Road rage is a growing problem, according to AAA and the consequences can have devastating effects on families, especially during holidays.
SAN ANTONIO — Road rage is a growing problem on U.S. roadways, that’s according to AAA. The consequences can have devastating effects on families, especially during the holidays.
Lori Rocha is the mother of Aaron Rocha. Eight years ago, Aaron was killed during a road rage incident on the northside. Since then, Lori has been fighting for justice in honor of Aaron, spreading awareness about the dangers of aggressive driving.
“It turns into road rage, you know and then it turns into, well in Aaron’s case, murder,” said Lori Rocha, Aaron’s mother.
According to police, on November 26, 2016, Aaron was the passenger in a blue Ford Explorer, when someone drove up and opened fire on the vehicle, killing him. The shooting took place on Huebner Road, near Lockhill-Selma.
No arrests have been made in the case.
“Aaron, you know, deserves justice and this person needs to be held accountable,” said Rocha.
The incident happened just two days after Thanksgiving. For Rocha, the holidays are not the same but she continues to celebrate them in honor of Aaron’s love for the holidays.
“You can either die with your child or live for them, so I take him with me into every holiday. There’s a place set for him at Thanksgiving, his stocking and his Christmas bear is in the chair,” said Rocha.
With many hitting the roadways this holiday season, AAA wants to make sure you and your passengers arrive safely to your destination.
“If another driver is engaging with you don’t engage back, let them go on their way. Don’t let their bad day, become your bad day,” said Doug Shupe, Spokesperson AAA.
Shupe says don’t engage with aggressive drivers.
“Don’t make any obscene gestures. Don’t use the horn unless you absolutely have to, because that could set another driver off,” said Shupe.
Shupe also says be a courteous driver. Allow yourself plenty of room between you and other drivers and move over and let other drivers pass if your in the fast lane and don’t slam on your breaks suddenly.
If you do find yourself engaged with an aggressive driver, drive to a safe public space like a fire, police station or hospital. Shupe says don’t drive to your home.
As for Rocha, she will continue fighting for justice for Aaron.
“I will continue until I cannot do it any longer,” she said.
If you know anything about Aaron Rocha’s murder, San Antonio Crime Stoppers is offering up to a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and remember, you can remain anonymous. You can call Crime Stoppers at 210-224-STOP.
Rocha also wants to let the public know, if there are parents dealing with the loss of a child, and the murder is solved or unsolved, she can be reached through her Facebook page, Justice for Aaron.
Rocha has a group of mothers and fathers that meet to support each other. She says the support is very important and it helps to talk with other parents.