Brief scare on the road

[TTUchris]

Yesterday evening I was on my way home from work on a feeder road of Beltway 8 when I approached a red light. I came to a stop behind a mid-90s Cadillac with bass hitting hard enough to rattle MY car. All of a sudden, the front driver and passenger doors opened at the same time and out jumped two gentlemen that looked very "hip hop." They both started pimp-limping back in the direction of my vehicle. My heart rate instantly shot up and for about three seconds I thought something was about to go down. I gripped pretty tightly on my CW9 and kept watching them. Luckily, when they got to the back of their car, they turned and went back inside. Turns out they were just switching seats and the guy who was passenger switched to driver. Totally innocent, but the strangeness and unexpectedness of seeing people exit a vehicle ON THE ROAD startled me and made me realize how quickly any situation could go from normal to potentially dangerous. Had it been an attempted robbery or carjacking, I would've had less than five seconds to react. I do keep a pistol within close reach in my car, but I definitely have a newfound respect for the importance of preparation and the "what if" scenarios we all think and talk about.

Best part of the story, though, is that I was on my way to my brother-in-law's house because he had just called to tell me that he checked the mail (I receive mail at his house) and my CHL had arrived! I sent the application just under two months ago, and as of last night, have the plastic in my wallet. VERY exciting! Especially considering I have lived in several different areas the past five years and had a misdemeanor on my app that I figured would slow me down. Luckily they're kicking butt down in the CHL office in Austin.

[joe817]

Turns out they were just switching seats

When I was a kid we used to call those "Chinese fire drills", when stopped at a stop light. Everybody would pile out of the car, run around it, and get back inside before the light changed. Dumb, innocent things kids do.

You did good! You had situational awareness and were in high condition yellow. Glad it was a false alarm, but you were preparing yourself, if conditions warranted higher condition alerts.

And SUPER CONGRATS on getting the license!

[USA1]

Totally innocent, but the strangeness and unexpectedness of seeing people exit a vehicle ON THE ROAD startled me and made me realize how quickly any situation could go from normal to potentially dangerous.

This is so true .

I used to keep my gun holstered under the seat while driving , but now I keep it right next to me tucked between the cushion and the leanback of the bench seat in my truck with the grip sticking out and a small towel to conceal it .
I figured that in a scenario like you've described it would be too awkward to stretch down to draw my weapon.

Another added benefit to this method is that you can discretely have your hand on the weapon while disengaging the
safety . Assuming your gun has a safety .

BTW , Congratulations on getting your plastic !

[Oldgringo]

It's all about SITUATIONAL AWARENESS wherever you are, whatever you're doing.

I used to use that phrase over and over in construction safety seminars and lectures.

[PocketGroove]

Not to change the subject, but I've been investigating what I need to do to get my CHL and I also have a 3 year old misdemeanor from Virginia. I've read that the misdemeanor needs to be 5 years old before you can get your CHL in Texas. Was this the case for you? You can PM me in you don't want to post it publicly. Thanks

[TTUchris]

Mine was a class C (public intoxication), which doesn't disqualify an applicant. I didn't have to wait 5 years, I just had to provide documentation indicating the disposition of my case. I believe class A and B misdemeanors must be at least 5 years prior. Somebody more knowledgeable can correct me if I'm wrong.

[Keith B]

Not to change the subject, but I've been investigating what I need to do to get my CHL and I also have a 3 year old misdemeanor from Virginia. I've read that the misdemeanor needs to be 5 years old before you can get your CHL in Texas. Was this the case for you? You can PM me in you don't want to post it publicly. Thanks

PocketGroove,

Fist off welcome to the forum.

It will depend on what your misdemeanor was for and how it translates into Texas laws. If it would be a Class A or B misdemeanor in Texas, then you have to wait at least 5 years after the date of conviction. If it was a Class C misdemeanor, then you probably won't have to wait.

IANAL

EDIT TO ADD: TTUChris beat me to it.

[OverEasy]

I had a similar experience. It was an old beatup Chevy Suburban and not kids but adults. When they get to the back of their vehical they are only about 8 feet from my door handle! That is way too close for comfort. You are not left with much time to react. I always keep my doors locked and the windows rolled up. I try to leave some room between me and the vehicle in front just in case I would have to 'get out of the way'. Some times I roll up too close behind people but I try to pay attention and leave some space. It was just a "chinese fire drill" but I was going for the draw. It's funny how that adrenalin rush clears out your sinuses. Makes you more peppy for a little bit also.

Don't you just love traffic, OE

[PocketGroove]

Keith,
Thanks for the welcome, and the info. I was getting excited, but when my packet arrived I read through the booklet filled with the laws and noticed in the back the question and answer section which spoke of the 5 year clause. 3 years ago I had a DWI in Virginia, a "Class 1" Misdemeanor, Which I'm guessing is probably the same as a "Class A" in Texas. Oh well, you live and learn, as for me, it's usually the hard way. Don't drink and drive friends!
Till 2011, I'll be stayin' outta trouble.

[M4Dogg]

Like OverEasy said, NEVER pull up so close behind someone that you can't get away if you need to. I grew up in Cleveland and carjackings happened like that all the time - someone would stop at a red light and you'd pull up behind them and then another car would pull up behind you up against your bumper so you basically could not get away and would have to get carjacked (and hopefully not killed). But don't stop so far back as to raise alarm or draw added attention. Try to fit in but keep your situational awareness on all the time.

Yesterday I was pulling into a store to pick something up and I switched lanes and realized I cut it close I DID NOT CUT THEM OFF but I cut it kind of close to another car. I proceeded down, they then pulled beside me and gave me a dirty look, which I ignored and pretended I didn't see (sunglasses and tint are good for this). Some scummy looking guys driving a beater (and me in a really nice car). I then drove another 1 mile and pulled into the parking lot. As I was parking I noticed they too pulled in and drove past still looking at me. I pretended not to notice again of course (never give them an upper hand that you know they are there). I went in and quickly finished my purchase and exited. As I pulled out, SURE ENOUGH, they were parked around the corner of the building illegal blocking 3 parking spots, so I knew something was up. I drove past (no choice based on my exit) and they immediately started playing with their hair and looking in the rearview mirrors as if they were pre-occupied. Needless to say I got the heck outta there and made absolutely sure nobody followed me home, not them, not another vehicle.

[TTUchris]

I used to work in the transportation industry, so as a habit I never get on other vehicles' bumpers at an intersection. But there were cars pulling up to the red light in the lanes to my left and right. If they were clear, I'd have gone around and been on my way. But I was blocked in. The presence of other motorists is usually comforting, but it's important to understand that just being around other cars won't necessarily prevent robberies or jackings.

[timdsmith72]

Turns out they were just switching seats

When I was a kid we used to call those "Chinese fire drills", when stopped at a stop light. Everybody would pile out of the car, run around it, and get back inside before the light changed. Dumb, innocent things kids do.

We use to do the same thing when I was a kid. We also called it a Chinese fire drill. Silliest thing ever, but at the time, it sure was fun....and we thought it was hilarious!!