Following a road rage-related crash this past weekend on Centennial Road that involved three vehicles and resulted in severe damage, including one vehicle being split in half, Salina311 submitted follow-up questions to the Salina Police Department regarding road rage incidents and how they are handled locally.
The Salina Police Department said reports of road rage are sporadic and not concentrated in any one area of the city. According to SPD, incidents are reported from various locations across Salina.
Police noted they receive multiple calls each week reporting “erratic driving” or “fast and careless” behavior. In many of those cases, callers provide a vehicle description, direction of travel, and location but do not wish to be listed as a witness, instead reporting the behavior so officers can attempt to locate the vehicle.
SPD explained that traffic citations related to road rage or aggressive driving can only be issued under certain circumstances. If an officer directly observes a traffic violation, enforcement action can be taken immediately. However, if law enforcement does not witness the violation, a citation requires a willing witness who is prepared to provide a written statement and testify in court if necessary.
The department also shared guidance for drivers who believe they are being targeted by aggressive or road rage behavior.
SPD recommends that drivers:
- Drive to a populated area, such as a gas station, grocery store, or police department
- Avoid driving to their own residence
- Do not make eye contact or gestures
- Avoid escalating the situation
- Slow down or change lanes when possible to allow the other driver to move on
If a driver feels threatened or believes their safety is at risk, SPD advises calling 911 immediately. Callers should be prepared to provide dispatchers with:
- A vehicle description
- License plate information, if available
- Direction of travel
- A description of the other driver, if possible
Salina Police emphasized that timely and detailed information helps officers respond more effectively, particularly in fast-moving situations involving aggressive driving.
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