Disarming road rage

[cassandrasdaddy]

so long as i'm in my truck i'm not too worried about someone hitting me i am usually capt slow top speed in truck is about 70 and i rarely hit that . i try to be aware of that get outa the way. i also am not ashamed to say sorry too old for fights if i can avoid em don't need the experience

 

[killchain]

One night a year or so ago, a group of five kids on motorcycles did something like this.

I have no idea what I did to make them angry, but as I was taking an exit to a gas station they started riding close to my bumper, flashing the lights, accelerating and braking...

I pull into the gas station and they corral around me, Mad Max style. I'm sitting in my truck, and I've already got my .45 on my lap.

Their leader, some young kid with his girlfriend on the bike, yells something at me through his helmet. I ask him what he said, which he does it again. Said something like "MRRRPH."

When I asked him what he said again, he gets off of his bike and starts walking towards my window. He took three steps and he saw the muzzle of my .45, and I said, "You'd do best to get back on your bike and go home, kid."

They did. Quickly.

 

[shockwave]

So why not slow down? That's what I do. If someone is tailgating/raging at me, I just take my foot off the gas and put my hazards on. I'll slow down to 5 mph if necessary until they get bored and drive around.

That has worked for me in the past. I've rarely encountered road ragers and certainly none as bad as described here. Also, big props to the comment above: "I use the universal hand and arm signal for "yea....I dorked that up. My mistake..." whenever I do some stupid crap on the road, which is rare enough, but it happens. Hand held high and a nod of acknowledgment go a long way to de-escalating a hot head..."

Absolutely. If you've done something to tick off another driver, I've had much success with a friendly "oops, my bad" gesture, just as described above. Simply acknowledging to the other driver that you are aware of the problem and didn't mean anything by it seems to be effective in practice.

This situation, however, appears to be fundamentally different in some way. Here, slowing down or doing a hand wave and shrug or whatnot doesn't sound like it would have worked. These guys were out for blood. So maintaining the speed limit and looking for a cop is probably all you can do. If you have your weapon, have it close at hand. Depending on traffic, look for chances to fit in between other cars, make it hard for the person to continue their antics if you can do so safely.

 

[Guillermo]

If you are a left lane bandit (driving slower than traffic in the slow lanes) you DESERVE to be the target of rage.

It is inconsiderate to say the least and usually creates a dangerous situation.

You are a traffic hazard.

As to defusing a situation when you make a mistake, I find the "my bad" wave usually takes a lot of the tension away. We all err on occasion.

 

[frisbee2421]

you are probably part of the problem.... that is if you don't get over in the right (slower) lane. let them race off to their speedy deaths... or perhaps they will race straight into the speed trap.

 

[frisbee2421]

road rage also works 2 ways, i suspect that perhaps you rage too, or you wouldn't be taking the time to post this "dilema"

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

The biggest reason for calling the police - and for always having a cell phone - is that, by calling first, you establish yourself to be the victim and not the aggressor. The advice to drive to the nearest police station only works if you know where one is.

 

[frisbee2421]

i just realized that you are in n.c. that explains it all. don't you know that every idiot in the country is moving to n.c. trying to find the "dream" job. the magazines and newspapers have done a fine job advertising how great it is here. they should be sued for false advertisement. these idiots bring their terrible driving habits with them. what you get is the perfect storm of idiots from all over converging here. and that doesn't include the numerous foreign idiots that are here. or is it all over the country?

 

[Ridgerunner665]

As an OTR truck driver I encounter road rage butt holes quite often...I just ignore them.

A few of them like to try to get me to stop by getting in front of me and slowing down...one such incident happened to be witnessed by a cop. The cop pulled the car over...there are laws in place now that state you must have sufficient room between you before changing lanes in front of trucks. Its a dumb move for sure to get in front of an 80,000 pound vehicle and slam on the brakes...thats a good way to turn yourself into a speedbump, because thats about what it amounts to.

 

[Shadow 7D]

Don't play, and if someone is following you, it kinda sucks, and you really need to signal, but you can 'brush' a tail by pulling into the slow lane without leaving enough room for them to stay behind you and let them go past. Most of the time you get a finger as they fly by, I prefer calling the cops and giving plate, general description and direction of travel, I've even been gratified to see said idiot pulled over a few miles on.

Don't play, and if they insist on following you , go to police station, or even somewhere like a gas station, most have good video systems.

 

[Sir Aardvark]

Remember it takes two to escalate the situation

No... it doesn't.

Some people are just whacked-out nuts who are looking for a fight, and pity the poor unprepared person that they target.

 

[jsimmons]

I drive a monotone Crown Victoria. More people than not seem to think I'm a cop, and tend to behave until they figure it out (it's real obvious I'm not a cop if someone is even just partially aware of his surroundings). That's fine by me. I drive the speed limit, and only use the fast lane to pass slower traffic. Why? Because Iusuallu have my 1911 in the center console, and I don't need the hassle of being pulled over for doing stupid driver tricks, and then getting into a big discussion about having a pistol in the car.

What gets me is the complete lack of traffic enforcement that seems to be around between 5:30 and 6am. The speed limit on the highway I use to get to work is 60mph, but I'm passed by *dozens* of cars doing in excess of 80, and many more doing at least 70. I've been driving this route for a year now, and have seen exactly one cop car, and it was parked at a Denny's.

 

[killchain]

No... it doesn't.

Some people are just whacked-out nuts who are looking for a fight, and pity the poor unprepared person that they target.

+1.

This is exactly why you should be prepared to defend yourself. At any time.

 

[Guillermo]

I wish I could drive 80 at rush hour

 

[wulfhart]

Originally Posted by Sir Aardvark
No... it doesn't.

Some people are just whacked-out nuts who are looking for a fight, and pity the poor unprepared person that they target.

+1.

This is exactly why you should be prepared to defend yourself. At any time.

Very true, don't assume even if you do everything right that you won't have to resort to your last measure.

 

[Kleanbore]

This is exactly why you should be prepared to defend yourself. At any time.

Very true, don't assume even if you do everything right that you won't have to resort to your last measure.

Ah, good. Let's all try to stay on topic like this and not stray off into discussions of traffic and speeding and so forth.

 

[KodiakBeer]

If you are a left lane bandit (driving slower than traffic in the slow lanes) you DESERVE to be the target of rage.

I've been thinking the same thing all through this thread. I'm sure 90% of road rage incidents are due to idiots who drive in the passing (left) lane.

 

[wulfhart]

If you are a left lane bandit (driving slower than traffic in the slow lanes) you DESERVE to be the target of rage.

I've been thinking the same thing all through this thread. I'm sure 90% of road rage incidents are due to idiots who drive in the passing (left) lane.

No, someone being a road hazard doesn't entitle everyone else to be an even worse road hazard. I do understand your frustration though, I really hate it when people are going even 5 mph below the speed limit.


After thinking this through a bit. Let's say you are driving to a police station. You are blocks away you come to a stop sign or traffic jam, anything that stops you. The guy is still following you. You stop, you can't go forward without getting hit. The rager gets out of the car, looks angrier than a bull out of hell. No weapon is evident. How should I respond?

I am thinking to keep the windows up, but if he smashes in the window, I am not really in a good defensive position.

 

[9mmepiphany]

No weapon is evident. How should I respond?

I am thinking to keep the windows up, but if he smashes in the window, I am not really in a good defensive position.

The obvious course is almost always the best...drive away

 

[doc540]

Do not make eye contact.

Call the police and make it obvious you're making a call.

The rager will know who you're calling.

Be looking for escape routes and ways to safely distance yourself from a rager.

Choosing the car I own gives me assurance and confidence that in most environments I can safely and quickly disappear for the scene.

SEE YA!!

 

[wulfhart]

No weapon is evident. How should I respond?

I am thinking to keep the windows up, but if he smashes in the window, I am not really in a good defensive position.

The obvious course is almost always the best...drive away

Can't drive away if you are in a traffic jam or stopped at a red light in a busy intersection. That would be much more dangerous.

Similar happened to a fellow of mine, they were in a traffic jam in CA and a biker got peeved at him. Luckily he was the sort you don't stay peeved at for long. One can't exactly flee in a large truck during rush hour.

Do not make eye contact.

Call the police and make it obvious you're making a call.

The rager will know who you're calling.

That is a good idea. Phone call may work. If he continues and smashes in my window. Gut says stay in the car, but I don't see how I can defend myself while sitting down. Should be plenty of witnesses at least.

Hopefully I am not off topic with this. But I see it as a potential escalation to the original OP's question.

 

[Shadow 7D]

First, you read the start of this thread

and

always leave yourself an out
such as, jump the curb, mainly its awareness, don't get blocked
and your forgetting, you are in a 2k+ pound projectile, really, break my window, all I have to do is gun it and cut the wheel hard left and you are done.

Member


Join Date: April 12, 2010
Location: Ohio
Posts: 223

That's a fairly general question, but I'll take a shot at it...

- Don't drive a target. A 2010 Cadillac Escalade is a much more likely candidate for a carjacking than a 2001 Ford Ranger.
- Practice good situational awareness when approaching your vehicle. Anything that looks out of place probably is.
- Pepper spray on the key chain isn't a bad idea, since you'll already have your keys in your hands anyway.
- If you have an encounter while approaching your vehicle and you need to run, do not run for your car. Head for the nearest populated area, preferably somewhere with an official security or police presence (i.e., back inside the store), and get help.
- Once you get into your car, the first thing you should always do is lock your doors.
- Keep the doors locked at all times while driving, and don't roll your windows down more than about halfway. If someone can reach in and grab you, your windows are down too far.
- Any time you're stopped (at a light, stop sign, whatever), leave enough room between you and the car in front of you that you can drive around them if necessary.
- When stopped, keep an eye on your rearview mirrors. Pedestrians are suspect, especially if they're walking in the road, and doubly so if they're anywhere near your vehicle.
- If you CCW in your car, practice your draw stroke (unloaded!) in your vehicle. You may find that you need an alternative carry method when driving.
- If someone totally gets the drop on you, and you feel that you can safely surrender the vehicle, do it. It's insured, and it's not worth getting shot over.

R

Sgt R posted this in the carjacking threadhttp://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=539704

 

[basicblur]

Methinks I'm seeing a little road rage in here?

I tend to drive in the left lane at or above the speed limit-if someone comes up on me I move over to the right and let 'em by-this is assuming they don't floor it and pass me on the right before I have time to SIGNAL and move over.
As a motorcyclist, I often did so for the following reasons:
1. Equalizes tire wear due to the crown on the road (not so much with cars)
2. The left lane is usually in better shape (potholes etc).
3. The main reason-to give yourself more time to react in case of deer strikes, which is a big problem 'round these parts.

I also tend to move over to the left lane when approaching cloverleafs etc in order to give traffic an open lane in which to merge (on or off), which seems to result in some folks speeding up and riding your bumper-amazingly, after you pass the cloverleaf and move back to the right, they won't pass!?

'Course, I used to dabble in bicycle racing, and I can tell ya some road rage stories-something 'bout a bicycle just seems to bring it out of 'em.
On those long training rides, when they often gave me the finger I just waved at 'em like a maniac in their mirror (like a long lost buddy) and watched 'em bounce up and down in their seat doing their best Yosemite Sam impression (dang nabbit-I wasn't waving at you you idiot, I was giving you the finger)!

I kinda view riding the bicycle like the OC debate-guess folks just have to be desensitized a bit?
It's amazing how many of those folks that orginally gave me the finger would after a month or so just wave at you.

 

[conw]

I'm leaving this thread open so I can read it in-depth later...

The prevention side of things: I think 99% of the time "road rage" is caused not just by one poor/aggressive driving decision (sometimes we all peeve others) but by sometimes-unintentional gesturing AFTER the fact, like making eye contact, or shrugging, or throwing the hands up in frustration.

If something does go down: I suggest making zero eye contact - use the mirrors to detect what the other person is doing...keep windows up or cracked (so as to hear threats but not be obvious about it)...and remember VERY few people are going to ram you with their car. If you are stupid enough to stop, unlucky enough to break down, or unable to leave in your car immediately, it seems most likely someone would get out and approach your car in which case I think the best idea is to drive off, hit them if you must if they represent a lethal threat, if possible have someone call the cops (note: DISCUSS THIS WITH YOUR SPOUSE if you are married so you can divide tasks). If you are stuck in traffic and someone approaches your car armed with lethal force, unless they have a clear line of sight AND a gun it's probably best to exit the vehicle then draw your weapon, because car doors offer zero practical protection against incoming bullets.

I'm against car holsters for that reason. You want to be out of the car if you can't leave IN the car, and you need both hands to exit the vehicle safely. You need to get to cover or at least concealment (remember the engine block), THEN draw. Evasion before shooting!

Most situations people freak out about (being followed aggressively) can be resolved by driving to a police station or somewhere else with a presence of "authority" and rather than stopping, laying on the horn. Remember, unless the person is ramming you, WHATEVER they have up their sleeves you will be better off moving than stopped!!! This is also where a call to the cops pays off if you can give a general overview of where you are and where you are headed. They may be minutes away but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't call even if you suspect the person won't follow you for several minutes.

The ultimate worst case scenario is if you are unable to drive off, and there is a clear line of sight when someone has the drop on you and is out of their car with a gun aimed at you. I guess then you're going to take some bullets and if you're lucky survive and hopefully stop the threat.

 

[rainbowbob]

If you are a left lane bandit (driving slower than traffic in the slow lanes) you DESERVE to be the target of rage.

you are probably part of the problem.... that is if you don't get over in the right (slower) lane.

Read the OP's explanation again:

...to give you an idea what ignited it. 5 am, very low traffic, speed limit 65 I was going maybe 72, in the process of passing a big rig. This guy comes off an entrance ramp already speeding, rapidly catches up now getting out of the way, not an option. i have a rig next to me. He must have been near 90 or higher as fast as he caught us...So I had 2 options, slow down which is akin to a brake check to let the rig pass and get out of his way, or what I did, sped up about 5 mph to get past the rig faster and get out of his way. ...When i got past the rig I signaled and got over.

I am as annoyed as anyone by drivers that go 5 under in the passing lane for miles while talking on the phone and ignoring everyone behind them. That's clearly NOT what the OP was doing, and by his description he made every effort to pass and clear the lane as quickly and as safely as possible.

I once drove a UPS truck as a Xmas temp. The best thing they taught every driver was the positive effect of the "smile and wave". This is similar to the "my bad" wave.

You may be amazed at how disarming an admission of "guilt" can be when confronted by an out-of-control rager - even if you have nothing to apologize for.

"You're right - I'm wrong" renders most belligerent types speechless!

Your "pride" and being "right" has little or no value compared to avoiding unnecessary conflict - particularly if you are armed.