SUV Honks for Two Minutes Behind Cyclists, Then Hits Riders and Flees: 70s Driver Arrested in U.S.

Reckless Driving Controversy in Georgia, U.S.
Driver Arrested After Fleeing the Scene
Injured Cyclist Suffers Spinal Fracture

In the United States, controversy has arisen after a man in his 70s drove his vehicle into members of a cycling club during a group ride and fled the scene.

On May 4, Yonhap News TV reported, citing local media such as FOX5 Atlanta, on a recent "road rage" incident in the United States. The incident occurred on April 23 on Sugar Pike Road in Cherokee County, Georgia.

The vehicle that honked passed by a group of cyclists and collided with some riders. During this process, Collins fell onto the road and sustained abrasions on his shoulder, elbow, and knee. CBSNEWS

At the time, members of the North Georgia Cycling Association were participating in their weekly Thursday group ride. In the released footage, an SUV can be seen following the group of cyclists, repeatedly honking its horn. Richard Collins, one of the affected riders, explained in an interview with local media, "The driver threatened us by excessively honking for about two minutes," and recalled, "The vehicle pushed toward our group."

The vehicle then passed by the group of cyclists and collided with some of the riders. During this process, Collins fell onto the road and sustained abrasions on his shoulder, elbow, and knee. According to hospital examinations, he was also diagnosed with a lower spinal fracture. Immediately after the incident, fellow riders checked Collins' condition and began rescue efforts, but the driver left the scene.

The police subsequently arrested the driver, Jerry Wayne Ross, age 72, at a nearby residence. Ross faces a total of six charges, including hit-and-run, reckless driving, and failure to maintain a safe distance from cyclists. Furthermore, Ross sparked public outrage by giving a faint smile toward the camera while his mugshot was being taken right after his arrest. In Georgia, vehicles are required to maintain a minimum safe distance of three feet (approximately 91 centimeters) when passing cyclists. Collins expressed hope that this incident would serve as an opportunity to raise social awareness about the safety of cyclists, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the required safe distance when vehicles overtake bicycles on the road.

Immediately after the incident, fellow riders checked Collins' condition and initiated rescue efforts, but the driver fled the scene. CBSNEWS

This incident has been cited as an example demonstrating that so-called "road rage" can directly result in personal injury to cyclists. Road rage refers to aggressive behaviors such as excessive honking, sudden acceleration or braking, blocking lanes, or threatening driving, which stem from anger or a desire for retaliation while driving. If the conduct extends beyond mere carelessness to include intentional threats or acts of retaliation, it may be subject to criminal prosecution.

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