Road rage: critique my real-life situation

[Stew4570]

Rage in Atlanta

I live here in Atlanta. Road rage is rampant here. I drive a big SUV and have on some occasions not been completely aware of where my truck is on the road.

I was coming home from a hunting trip about 11pm and I might have cut some body off while getting off on my exit. I wasn’t sure so I put it in the back of my mind. I was making my way through traffic to the left hand lane and was approaching the first red light that had just turned green so I decided to speed up and go around a large group of cars just starting out from the light. I zoomed up way ahead of the pack and was just cruising until I hit the next light. Then a red and white 80s extended cab F150 skidded to a stop in the turn lane to my left. The guy must have been chasing me; he had his windows down and was awful close to me in his lane. He was beet red and looked to be breathing fire the way his nostrils were flaring. He looked to be in his late 40s. He didn’t say anything at all. I had my 1911 on the seat and flipped it out of the holster thumb on the safety and moved it across my lap when I first saw the guy pull up next to me. I had my window down and so did he. We were both at a red light and had cars going through the intersection in front and cars stopped behind me, I felt trapped. I was kind of scared but I know I’m pretty good with my .45. I looked at him and he looked at me then I just said “Sorry about that” and he just turned away smoked his tires through the red light. That was the only time I ever had my gun in my hand and ready to use it. It wasn’t a good feeling at all. I have always driven with it. If I get pulled over I put it on the dash for the officer to see. You never know when you may need it. I always try to drive relaxed and not get angry at anybody. Everybody in Atlanta drives nuts. I just hang back and wait for Darwin to take effect.

 

[Lonestar49]

Couple of suggestions

...

First, glad it all worked out and the idiot went about his day fuming at all the wasted time and gas (hehehe) he used up and spew out, no doubt.

You could do the following to become better prepared for the next time:

Increase your SA (situational awareness).. just keep taps on your surroundings using your mirrors, always. This should become habit, and also, say a black SUV (because most of these drivers have two things in common, they think they are driving a TANK, and all should get out of their way, and second, they all talk on the cell phone, using one hand, and not really thinking about driving well. They're on a mission, and you may disturb their RIGHT to be not interfered with IN ANY WAY.

And, just make sure all doors are locked, except of course your driver door, then lock it, right after you get into your car, then belt up.

Anytime, unless your pinned in, no where to move, someone gets out of their car, you can simply take-off, and not fast, as the element of surprise is in your corner to control that kind of issue, then use your cell phone and contact 911, and give description of ROAD RAGED person and type, color, and LIC plate if possible, along with what road your traveling and what direction, to the dispatcher, along with your car description.. That's it, and they will hang on the line until either the guy turns back, gives up chasing you, or a black and white intervenes.

Put this in your Book of Knowledge, and it will become second nature and save you a lot of unneeded grief in the future, against all these Road Warriors.


LS

 

[Browns Fan]

Quote:
"I expect an apology when some numbskull makes a mistake, and have apologized to diffuse situations (even when I was right)"

There's a lot to be said for eating a little humble pie to stay out of trouble!

It reminds me of the Proverb that says:

"A soft answer turns away wrath."