Kansas City police investigating a car accident outside of the city found that the driver and passenger in one of the vehicles involved had been killed by gunfire. While investigations are still ongoing, road rage might be the culprit.
Car Accident in Kansas City Caused by Gunfire
The incident happened early in the morning on Saturday, December 24, 2016. At three in the morning, an SUV was traveling westbound on I-70 into the city, 60 miles south of St. Joseph, when it lost control and hit a bridge. The vehicle came to a rest in the middle of the highway, where another car crashed into it.
When police responded to the reports of the accident, they found that both occupants of the SUV – a man and a woman – were dead from gunshot wounds. While the investigation into the incident is still ongoing, police suspect that a third vehicle is involved. This third vehicle was likely where the gunshots came from, which apparently caused the SUV to lose control, hit the bridge, and result in the car accident. Police are still searching for this third vehicle.
The driver of the vehicle that hit the SUV was brought to the hospital, where he is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
The Dangers of Road Rage
Road rage has become a serious problem in the United States, particularly in the past few years. In fact, statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Auto Vantage Auto Club show that two out of every three deaths on the roadway come from aggressive driving. Some of these driving tactics even amount to road rage, which involves driving techniques that are meant to endanger other people on the road.
In the past four years, these instances of road rage have resulted in more than 200 deaths per year, a significant increase over prior years.
How to Avoid Road Rage
Because of the significant dangers of road rage, it is important to avoid it wherever possible. One of the most important things to remember is that reacting to someone else’s road rage with anger only exacerbates the problem. This can quickly escalate the situation until someone takes action that can lead to a serious car accident.
St. Joseph Car Accident Attorneys at the Smith Law Office
Car accidents are frequently life-changing events because they can lead to serious injuries and costly damage to your car. That some people on the road are willing to increase the likelihood of such a crash to get back at someone else on the road is bothersome.
If you have been the victim of someone else’s road rage and gotten hurt because they couldn’t keep their cool, contact the St. Joseph personal injury and car accident attorneys at the Smith Law Office. Our lawyers understand what you are going through and what you need to make a full recovery. Contact us online or at (816) 875-9373.