Between 2014 and 2023, there were a total of 481 shootings and 777 deaths in road rage-related incidents across America according to a study done by The Trace. In Utah, we saw 27 deaths in 2023 and four so far into 2024 related to road rage and aggressive driving. But as of Monday, July 1, a new enhancement system aims to help lower road rage-related incidents in Utah.

House Bill 30, also known as the “Road Rage Amendments” was passed by the Utah State Legislature during the 2024 general session. This legislation gives road rage a concrete definition, the bill reads,” “Road rage event” means the commission of a criminal offense: (i) by an operator of a vehicle; (ii) in response to an incident that occurs or escalates upon a roadway; and (iii) with the intent to endanger or intimidate an individual in another vehicle.”

This legislation also attempts to discourage drivers from engaging in aggressive driving techniques or engaging in road rage incidents through more severe penalties being imposed against perpetrators, including charge enhancements, possible vehicle impoundment and the possible suspension of driver’s licenses. The bill essentially operates by enhancing crimes at an additional level. For example, if you commit what would normally be a class B misdemeanor if it occurs during a road rage incident it would be increased to a class A misdemeanor.

In addition to this, funds were also allocated to a road rage education program that aims to educate Utahns about the dangers of road rage through the use of videos emphasizing the dangers of road rage. The bill also aims to improve data collection from these incidents to gain a better understanding of these incidents.