What happened recently in Riverside has me rattled—and it should get your attention, too. A motorcyclist was knocked off his bike and dragged by a car in a road rage attack that’s straight out of a nightmare. Let’s dive into what happened, why it’s a big deal, and how to keep ourselves safe.

The Riverside Nightmare

Tuesday afternoon near La Sierra Avenue and the 91 freeway in Riverside. A rider’s filtering through traffic—totally legal here in California—when a black Nissan cuts him off. He shakes his head, annoyed but not aggressive.

That’s when the driver, 32-year-old Gary Delandro, loses it. He rams his car into the back of the bike, sending the rider tumbling.

But it doesn’t stop there—Delandro keeps going, dragging the guy under his car for a horrifying stretch before reversing just enough for the rider to crawl to the sidewalk.

The rider’s gear was shredded—staples below the knee and burns on his backside. He survived, thank God, and his helmet cam caught it all. Delandro fled but later turned himself in, facing attempted murder charges with a $1 million bail.

That footage? It’s probably why the cops moved so fast. I’ve had drivers flip me off for lane splitting, but this? This is next-level insanity.

The Bigger Picture

In 2021, 5,932 motorcyclists died in crashes nationwide—14% of all traffic fatalities. In 2022, that jumped to 6,218, or 15%, and 2023 saw a 2% bump. Injuries? Over 82,000 a year.

Compared to car drivers, we’re 24 times more likely to die in a crash. Twenty-four times! I feel that vulnerability every time I ride, but seeing it in black and white still shakes me.

Road rage makes it worse. A 2024 survey said 96% of drivers witnessed it in the last six months, and aggressive driving causes 66% of traffic deaths.

For us, 26% of reported road rage involves stuff like “buzzing”—passing way too close. In Florida, they’re even dealing with road rage shootings. It’s not just California; it’s everywhere we ride.

The Psychology of Hate

So why do some drivers target us? It’s messed up, but it starts with stereotypes. They think we’re all reckless punks breaking laws, even when we’re riding clean.

Lane splitting is legal here, and it ticks them off, too. They’re stuck in traffic, we’re moving, and they see it as unfair. I’ve had guys honk at me like I stole their lunch money.

Then there’s the power trip. In a car, they’re in a tank; we’re exposed. That makes them bold and anonymous behind their wheel; they’ll do stuff they’d never try face-to-face.

Some even “thingify” us—they don’t see a person, just a bike they hate. Add stress from traffic or life, and boom, we’re the punching bag.

California Law

California doesn’t mess around with road rage. There’s no specific “road rage” law, but what Delandro did? Attempted murder—life in prison if he’s convicted.

There’s also Vehicle Code 13210 VC—use your car to assault someone, and the DMV can yank your license for six months, a year if you’re a repeat offender.

Reckless driving under 23103 VC? Up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. If it’s assault with a vehicle, Penal Code 245 PC can make it a felony.

I’ve reported jerks before—plate number, description, done. Knowing the law’s got our back feels good but doesn’t stop the crazy doings.

How We Fight Back

The rider community’s got grit. After the Riverside incident, Helmet cams are a must now—not just for cool clips but for proof. That Riverside rider’s footage? Gold in court.

Ride On, Stay Sharp

This Riverside horror show? It’s a gut punch, but it’s also a rally cry. We’ve got to spread the word, push for stricter enforcement, and watch each other’s backs. Road rage isn’t just news—it’s a threat we live with. Stay calm, stay smart, and let’s keep the roads ours.