What To Do If a Road Rager Goes After You

In the wake of a recent high-profile road rage incident in Pasadena, police are urging drivers to stay calm if they become involved in such a situation and immediately report any aggressive behavior on the roads.

In the widely-reported incident, a man believed by authorities to be Nathaniel Walter Radimak, 36, allegedly chased down a driver in East Pasadena and attacked their vehicle with a metal pipe. Radimak then reportedly carried out multiple similar attacks on other cars in Los Angeles County over ensuing days, smashing windows and mirrors of at least 12 vehicles before he was arrested. He is being held on $1 million bail and faces up to 16 years in state prison if convicted.

Road rage incidents can be terrifying, but knowing what to do in such situations can help keep drivers safe. 

The Pasadena Police Department said it recorded 16 road rage incidents in the city between January and May last year, before switching to a new computer system that does not have a marker to track such cases. Some of these incidents may have resulted in injuries, accidents or property damage, but police said they do not have reliable data on those outcomes.

“All Southern California experiences road congestion and Pasadena is no different,” said a spokesperson for the department. “We ask drivers to be courteous and respectful of each other and avoid any actions that could escalate into road rage.”

Pasadena Police Lt. Marcia Taglioretti said the department participates in grant-funded educational outreach programs where traffic officers teach community members about risky driving behaviors, including road rage. 

Drivers should give themselves enough time to get to where they’re going, refrain from driving while experiencing intense emotions, practice safe driving habits, be understanding of other drivers, and only use their horn when necessary.

To prevent road rage from escalating while on the road, Taglioretti recommended motorists be vigilant and identify the signs and precursors of aggressive driving, such as tailgating, speeding, cutting off other drivers, running red lights and stop signs, swerving in and out of traffic, throwing objects at other vehicles or screaming at other drivers.

If you encounter a road rager, do not engage with them or retaliate, Taglioretti said. Try to escape them safely and call 911 if you feel threatened or witness a crime.

Contact local law enforcement, and the dispatch operator will give you instructions on what to do. Agencies have different protocols, but drivers may be asked to drive to the police station so officers can meet them there. Drivers may be directed to turn on their hazard lights as they drive to the police station so that responding officers can tell which vehicle is requesting assistance.

For more information on road rage prevention and reporting, contact the Pasadena Police Department at (626) 744-4501 or visit www.cityofpasadena.net/police.