State police are warning drivers to not engage in “aggressive driving behaviors” as expressway shootings due to road rage increased from last year in Illinois.
Motorists are not only at risk of crashing due to road rage but there is now the danger of being involved in a shooting on the expressway, Illinois State Police (ISP) said on Tuesday.
From January to mid-June, around 35% of Chicagoland expressway shootings the state police responded to were classified as road rage incidents, a big increase from roughly 12% of shootings documented as road rage related in 2021.
In one case, a motorist said he was involved in a road rage incident and his car sustained 20 bullet holes, ISP said.
Motorists should recognize warning signs of aggressive driving and avoid becoming involved.
Signs of aggressive driving include tailgating, cutting off other vehicles, improper lane changes, distracted driving and speeding.
Victims of aggressive driving or road rage incidents should never confront the other driver.
Motorists should avoid aggressive drivers and call 911 to report them.
If an aggressive driver is following a motorist, they should drive to the nearest police department if possible or drive to a well-lit and populated area and call 911.
“Over the past year, we’ve seen an increase in reported road rage incidents escalating into violence,” ISP Director Brendan Kelly said.
“As we head into summer, high temperatures can lead to hot tempers and people losing their cool, even the dangerous or deadly use of firearms. Getting ahead or getting even with another driver is not worth the risk of a deadly crash or violence. Keep calm and stay alive,” Kelly added.