Road rage

[2careless]

Jen's thread has prompted me to write something about this issue.

Last month I was driving home from work, approx 7pm. I was driving at speed limit (60kmph) and I changed lane. The guy on a ute behind me was doing exactly the same thing (changing lane) and I beat him to it. At that time I didn't know that he was also changing.
Then, he started to tail gate me, flipping high beam on/off (7pm was not particularly dark, the sun's still out). So, I slowed down and let him overtake. Right after he overtook me, he cut into my lane and slammed the brakes. Since I have already slowed down, I was able to stop and there were like 2 car spaces between us.
Next, he reversed! and tried to run back into me. He did that until there were like half a car space in between us, and then moved forward and disappeared.

I was left there stunned, and I haven't taken down his number...
This all happened in a major street (Toorak Rd in Burwood for you Melbourians).

Now I take my camera phone with me and switch it on whenever I'm driving.
At least I will keep a record.

[Gedanken]

What a jerk. Too bad you didn't get his number, Kai.

Still and all, it's just as well he went away. The last time something like that happened to me, the guy wouldn't let up - even when he was in front of me on the freeway he'd stop and get behind me if I slowed down. I called the cops, gave them the licence plate number and headed for the nearest police station. The penny must have dropped because he eventually fell off, but I headed down to the station and lodged the report anyway.

[Denny M]

Originally Posted by Gedanken

What a jerk. Too bad you didn't get his number, Kai.

Still and all, it's just as well he went away. The last time something like that happened to me, the guy wouldn't let up - even when he was in front of me on the freeway he'd stop and get behind me if I slowed down. I called the cops, gave them the licence plate number and headed for the nearest police station. The penny must have dropped because he eventually fell off, but I headed down to the station and lodged the report anyway.

I think both of you did the right thing and avoided further confrontation. However i have very little faith in NSW police. Crime and gangs are rampant here and the police force seems overworked and understaffed or simply lack the political/legal clout to do something about it. In the weekend paper there was a large article about 2 "drug" families and their ongoing feud. One of these scumbags was shot and killed in broad daylight (good thing i say) on a busy highway in front of dozens of innocent people. the brazeness of the crime is the worrying part. It makes me wonder why these people where:

a) ever allowed to migrate to Australia.
b) they are still walking around, carrying out their drug trade and intimidating/murdering people.

Other examples. Yesterday a man was bashed to death in Sydney airport and the killers got away - so muc hfor security at the airport, the day before 4 houses were shot up, not far from where i live.

I don't feel safe and never go out at night anymore. I nearly got beaten up at a cinema when i told these morons to keep it down as they were ruining a film with their yelling, mobile phone calls and food throwing.
As for road rage - it's not worth getting angry and showing it because you never know what the other psycho may do.

Something is really wrong with the people in power. Laws have to be tightened and enforced with an iron fist.

[Lion]

I avoid road rage whenever possible. If someone gets crazy with me(and Thank god it doesn't happen very often), I will slow down or get off the road and stop. It's not worth getting in to it with a crazed driver and will avoid conflict at all costs. I'm mean people have shot and killed people for less!!!
Gedanken, you did the right thing driving to the police station.

[Jimbits76]

Being a 6'5"/6'6" fat lump, most of the time I just have to get out of the car and road rage folk shut their yap. Quite often it's idiots in supermarket car parks that are whinging about parking etc until I get out of the car and see their wife tell their husband to "Don't bother".

Only twice have I had any real trouble.

I had a guy in front of me getting stressed and when I pulled up to him at the lights he jumped out of the car. As I was slow to react, I wound down the window and before I could ask what his problem was, he punched me in the face.

The second time, one guy got really irate and was screaming at me from behind as he tailgated me (I usually slow down at that point just to enrage them more) but I pulled over, he pulled over behind me and got all steamed. I got out of my car and took off my belt, wrapping the leather around my hand and letting the buckle hang a bit. As I approached him and enquired what the problem was he backed off, mumbled something about being late and drove away.

I'd learnt my lesson the first time. Never open your car window all the way down to an approaching pedestrian.

I learnt my lesson too the second time, never use your belt as a potential weapon, by the time I'd walked back to my car, my jeans were hanging off of my arse!!!!!!!!!!!

J

[vapalux]

I wish I could find the 'person' who went passed me while I was out cycling one day. They had passed me as I was going up a short steep hill and pulled in close and jammed their brakes on!

My instant reaction was to brake and just stopped hitting them. But I was riding clipless pedals and as I fell sideways my feet were locked in the pedals.

They drove off as I was looking sideways and I didn't get their number but I got a vague glimpse of the car. Four wheel drive.

I ended up with left arm in plaster for two weeks and ankles that still hurt now. Ripped USPS clothing which I have been unable to replace and a twisted bike. After reporting it and describing the vehicle, of which there are only 3 that colour in the area, a good description of the driver you would think the police could find it. Nope, not interested!!

Insurance say because by braking and avoiding a crash its not classed as a hit and run. Ridiculous!!

Si

[sea-dweller]

You see it more often here in Northern Cal, and I travel down to LA a lot for business, where it seems like it's a daily occurrence. More stress, more 'entitlement' mentality and more folks 'oversubscribed' (too many commitments and not enough time) along with the breakdown of values and morals in society. What a shame.

[Ashley]

Originally Posted by Gedanken

What a jerk. Too bad you didn't get his number, Kai.

Still and all, it's just as well he went away. The last time something like that happened to me, the guy wouldn't let up - even when he was in front of me on the freeway he'd stop and get behind me if I slowed down. I called the cops, gave them the licence plate number and headed for the nearest police station. The penny must have dropped because he eventually fell off, but I headed down to the station and lodged the report anyway.

If he had only known who he was dealing with!!

[astcell]

In southern CA the vans are always slow and the pickup truck have the road ragers in them. it may be a stereotype but there is definitely a pattern.

[GBJIV]

I think it is best to get away - I know the temptation is to slow down - but, in today's world - provocation can lead to pain or worse.

Best to drive away as quickly and safely as possible as Gedanken did go to nearest police station. JMO!

[bodybump]

sometimes i have problems with my temper too while driving..sometimes i cant control it when some idiot is more idiot than me..hahahahaha