Calgary’s police chief isn’t mincing words in the wake of four road rage incidents within the last two weeks.
“Shocking to see what’s gone on and the level of violence that’s associated with them. These acts of cowardice have to stop,” said Chief Roger Chaffin during an interview at city hall on Monday.
Over the weekend, there were two violent run-ins among Calgary drivers. On Saturday morning, a driver had his windows shot out with a pellet gun at 19 Avenue and 33 Street S.E.
READ MORE: Calgary police investigate road rage incident involving pellet gun
On Sunday, another incident took place in the southeast community of Evergreen, when two drivers started honking at each other.
The driver of one vehicle threw a can at the other vehicle and then the other driver retaliated with bear spray.
While these cases strike a chord with Calgarians, police admit it’s hard to say if there’s been an increase.
“There is no specific criminal charge for road rage, it all depends on the circumstances of the incident,” explained Sgt. David DenTandt with the Calgary Police Service’s Traffic Unit. “Typically a person could be charged with property damage or assault.”
READ MORE: Calgary police search for road rage suspects after young mother beaten with hockey stick
As for what sparks these terrifying outbursts, anger management experts believe there’s myriad reasons.
“I think there’s a lot of frustrations going on now where we’re seeing our economy is taking a downturn, some people are overworked, some have different family issues that are going on,” said Rolando Hyman, a psychotherapist with A-1 Counselling.
“We’re also realizing that people have a lot of past hurts and tension so in their driving they just may see that as, ‘here comes another person who wants to bring harm to me.'”
With decades of experience on Calgary roads, DenTandt’s advice is to steer clear of a confrontation, no matter who is at fault.
“If drivers would just mind their own business when they’re out there and worry about themselves, then these incidents wouldn’t happen.”‘
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