Casey’s Law would increase road rage penalties in Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — New proposed legislation known as “Casey’s Law” would increase penalties for road rage-related crimes in Rhode Island following the death of a Johnston woman killed in a crash on Route 295 last year.

The bill is sponsored by Rep. Arthur Corvese in partnership with Daniel McKee. The proposal is named in memory of Casey Bassignani, a 23-year-old Johnston woman who died in November after witnesses said another driver forced her vehicle off Route 295 in Cranston.

Under the legislation, courts could impose additional penalties in criminal cases involving road rage behavior.

The proposal would allow:

• Up to a $750 additional fine for misdemeanor convictions
• Up to one additional year of license suspension for misdemeanor offenses
• An additional prison sentence of two to 15 years for felony convictions tied to road rage incidents
• Mandatory fines and longer license suspensions in serious cases

The legislation would also create a Road Rage and Safe Driving Education Fund. Money collected through fines would help pay for public awareness campaigns and education efforts focused on aggressive driving and road safety.

Corvese said road rage incidents are becoming increasingly dangerous, while Governor McKee said drivers who use vehicles to intimidate or endanger others should face tougher consequences.

A matching bill has also been introduced in the Rhode Island Senate by David P. Tikoian.

Casey Bassignani’s family recently testified before lawmakers about the emotional impact of her death and concerns about current penalties available under Rhode Island law.