Breaking News! 50,000 delivery bicyclists in New York City are riding on sidewalks, using pedestrian crosswalks, riding the wrong way on streets and bike lanes, disobeying signals, and injuring pedestrians. This was just on the TV news. I rest my case.
Yesterday I was driving at 55mph (the speed limit) on my local 2 lane highway. I was approximately 200 feet behind a pick-up truck. There was an older Ford explorer stopped at a side road on our left. As the pick-up passed the explorer pulled out into my lane! Let's do the physics. Me: 55mph. Explorer 10mph. I had to engage my anti-lock to avoid rear ending them! They had accellerated to about 25 to 30 mph and it was a legal passing zone. Oncoming traffic was about 1/4 mile distant so I signalled and proceeded to pass as I wanted to distance myself from this idiot. at this time the explorer driver chose to floor the accelerator and "drag race" me. I was beside the explorer and glanced at the driver. An 18 to 20 year old female. she proceeded to give me the "smirk". At this time the oncoming traffic which was four vehicles were becoming to close for comfort so I braked again and fell behind her. She then proceeded at about 60mph which is normal for this highway. I continued at 55mph so she eventually was far ahead. This was fine with me as my original intent was to put some distance between us. She violated 2 rules of the road and in most jurisdictions laws.
1) Entering traffic without sufficient clearance.
2) Reckless (insane) driving putting many innocent people at risk.
The first thing I did when I stopped for fuel a few minutes later was to write down her license plate. Previously we could report a dangerous driver to the state police on their website. Now they only want reports of impaired drivers by calling 911. Recently there has been much ado concerning Insane people with firearms (who are already prohibited by law from owning them). Should'nt insane people be prohibited from driving 4,000 lb vehicles?
Joined: Aug 02, 2006
Posts: 705
Location: McLean, VA, USA
Posted:
Tue Feb 05, 2013 5:26 pm
Usually in such cases I wish I have a gun with me.
Though, when I calm down, I realize not having a gun on you in such cases is better LOL.
I feel for you, really. There are so many total idiots on the road, and meeting one is never a pleasant experience.
Reporting her won't work anyway, cause it is really just your word against hers in court - neither side can win. So, your best bet is to take a deep breath and thank your skills and god/buddha/alla/zeus you got out of it unharmed. At least this is what I try to do in such situations. Try is the operative word here
Last week in the Larger city nearby a "ninja" was hit and seriously injured. While wearing dark clothing at night they stepped into traffic on a very busy 35mph street in the middle of a block where crosswalks with signals are available at each end of the block.
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