Bay City Road Rage Turns Deadly as Man Faces Open Murder Charge

Yes, we’ve all gotten frustrated with other drivers. Maybe someone cuts you off. Maybe someone is driving too slowly. Maybe somebody does something that makes you want to lay on the horn.

But letting that frustration turn into road rage can have serious consequences, and in Bay City, an alleged road rage confrontation turned deadly. A motorcyclist was killed last week in a road rage incident that got out of control.

Bay City Motorcyclist Killed in Alleged Road Rage Incident

Derrick Kolba, a 42-year-old from Bay City, is facing an open murder charge after witnesses say he drove his truck over the motorcyclist… twice. The victim has been identified as 33-year-olf Keaton Rousse.

Court documents indicate that the incident happened at South Chilson Street and West Jane Street on Bay City’s west side. According to WJRT, witness say the two were involved in road rage behavior before Kolba ran over Rousse with his pickup truck. Derrik Kolba is being held without bond in the Bay County Jail.

How to Avoid a Road Rage Confrontation

Road rage can be triggered by anything from stress or anxiety to a lack of control in their life. Clinical psychologist Dr. Lasonia Barlow says that drivers need to notice when their emotions are taking over. Take a minute and take a breath before reacting. She told CBS News:

Taking a step back, maybe if you're getting too worked up or anxious, pull over, take a little break, recenter yourself, and work on your nervous system to calm down. Ask yourself, 'Is this really a good idea for me to act this impulsively?' Think about the consequences of your behavior.

Michigan State Police Road Rage Safety Advice

Representatives from Michigan State Police say that every situation is different. There are unique triggers in each case. But aggressive driving and anger remain core factors. MSP encourages drivers to avoid escalating a situation by avoiding aggressive drivers.