Niles Woman Killed in Suspected Road Rage Collision in South Loop

On Saturday, September 14, Giselle Chavez, a 21-year-old Nile resident, lost her life in a road rage accident on the South Loop.  

Per the Chicago Sun-Times: 

“Police Monday were looking for two motorists, including the driver of a red pickup truck equipped with a tow-conversion kit that allegedly “rammed” the woman’s SUV, apparently mistaking her for another driver that had just rear-ended the red truck. 

Giselle Chavez was behind the wheel of her sister’s 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe when it was “rammed” at about 2:15 a.m. Saturday by the red truck in the 100 block of West Roosevelt Road, according to reports obtained by the Sun-Times. 

Chavez lost control of the Tahoe and crashed into a nearby building and utility pole, according to the reports. All occupants were thrown from the Tahoe and landed on a sidewalk.” 

Minutes earlier, Chavez and her two passengers were eastbound in the 600 block of West Roosevelt Road, behind a 1994 Chevy Blazer. The Chevy Blazer was behind a red tow truck. The Blazer suddenly rear-ended the tow truck and sped away from the scene, leaving Chavez’s vehicle behind the tow truck. 

Reports say, “As the Blazer disappeared east on Roosevelt, the tow truck driver, apparently thinking the Tahoe now behind it was the vehicle that rear-ended him, reversed into the Tahoe and began racing after it when Chavez tried to drive away, eventually ramming it, causing her death.” 

The tow truck driver and the Blazer driver fled the scene and are not in custody as of this writing. The passengers in Chavez’s car were taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in critical condition with head injuries. 

More background on road rage

The term “road rage” is typically used to describe an extreme form of aggressive driving in which drivers exhibit anger or violent behavior towards other drivers. Law enforcement doesn’t usually track road rage as a specific offense category; these offenses usually fall under aggressive or reckless driving. 

The American Automobile Association (AAA) defines road rage as “a violent criminal act involving an intention to cause physical harm.” A study by the AAA Foundation reviewed over 10,000 road rage incidents committed over seven years and found that they resulted in around 218 murders and 12,610 injuries.  

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) describes road rage as “an intentional assault by a driver or passenger with a motor vehicle or a weapon that occurs on the roadway or is precipitated by an incident on the roadway.” 

Because road rage’s definitions vary and road rage isn’t typically tracked by law enforcement, it’s difficult to understand exactly how common it is. However, 2020 research by AAA reveals that as many as eight in ten Americans have engaged in aggressive driving behaviors like running red lights or flipping off another driver. 

Other aggressive driving behaviors reported by AAA include: 

• Switching lanes quickly/or very close to another car 

• Making rude gestures or honking at other drivers 

• Driving 15mph over the speed limit on a freeway 

• Driving through a red light 

• Passing in front of a vehicle at less than a car length 

• Speeding up when another vehicle tried to overtake them 

• Following a vehicle in front of them closely  

• Preventing another vehicle from merging 

• Merging into traffic even when there is no space between vehicles 

How can I help prevent aggressive driving? 

You may see other drivers doing things that are inconsiderate or even illegal. AAA reminds motorists not to respond personally and to follow the rules of the road. Safe driving tips they offered include: 

• Maintain an adequate following distance. 

• Use your turn signals. 

• Allow others to merge. 

• Use high beams responsibly. 

• Tap your horn only if you must. 

• Be considerate in parking lots. 

If involved in a confrontation with another driver, take this advice into consideration: 

• Avoid eye contact with angry and aggressive drivers. 

• Don’t respond to aggression with more aggression. 

• If you feel you’re in danger, drive to a public place, like a police station, hospital, or fire station. 

• If confronted, remain as calm and courteous as possible. 

• If you feel threatened, call 911. 

If you or a loved one were injured in an aggressive driving accident that wasn’t your fault, the experienced personal injury lawyers at Gainsberg Law in Chicago can help. Call us today to protect your rights and let us work to ensure a fair outcome on your behalf. Let us handle the legal issues while you focus on your health and recovery. To schedule a free consultation with one of our Chicago car accident attorneys, call our office or submit our contact form.