Casey’s Law adds tougher road rage penalties in Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Rhode Island is increasing penalties for certain road rage offenses under a new law named after a Johnston woman who was killed in a crash on Route 295.

Gov. Daniel J. McKee signed Casey’s Law at the State House after the General Assembly approved the legislation June 10. The law was sponsored by Senate Majority Whip David P. Tikoian and Rep. Arthur J. Corvese.

The law honors Casey Bassignani, a 23-year-old Johnston woman who died in November 2025 following a crash on Route 295 in Cranston. Witnesses said another driver forced Bassignani’s vehicle off the highway.

Bassignani’s parents, David and Lynn Bassignani, attended the bill signing. The couple also testified before lawmakers during hearings on the legislation.

New penalties for road rage

Casey’s Law adds penalties when certain motor vehicle crimes involve intentionally aggressive, harassing, intimidating or dangerous behavior.

For a misdemeanor conviction, a person can receive:

• An additional fine of up to $1,000
• Up to one additional year of license suspension

The consequences are greater for felony convictions. Additional penalties can include:

• Two to 15 additional years in prison
• A mandatory fine of at least $1,000
• Up to five additional years of license suspension
• Or an additional two-year license revocation

The law is intended to discourage aggressive driving and prevent road rage incidents from escalating into more serious crimes.

Corvese said the measure is designed to encourage drivers to think twice before engaging in dangerous behavior on the road.

Tikoian, a retired Rhode Island State Police major, said Casey’s death had a personal connection to the State Police community. Her father, David Bassignani, is a State Police captain, and her brother, Jake Bassignani, is a State Police trooper.

During legislative hearings, Casey’s parents spoke about the loss of their daughter and their concerns about the punishment associated with the circumstances surrounding her death.

McKee said he worked with the Bassignani family and the bill’s sponsors to move the legislation forward.

“After meeting the Bassignani family and hearing their story, I was proud to request this bill, and I am proud to sign it into law,” McKee said.

Lynn Bassignani said the family is grateful that Casey’s name will live on through the legislation.

Casey’s Law took effect immediately upon passage.

Aggressive driving remains a concern

The new law comes as aggressive driving continues to be a concern across the country.

A 2025 study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that 96% of respondents reported engaging in at least one form of aggressive driving during the previous year.

Eleven percent said they had engaged in violent behavior, including intentionally bumping another vehicle or confronting another driver.

The study also found that some aggressive driving behaviors have increased over the past decade. Drivers cutting off other vehicles rose by 67%, while angry horn honking increased by 47%.