NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — We've reported countless cases of road rage in Middle Tennessee in the past few years. The days of honking your horn or shaking a fist are long gone as we're seeing more people pulling out weapons.
Now lawmakers are looking to toughen penalties to keep you safe on the roads.
Senator Jeff Yarbro crafted the Anti-Road Rage Act. It would create a Class E felony for a driver or passenger who recklessly shoots a gun at another driver.
It also creates a Class A misdemeanor for anyone who just flashes a gun at another driver. The average jail stint is 15 days.
The goal is to prevent drivers from being placed in imminent danger of death or serious bodily harm. A few months ago, five bullets were pulled from the engine of a man's car after another driver shot at him on a local interstate. Late last year, Metro Police told us someone in a car opened fire on a woman on I-440.
According to the Gun Violence Archive, between 2019 and 2023 there have been a total of 60 incidents, or an average of 12 incidents per year, of road rage in Tennessee where someone brandished a gun in a threatening way.
Some lawmakers and officials feel there are even more cases that are not reported. This Anti Road Rage Act is being heard in committees in both the House and the Senate today.
Our viewers are the best! When Hannah McDonald highlighted the plight of Serenity Sumler, so many of you immediately stepped up. Serenity stopped to help a driver after spotting a wreck and was hit by another car, resulting in terrible injuries. Without the funds to pay for physical therapy, she was at a loss. Because of the kindness of others - she now can rehab and get back to school. Best of luck to her as she trains to become a chef!
- Carrie Sharp
