Road Rage in Lafayette: What You Can Do and When to Call Police

LAFAYETTE, La. - There was a road rage incident on a busy roadway near Lebanon, Tennessee that went viral recently.

What Led to the Viral Road Rage Incident

While what sparked the dispute is unclear, at some point, the two men got out of their cars arguing and things escalated with one of them pulling a gun and firing shots. Thankfully, no one was hit. An off-duty law enforcement officer was nearby and was able to intervene just as police arrived. The gunman was arrested and later released on bond.

Why Road Rage is Becoming More Common

'Unfortunately, these days, road rage is more prominent than ever before. People are generally in more of a hurry and simply lacking in patience seemingly more than ever.

READ MORE - Secrets Revealed: Are Lafayette Traffic Lights on a Timer? 

While one of the men in the above story/video seemed to be a lot less at fault, he could have done things differently, most notably by not getting out of his vehicle to confront the other driver.

Steps Lafayette Drivers Can Take to Stay Safe

If you encounter road rage in Lafayette, Louisiana, for example, there are some things you can do to diffuse the situation. Here are some general advice to follow should you find yourself confronted with a road rage situation.

What You Can Do

• Do Not Engage: Avoid honking, yelling, or making aggressive gestures, as this escalates a volatile situation.
• Stay in Your Vehicle: Keep your doors locked, your windows rolled up, and never exit your car to confront another driver.
• Prioritize Your Safety: Allow the aggressive driver to pass. If you continue to follow you, drive directly to the nearest Lafayette Police Department headquarters (900 E. University Avenue) or a busy, public setting.
• Gather Evidence: If it is safe, and you can do so without engaging the driver, capture photos of their license plate, vehicle description, and any damage.

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When to Call Police for Road Rage Incidents

• Call 911 Immediately: If you are actively being followed, threatened, or if the other driver brandishes a weapon, pull over when safe and dial emergency services.
• After a Road Rage Collision: If the aggressive driving results in a crash, contact 911 right away. Under Louisiana's reckless operation laws, intentional or highly reckless driving is a criminal offense, and a police report will be vital for any insurance claims.
• Non-Emergency Assistance: If you were the victim of past erratic driving but the immediate danger has passed, contact the Lafayette Police Department non-emergency dispatch at (337) 291-8600 to file a report. If the incident occurred in the surrounding parish, you can reach the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office at (337) 232-9211.

Again, use common sense in these situations and allow cooler heads to prevail as it is just never worth putting you or your loved ones in harms way just to be right or prove a point to a fellow frustrated driver.