BAZETTA TWP., Ohio - A Bazetta Township man who recently pled guilty to his involvement in a road rage case has learned his fate on Wednesday.

Brett Budd was sentenced to 90 days in jail on two misdemeanor counts of assault, as well as one felony count of discharging a firearm on or near a prohibited premise.

He was also ordered to have no contact with any of his victims and he must complete anger management classes. He is also prohibited from owning firearms.

Budd's charges stem from an incident in February of 2024 when Budd drove away after rear ending another vehicle while driving a pickup truck in Howland.

Police said the driver followed the truck to a home on McCreary Jacoby Road in Bazetta and got out of the car. That's when Budd pulled out a gun. The driver was taken to the hospital with a gunshot wound to the hand.

Budd will spend time behind bars for the crime but incidents like this one are popping up more in the state.

In a recent study from Forbes Advisor, Ohio ranked 24th in states with most confrontational drivers.

“The number one reaction ... that triggers road rage is when you're honking the horn in anger and frustration,” Rick Sykes, the founder and CEO of Don’t Engage N’ Road Rage said. 

Don’t Engage N’ Road Rage is a Michigan based non-profit that aims to teach drivers how to keep the peace. Sykes says leaving on time and listening to music are a few thing you can do to help keep a level head.

“The most important thing is for you to stay calm, don't take it personal,” Sykes said. “We like to use the three R’s. Be respectful, responsible and reasonable.”

Sykes tells drivers to avoid tailgating and rude gestures if something happens while getting to your destination. Above all, if you feel unsafe in a situation because of another driver's road rage, navigate to safety.

“Most of the tragic situations that are happening is when people engage,” Sykes said. “You can only control yourself so you have to be highly alert especially when you know a person is being overly aggressive in their driving.”

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