Ex-NFL player Joe McKnight was killed in another apparent road rage incident near New Orleans. According to a CNN report, McKnight was fatally shot as he stood beside the car of another man. Reports claim that McKnight and another man may have been arguing about an incident that began on the Crescent City Connection when one man cut the other man off. Both men continued driving into Terrytown, a New Orleans suburb, where the fatal shooting took place.
McKnight had parked his vehicle on the side of the road and was in a heated argument with the other driver. Witnesses have said that the men were arguing when Gasser, the driver of the other vehicle, shot McKnight three times through the passenger window of Gasser’s vehicle. Gasser did not leave the scene. He remained until police arrived and peacefully surrendered himself and his firearm to the police.
Second NFL Player to Die in New Orleans
McKnight is the second former NFL player to die in an apparent road rage incident in New Orleans this year. In April, Will Smith, who played defensive end for the Saints was shot and killed after a minor car crash, according to an ESPN report. Smith was shot to death after he and another driver exchanged words following the collision. Smith’s wife, Racquel, was also shot by the same person. The incident took place in New Orleans’ Lower Garden District. The trial for the man accused of killing Smith and shooting Smith’s wife is set to begin this week.
Road Rage Becoming a Serious Problem
Road rage is a growing problem throughout the United States. In a recent study released by the AAA Foundation, “nearly 80 percent of drivers expressed significant anger, aggression or road rage behind the wheel at least once in the past year.” The study found that drivers engaged in aggressive driving behaviors including:
- Purposefully ramming or bumping another vehicle
- Getting out of the vehicle to confront another driver
- Purposefully cutting off other drivers
- Preventing another driver from changing lines by blocking the driver
- Using angry gestures
- Honking the horn in anger
- Yelling at other drivers
- Tailgating
As the tragic stories above illustrate, the consequences of road rage can be dangerous. If you encounter an aggressive driver, it is best not to provoke the driver by responding to the aggression. Avoid eye contact, give the driver more room, and call 911 for help, if necessary.
For more information on how to avoid aggressive driving and what to do if you encounter an aggressive driver, visit the aggressive driving web page for AAA Exchange.
Do You Need Help with A Road Rage Accident?
If you have been injured because of an aggressive driver, you have legal rights. You may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries, damages, and losses. Contact Attorney Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm to discuss your case in detail.
Contact our office by telephone at (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to schedule a free legal consultation with a New Orleans car accident attorney. You should not bear the financial burden of a car accident caused by an aggressive driver. Let us help you hold the driver responsible for your injuries accountable for his or her actions.