monitoring the statistics. In addition, the following statistics are shocking:
- The American Psychological Association reported that about 30 murders each year are caused by road rage.
- AutoVantageClub reports that about 37 percent of incidents caused by aggressive driving involve the use of a firearm.
- CNN reports that incidents of road rage have increased by 500 percent during the last 10-year period.
What Is Road Rage?
Road rage is anger and frustration that leads to aggressive and dangerous actions against other motorists. These actions may include verbal insults and threats, tailgating, horn honking, swerving, brake checking and others. At its extreme, the road rage driver may fire a gun at the other vehicle or try to force it off the road. These are actions that threaten public safety.
What Is the Difference Between Aggressive Driving and Road Rage?
Intent is the main difference between aggressive driving and road rage. Aggressive drivers commit traffic infractions such as speeding, tailgating, or intentionally not allowing another vehicle to pass. In road rage, the driver becomes violent, ramming another vehicle, forcing it off the road, challenging the other driver to fight or worse, such as firing a gun. Statistics on the use of a gun by a driver with road rage by The Trace, which is a nonprofit that focuses on gun violence, include:
- In 2017, gun incidents involving road rage totaled 325.
- In 2016, road rage incidents involving guns were 620.
- In 2014, 257 incidents occurred involving guns that were attributed to road rage.
How a Lawyer Can Help Someone Who Was Injured in a Road Rage Incident
Drivers face enough hazards when on the road. They should not have to fear that another motorist will take out their aggression on them. By locating that driver, they can be held responsible for their actions. An injury lawyer can investigate the incident with the aim of identifying the driver and their vehicle to do just that. By talking to witnesses, reviewing information gathered by local authorities, and checking area surveillance cameras, locating the fleeing driver may be possible.
Vacaville Personal Injury Lawyer
I am Ed Smith, a Vacaville personal injury lawyer. Whether a shooting is intentional or an act of road rage, that person can be held responsible. For our free and friendly advice, contact our injury lawyers at (707) 564-1900 or (800) 404-5400. You can also contact us online if you prefer.
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Photo attribution: Image by Hans Braxmeier from Pixabay
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