SAN ANTONIO — Just within the last month, KENS 5 has reported on six different possible road rage incidents across the San Antonio area.
The most recent happened Wednesday morning, off Highway 90 and 35. BCSO deputies said a car that seemed to be involved with road rage struck a Pre-K SA school bus. Eight vehicles ended up involved in the crash. The driver of the bus was hospitalized but no students were on board.
A father and son who were recently victims of road rage are sharing their message with drivers in response to the rash of incidents.
10-year-old Carson Carabajal was in the car with his parents, and two other siblings on April 10 when a bullet grazed him.
“I was just reading my little snack cookbook when all of a sudden I hear four firework like shots,” Carson said.
His father, Clay, said they were driving home from visiting friends when a dark-colored sedan started tailgating them on Loop 410. Clay believed he was frustrated he was not driving fast enough. He then drove up next to them and fired off four shots.
“I’m digging through my seat, trying to find my book when I felt a shiny metal piece,” Carson said.
Carson found the bullet that grazed his leg. Once the family pulled over, they discovered three other bullets in a tire.
“You opened fire on a vehicle with a 10-year-old, an 8-year-old and a 6-year-old inside,” Clay said. “You’re thinking you’re just hitting a car, but you hit a kid!”
Since that night, KENS 5 has reported on five other suspected road rage incidents. Four of them ended in violence.
According to the organization, Community Alliance for Traffic Safety, a study in 2023 found for every 1,000 drivers in San Antonio, there are 10 road rage incidents.
In Houston and Dallas, there are only four per 1,000 drivers.
For the Carabajal family, they said they are still holding out hope that police are able to catch the person who shot at them.
“We have to calm down this anger,” Clay said. “I don’t want to see another kid like him crying because a bullet grazed his leg and he’s bleeding.”
10-year-old Carson said he has a message for all drivers.
“Stay calm,” Carson said. “If you ever get angry, just wait till you get home and take your anger out on something else.”
SAPD does not track road rage incidents. It is unclear how many there have been in San Antonio so far this year.
State Troopers do urge drivers to use their horns sparingly to avoid any violent encounter on the road.