The Embassy has received increased reporting of road rage incidents in the metropolitan San Jose area. The U.S. National Highway Transportation Safety Administration defines road rage as “anassault precipitated by an incident that occurred on a roadway.” These assaults can take the form of aggressive driving with the intent to cause harm or fear, verbal abuse or threats, physical striking, or any threatening behavior that puts a victim in a state of apprehension for their safety.
Navigating traffic in San Jose can be a stressful endeavor under the best circumstances. Combined with schools returning to session and employees headed back into the office after the holiday season, some drivers may be more likely to engage in aggresive driving and road rage. These common road rage incidents constitute a risk to everyone’s safety.
If you are the target of a road rage incident, be a good witness. Take a mental note describing the aggressor, plate numbers, the make and model of his or her vehicle, and the time and location of the incident. Follow the below guidance and report the incident to the local police as soon as it is safe to do so.
- Ensure your doors are locked and windows are fully closed.
- Avoid engaging the aggressor if at all possible.
- If the situation threatens to escalate, call 911 immediately and request assistance.
- Remove yourself from the situation as soon as it is safe to do so by driving away. Remember not to create a more dangerous situation by driving recklessly.
And, as challenging as it is in San Jose traffic, it’s always a good practice to leave a bit of room for maneuver between your vehicle and those around you.
Report the crime to the OIJ police, and if you need victim’s assistance, report to the American Citizens Services (ACS) Section of the U.S. Embassy at 2519-2590 (from the U.S.: 011-506-2519-2590), or by email to: acssanjose@state.gov.
If your U.S. passport is stolen, please call 2519-2000 Monday-Friday 8am to 4:30pm to report it. You will need to come to the Embassy during business hours to replace your passport. This allows the Embassy to make the necessary notifications that may help catch criminals, including terrorists, who try to buy or use the passport. For additional information, visit our website.
