Charleston Residents Urged to Stay Calm Amid Rising Road Rage Incidents

Charleston Residents Urged to Stay Calm Amid Rising Road Rage Incidents

Charleston, S.C. — As we approach the bustling holiday season, it seems that our roads are becoming a bit more chaotic, and not just because of the extra traffic. The Charleston Police Department is sounding the alarm about a concerning increase in road rage incidents—particularly those involving firearms. If you’re driving around the city, you might want to rethink how you react behind the wheel.

Four Disturbing Incidents in Just Three Weeks

In a troubling series of events, four road rage incidents have been reported in Charleston over the past three weeks, each incident escalating to involve firearms. Sgt. Chris Stinson of the Charleston Police Department expressed serious concern: “These most recent incidents involved weapons. So that obviously takes it to a higher level.”

But what’s driving this spike? According to reports, road rage incidents have surged dramatically across the country. In fact, a study revealed that road rage incidents have increased by a staggering 500% in the last decade! It’s evident that this isn’t just a Charleston problem—it’s a national trend that continues to escalate as the population grows and the roads become more congested.

More Challenging Driving Conditions

Local businesses are also feeling the impact of these incidents. Mal Edwards, manager of Palmetto Carriage, a popular horse-drawn carriage business in downtown Charleston, shared his observations. “With what we do and being out on the streets, it’s just more congested. There are more people, more buildings, more construction, and it’s just more crowded,” Edwards noted.

He added, “People are not slowing down. They’re trying more aggressive ways to maneuver on the peninsula, which is scary. We had an employee get hit by a car with someone who was going the wrong way down Market Street.” The cramped streets can turn even harmless traffic into a dangerous game of patience.

Gun Violence and Road Rage

Statistics from the Gun Violence Archive paint a sobering picture. By October 2024, there have already been 116 fatalities in the U.S. attributed to road rage incidents involving guns—a slight increase from the previous year’s numbers. This spike puts an even greater emphasis on safety both for drivers and pedestrians alike.

What to Do If You Encounter Road Rage

So how can drivers keep cool during these tense moments? Sgt. Stinson encourages the public to heed a few simple tips: “We’re just asking people to be patient, be calm, take a couple seconds, take a deep breath, and avoid these dangerous situations.” And if you spot anyone driving recklessly, don’t engage; simply contact the police and let them handle it.

A Call for More Visibility

Edwards has an interesting suggestion: “I would love to see more horse-mounted patrol on the streets. I think they do a great job, and if there’s any new data that comes out that points out a problem, they’re addressing it. Charleston is the friendliest city in America; we want to keep it that way.”

As the holidays approach and roadways get busier, it’s vital that we all take extra care. Let’s work together to ensure that our streets remain safe and enjoyable for everyone. Remember—when it comes to road rage, it’s best to stay calm, keep your cool, and definitely “See something, say something.” Together, we can all do our part to make Charleston a better place to drive!