Road Rage on the Tollway

[age_ranger]

I was driving down a street one sunny day and had pulled into a turn lane only to have to hit the brakes because two boys were slow strolling it across the driveway I was turning into. Cars were backing up behind me so I rolled down my window and politely asked them to please pick up their pace. You would have thought I kicked their sister in the face. Luckily, I was able to drive past them without incident but they watched my every move.

There's always a few that spoil it for everyone. Unfortunately, these few will one day meet their match and learn the hard way. Until then I'm patiently waiting.........comforted by my .45.

[Dave2]

I have a recurring dream about how to deal with the 90mph idiots trying to kill everybody:

Which car is yours?

[Dragonfighter]

I recall a fellow one time almost hit me in a parking lot (my fault). He gets out of his car and walks back. He was a good sized dude with his girlfriend in his car. I got out, started with, "I'm sorry, my fault." And he starts to get aggressive and starts ranting. Now as big as he was, there were several mistakes he made from a hand to hand scenario as well as I was carrying. I simply said, "Look. I am sorry and I have apologized. Get back in your car before something happens we'll both regret." He paused, nodded and returned to his car after looking me over. I was not exposed but I do look kinda mean. I don't know what changed his mind. My stance, my tone of voice?

The application here is I appreciate the chance to make something right (apologize) when I screw up, I try to avoid trouble whenever possible. I should not have gotten out but I didn't feel like taking this guy from a sitting position was worse. However, I was NOT boxed in and could have pulled off but I did want to make him feel better. That worked out well.

OP did well but had the guy gotten off the road to pursue me, weapon would have been in hand.

[age_ranger]

OP did well but had the guy gotten off the road to pursue me, weapon would have been in hand.

Weapon WAS in hand..........

[Dragonfighter]

OP did well but had the guy gotten off the road to pursue me, weapon would have been in hand.

Weapon WAS in hand..........

Ah, missed that first time through. Good job.

[alvins]

just drive down a really bumpy road, those mercedes with their rubber band tires will either bend a rim or get a flat.

[KD5NRH]

As I sit in amazement, I try to find my cell phone, but it had gone flying from hitting the brakes, so no luck there.

There are lots of Bluetooth handsfree devices that plug into the lighter socket, and many of them are under $30. No need to take the phone out of your pocket unless you're wanting to use the camera, and since it's a speakerphone, his yelling and banging on the window will be nice and clear on the 911 recording too.

A few months ago my wife and I went to Hawai'i on vacation, and in preparation for the trip and the sights we would see, I bought a Vholdr Helmet Cam. Fun toy.

How's the battery life and record time? I've been thinking about getting a helmet cam for my bicycle, but I'd want to make sure it's lightweight, reasonable in low light, and runs for at least two hours.

The other day I saw one of my other pet driving peeves take place and was glad to get it and the result on video: A gang of bicyclists ran a stop sign near my house, right in front of an Allen police vehicle, and he pulled them over.

That, and wrong-way cyclists are the ones I like to sneak up on and cut loose with my Airzound. They usually have to stop afterward, and, I suspect, change their shorts.

[KD5NRH]

Now you know:

And knowing is half the battle.

Of course, the other half is a blend of mining all the best hiding places, having artillery and/or air support waiting, and keeping your weapon clean

[PuntoQuatroCinco]

That, and wrong-way cyclists are the ones I like to sneak up on and cut loose with my Airzound. They usually have to stop afterward, and, I suspect, change their shorts.

As cyclists are supposed to ride with traffic, I'm curious how you sneak up on the wrong-way cyclists...

[cubbyjg]

OP, i think you did a lot of things right to get out of the situation. You did so much to avoid escalating the situation. The moment he decided to come to my window with anything, i would also have my hand on my firearm. In this situation, can we say, " i am armed. Back off!" without repercussions. Its like a warning to them to back off and stop escalating the situation further. Is this a violation of a law?

[Bob in Big D]

I would think that if he came to my car window and started beating on it with fists or umbrella or anything he would get a good look at my .45. If he broke the window...... well all bets are off at that point.

[cling]

That's one way to deal with left lane bandits.

[KD5NRH]

That, and wrong-way cyclists are the ones I like to sneak up on and cut loose with my Airzound. They usually have to stop afterward, and, I suspect, change their shorts.

As cyclists are supposed to ride with traffic, I'm curious how you sneak up on the wrong-way cyclists...

Turn the headlight off; they never have their own lights.

[xdfanatic]

As for the situation the OP found himself in, you did well. I'm pretty sure had the window broken, you probably could have grabbed the umbrella, or kicked the door open and created some space that way. Your cell phone was out of reach. You do what you have to do. Hindsight is 20/20. You didn't get a plate number, so next time you probably will. You came out unscathed, that's the most important thing.

I hope I would have handled the situation as you did, there are so many people these days that seem to have a "death wish." Thank goodness he got in his car and left for his sake. I think as more of these situations present themselves there will be plenty of people that will fulfill their "wish" meeting their challenge and unfortunately that maybe what it takes for people to understand that this behavior is very risky/dumb.

[OldCurlyWolf]

I recall a fellow one time almost hit me in a parking lot (my fault). He gets out of his car and walks back. He was a good sized dude with his girlfriend in his car. I got out, started with, "I'm sorry, my fault." And he starts to get aggressive and starts ranting. Now as big as he was, there were several mistakes he made from a hand to hand scenario as well as I was carrying. I simply said, "Look. I am sorry and I have apologized. Get back in your car before something happens we'll both regret." He paused, nodded and returned to his car after looking me over. I was not exposed but I do look kinda mean. I don't know what changed his mind. My stance, my tone of voice?

The application here is I appreciate the chance to make something right (apologize) when I screw up, I try to avoid trouble whenever possible. I should not have gotten out but I didn't feel like taking this guy from a sitting position was worse. However, I was NOT boxed in and could have pulled off but I did want to make him feel better. That worked out well.

OP did well but had the guy gotten off the road to pursue me, weapon would have been in hand.

The main thing that turned him is that you maintained your calm. Second was the apology and the fact you allowed him to save "face".

Many people do not understand the psychological aspects of a confrontation.