KINGSTON – Following an armed case of road rage in Luzerne County this week, police are offering tips for drivers who are caught in a confrontation behind the wheel.
Authorities charged Louis Boch on Wednesday, after he allegedly pulled out a gun during a case of road rage, which started on Market Street in Kingston and ended on Public Square in Wilkes-Barre.
According to a list of safety tips posted by PennDOT, victims of road rage should make every attempt to get out of the way, do not challenge the aggressor, avoid eye contact and ignore gestures.
Kingston Police Sgt. Sam Blaski told Newswatch 16 that drivers should also roll up their windows and call 911 about any incident, not follow the driver in pursuit.
“Just get out of there. Get out of the way, don't get involved, don't try to catch up to them, don't do anything like that,” said Blaski. "If you're out there driving away and you make a mistake, you know, pull over, get your bearings back on straight and just go on."
While waiting outside of the PennDOT Driver’s License Center in Hanover Township, Betty Friese said she’s seen too many drivers losing their cool.
"I see all these young kids getting their licenses today; it's pretty scary out there,” said Friese."Even if you’re in the right, give them the right and avoid it at all times. It's easier to say go ahead than to fight. Because, if you have the right of way, it's not worth it; people are crazy anymore.”
PennDOT statistics show that the trend of crashes caused by aggressive driving is on the decline.
Records show that there were around 68,000 crashes reported last year, down from 86,000 wrecks connected to aggressive driving back in 2000.