A bill that would have punished drivers who engage in road rage has been killed.

Senator Richard Rosen's bill defined road rage as things like sudden acceleration and braking, cutting off other vehicles, blowing the horn and flashing headlights excessively, making rude gestures and shouting abusive comments. The Bucksport Republican said his bill would have linked Maine's aggressive driving and assault laws that are already in force.

But he says state officials were uncomfortable with a license suspension provision for cases in which the offender leaves his vehicle. The Transportation Committee also killed two bills to bar the use of cellular phones while driving. It plans instead to take up the broader issue of distracted driving.

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