Are Cincinnati’s freeways becoming more dangerous?
In early October of 2021, a driver tried to merge onto I-74 near the Colerain Avenue exit. Another driver, in a silver Toyota, was reportedly not letting this driver merge as quickly as the driver wanted.
The two vehicles got into a heated exchange on the interstate, with one following the other.
As the silver Toyota exited onto the Colerain Avenue exit, the driver of the other car fired a single bullet. The bullet shattered the driver’s-side window, grazed the back of the driver’s head, and lodged into the upholstery of the car.
The driver of the silver Toyota was taken to University of Cincinnati Medical Center. They are expected to make a full recovery.
The shooter is still at large. Cincinnati Police say the driver was in a dark-colored Dodge or Chevy, and that the hood of the vehicle had a hood with gray racing stripes.
Lawyers agree – from Cincinnati dog bite attorneys to Dayton personal injury lawyers – that such altercations should never happen, either in the Tri-State or elsewhere.
What Can You Do?
What should you do if another driver comes at you in a fit of road rage?
Here are ten things to remember:
- Slow Down
Simply reducing your speed can often get you a safe distance away.
- Be Polite As a Driver
Don’t weave between cars, or tailgate. Don’t cut people off. You know how to drive politely.
- Avoid Yelling
Yelling does not help. You may think it does, but it truly does not.
- Do Not Make Rude Gestures
A wave of a fist or a middle finger may seem relatively innocuous to you, but to some people it comes across as a challenge to a duel or a brawl.
- Call a Road Rage Hotline
Ohio’s hotline is 1-877-7-PATROL for the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
- Say You’re Sorry If It Was Your Fault
You may have made a mistake. Everyone does. Apologizing may help diffuse the fury.
- Do Not Compete on Speed
It is not a race, and you have nothing to prove by trying to outpace the other driver. Let them speed ahead if that gets them away from you.
- Pull Over if You Are Distressed
The confrontation may be very upsetting and traumatizing. If you are freaking out, then carefully, gradually, find a way to get off the road. Pulling over to a safe parking spot may be your wisest move.
- Get Distance Between You
Evade their vehicle. Get in a different lane, merge onto another exit. Attempt to avoid being close to them, but without excessive speed.
- Call 911 if They Attack
If it is an emergency, treat it as such.