In Indiana, 42-year-old Jason Henkle has been cleared of criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon after shooting 19-year-old Alexander Mozee in a road rage confrontation. Henkle’s charges were dropped following the emergence of video evidence confirming his claim of self-defense.
The incident occurred when Mozee attacked Henkle, prompting Henkle to shoot Mozee twice with his Ruger .380 handgun in response to the assault.
Initially charged, the Allen Superior Court dismissed Henkle’s case, validating his self-defense. Mozee now awaits his court date for charges related to the incident.
That being said, this entire incident could have been avoided, just like all road rage incidents. Especially if you’re carrying a firearm, you can’t be out on the highway playing bumper cars with someone you’re mad at. Not that anyone should be doing that, but you get my point.
Deescalating situations of road rage is crucial for maintaining safety and calm on the roads. Here are some effective techniques to avoid confrontation during a road rage incident:
- Stay Calm: Keeping your own emotions in check can prevent the situation from escalating. Take deep breaths, listen to calming music, or focus on something that relaxes you.
- Avoid Eye Contact: Making eye contact can sometimes be perceived as confrontational or challenging. Instead, look away and focus on the road.
- Do Not Respond: If another driver is yelling or gesturing, do not respond in kind. Ignoring the behavior often defuses the situation as the aggressor realizes they’re not getting a reaction.
- Keep Your Distance: Increase the distance between your vehicle and the aggressive driver’s. This not only ensures your safety but also helps in cooling down the situation.
- Use an Apologetic Gesture: If you realize that your actions may have inadvertently caused annoyance or anger (like accidentally cutting someone off), a simple apologetic wave can go a long way in smoothing things over.
- Stay Inside Your Car: If an aggressive driver tries to engage with you, stay in your vehicle with the windows up and doors locked. Leaving your car can escalate the situation to a dangerous level.
- Drive to a Safe Place: If you feel threatened, drive to a populated area such as a police station or a busy parking lot. Do not drive home if the aggressive driver is following you.
- Report Serious Incidents: If the situation escalates or if you feel that another driver is a danger to others, it’s appropriate to call the police. Remember to provide a description of the vehicle and the nature of the aggression.
Practicing these deescalation techniques can help you navigate stressful situations on the road more safely and effectively.
