It can be difficult driving in California at the best of times. Traffic is usually congested, and people are always in a hurry. Impatient, rude and inattentive drivers surround you wherever you go. It is no surprise that it can be easy to lose your patience. However, before you lose control and decide to get back at the next person who cuts you off by chasing him down and cutting him off in return, consider the fact that you could face serious criminal charges for this type of behavior.
The American Safety Council states that there is a difference between aggressive driving and road rage. If you speed, swerve from lane to lane or tailgate, you are driving aggressively. This behavior can cause accidents, but it would be a traffic offense if you get a ticket. On the other hand, road rage is a criminal offense because you cross the line from driving impatiently to intentionally meaning to cause harm. It does not matter if you acted in the heat of the moment without taking time to consider the consequences. If you participate in road rage and someone gets hurt, you may face assault charges.