Why I don't Trifle W/ Other Drivers or What Are These People Thinking?

[Treo]

What Are These People Thinking?

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The other day on my way home from work I got cut off in traffic, on a road that was essentially empty. The guy pulled up in the right lane even w/ my fender looked right at me and came over had I not stepped on the brakes he’d have hit me. Then he proceed to slow down to about 5 miles under the speed limit, I followed him for a while then he slammed on his brakes and turned right w/ no turn signal.

I’m not sure why but I suspect he was deliberately trying to antagonize me.

A week or two ago I was on my way to work, I ended up behind a car that was going a little under the speed limit until I pulled into the right lane to pass, then they sped up and prevented me from getting around them. When we stopped at the light the passenger informed me that I’d “Better watch how the [blank] I’m driving”

Now here’s my question; in both cases I had a gun and while I recognize that neither situation called for any thing like an armed response, I’m not the only person out there that carries. Do these people not think before they decide to try to piss off some random stranger? I mean, what’s going to happen when they try that crap w/ another Vern Smalley?

Maybe it’s because I’m a gun owner that I stop and think that the people around me might be armed and I behave accordingly but it makes no sense to me that anyone would risk such an interaction w/ a random stranger in today’s society.

I guess I’d like to discuss the mindset that goes w/ that kind of stupidity and how we, as responsible gun owners deal with it.
Any input would be appreciated.

P.S In case you're wondering I highlighted the sentence in the third paragraph because somebody will mis read this post and castigate me for wanting to draw in those situations, I'm just preparing for it in advance

 

[Deserteagle]

Few pointers.... Keep windows rolled up and do not engage with them. Dial *CSP to report aggressive drivers, and either pull too far forward or too far backward at a red light so they cannot park next to you. Also dont look them in the eye, it will only make them want to engage in an argument with you even more than if you ignore them. Keep gun ready as always.

Just read your signature which is exactly the opposite of what you want to do. "Flip 'em the bird and die like a VIKING"

 

[KCD1974]

People are VERY self centered in general...everything is about them...A good example I was driving with my 3 year old one day and a guy passed me, no big deal, I didn't care a bit, I was "playing" with my son who was sitting in the middle row and moving my arms up and down making funny noises so he would laugh....

Well I see the guy in the car in front of me flipping me off and all pissed off, I assume because he assumed I was making the gestures at him....so you see it's ALL about him...not hey, perhaps he has a kid in that MINI VAN!

 

[fuhr52]

Some people just aren't happy unless they are screwing with others. Get their plate number and call 911.

 

[50SR9]

I drive commercially in a large truck. You would not believe the idiots that I incur every day. It really makes you wonder how they got licenses, how they find their way to work and home every day and how they survive the trip. I generally get cussed, cut off, flipped off or some other type of abuse at least once a day. I had one guy follow me for over 15 miles trying to get me to pull over. He flashed his lights, motioned me over (I was watching him in my side mirror), pass me and slow down to 15 mph on a 65 mph highway, he pulled up beside me and did the "camera thing" with his phone. I could have pulled over at any time and found out what his problem was. I carry my weapon with me, have little to no fear of just about any one anyway, but in all the above situations it is best to "keep on truckin". There is no point in risking a confrontation that could result in a fight, much less a deadly situation. My advice, unless they actually do something to make you stop and decide they are going to attack, keep rollin on to your destination. If they do make you stop, or follow you to your destination, call 911 and have your weapon handy. At that point, they have taken it far enough to warrant, in my opinion, having weapon in your lap and at the ready, of course being on the phone with the authorities letting them hear everything that is happening. If your phone does video, so much the better. Be safe! Lots of morons behind the wheel!

 

[chiefpropellerhead]

If you are a member of the US Concealed Carry association they have many helpful downloadable documents. One of them is entitled "Staying Alive Behind the wheel: How to survive a run-in with road rage". It is in PDF format and is 33 pages in length. It brings up some things I had not thought of before.

 

[Grognard Gunny]

Just another selection of "10%'ers". Road Idiots are always there, the objective, then, is to take care that they don't kill you with their (obvious) great disregard for their own lives.

Cross that lot with the "10%'ers" that are naturally obnoxious and belligerant, not to mention astonishly ignorant..... and you have roughly 1 driver in a hundred who is nothing more than an armed killer with the vehicle he/she is driving as the weapon of choice.

GG

 

[sargedog]

Most of the time most people are in another world while driving. I have noticed there are more and more people trying to make other drivers mad. Coming home the other night i was on a four lane(I was in the fast lane) doing the speed limit. All the sudden this suv cuts me completly off. After I regain control he slows down to the speed of the slower car so I couldn't pass. He finally sped up enough for me to go around,and we were doing 70 in a 55 cause he didn't want me to pass him,he was doing all this on purpose. I told my wife this guy was an idiot and went another way home. Just because it is still illegal to shoot stupid.

 

[Iam2Taz]

Dial 911 report - Maniac driver swerving and almost running people off the road.
Smile and waive. ;-)

 

[walt629]

Most of the time most people are in another world while driving. I have noticed there are more and more people trying to make other drivers mad. Coming home the other night i was on a four lane(I was in the fast lane) doing the speed limit. All the sudden this suv cuts me completly off. After I regain control he slows down to the speed of the slower car so I couldn't pass. He finally sped up enough for me to go around,and we were doing 70 in a 55 cause he didn't want me to pass him,he was doing all this on purpose. I told my wife this guy was an idiot and went another way home. Just because it is still illegal to shoot stupid.

You can't fix stupid and there is a lot of it on the road.

The ones that get me are the drivers with the phone jammed in their ear, hold up traffic on a 2 lane cross county road. When you finally get to the passing zone, the knucklehead speeds up to stop the line of 20 cars behind them from passing.

I guess they always wanted to lead a parade!

But as a sane driver (let alone the fact we're carrying a firearm) it is still my responsibility to be the 'smarter' driver and avoid the crash, if you will.

 

[sdprof]

Let's see. In both instances you were driving in the left lane, it appears.

What ever happened to "Stay right expect to pass?"

What is this penchant for everyone to think they should all be in the left lane(s) regardless of traffic or speed?

 

[Treo]

Let's see. In both instances you were driving in the left lane, it appears.

What ever happened to "Stay right expect to pass?"

What is this penchant for everyone to think they should all be in the left lane(s) regardless of traffic or speed?

I'm not sure if this was addressed to me but in both cases I was on Constitution Street in Colorado Springs (for those who live in the Springs) It is mostly a two lane street and the traffic level is far too high to expect that only the right lane be used. I've actually never even heard that be the case except on interstates or state highways anyway.

Also the main point of my post (that folks seem to be missing) is that you don't know the person in the car next to you, you don't know when you might make a comment and have the guy flip out on you. or decide to wave his .357 in your face.

Maybe it's because I know I'm armed but I think about things like that when I'm out and about and it amazes me that people are dumb enough to trifle w/ people they don't know

 

[Rich_S]

Few pointers.... Keep windows rolled up and do not engage with them. Dial *CSP to report aggressive drivers, and either pull too far forward or too far backward at a red light so they cannot park next to you. Also dont look them in the eye, it will only make them want to engage in an argument with you even more than if you ignore them. Keep gun ready as always.

Just read your signature which is exactly the opposite of what you want to do. "Flip 'em the bird and die like a VIKING"

^^
This

I've also had situations where I had to talk to the other driver. One time on a single lane road I had a guy who was effing with me pull up behind me at a light and get out of his car. I was thinking about running the light but I couldn't without causing an accident. He comes charging up to my window shouting "you effing this and you effing that". What did I do? "Oh....I'm sorry, sir." "I didn't mean to cause any trouble." You should have seen his face. He was shocked by my response. He calmed right down and said "well watch it from now on" and I replied "Thank you- I certainly will." He probably walked back to his car with his chest puffed out thinking he just got a victory and I'm a wuss but frankly I could not care less. The last thing I want to do is get into a fight that may not end well. Even if I win the fight I might lose in the courts so why take that chance. I'd much rather take the high road and send the thug away thinking he's the winner.

 

[Treo]

^^
This

I've also had situations where I had to talk to the other driver. One time on a single lane road I had a guy who was effing with me pull up behind me at a light and get out of his car. I was thinking about running the light but I couldn't without causing an accident. He comes charging up to my window shouting "you effing this and you effing that". What did I do? "Oh....I'm sorry, sir." "I didn't mean to cause any trouble." You should have seen his face. He was shocked by my response. He calmed right down and said "well watch it from now on" and I replied "Thank you- I certainly will." He probably walked back to his car with his chest puffed out thinking he just got a victory and I'm a wuss but frankly I could not care less. The last thing I want to do is get into a fight that may not end well. Even if I win the fight I might lose in the courts so why take that chance. I'd much rather take the high road and send the thug away thinking he's the winner.

I looked the guy that told me to watch how I was driving right in the eye and said "I'm sorry I'm running a little late for work", he calmed right down. Although I did notice that they kept far above the speed limit until they turned off that I couldn't have got in front of them w/ out making it a speed contest.

 

[Hamilton Felix]

It's generally best to make every effort to avoid confrontation. But... my wife is an ex-cop, both of us know how to handle cars, including the PIT maneuver, and one of our commuter cars is an ex-cop Crown Vic that still has its push bars... we both must admit to a few moments of very strong temptation....

OK, joking aside, avoid confrontation, maintain situational awareness, and have weapons ready just in case.

I'm driving the car these days, but I also have a nice little motorcycle. I live in a logging town. Most of the traffic I face in the morning is over 80,000 lbs. and over 70 feet long. Riding a Suzuki through that is a good reminder why one should be a considerate driver - road rage can turn one into a speed bump...

 

[Axeanda45]

Anyone in my way (going too slow) is an idiot, and anyone going faster than me is crazy........




That being said, Since I have started carrying, I try VERY hard to not be confrontational with anyone, anywhere.... especially when driving. (I am a commercial/professional driver, not going to jeopardize my job because of some idiot that cant drive or thinks he owns the road)



BUT..... Threaten my life or try to trample on my rights, watch out.......... My sig line is not just a cute saying....

 

[localgirl]

I don't know about where you live, but my town is small enough that the cops usually appreciate something to do. So I just call them and report a very reckless driver. They always respond, and if you want, you can be the one to issue the ticket, so long as you are willing to testify in court should they decide to fight it.

 

[BC1]

I find the best response is no response at all. I don't look at them, acknowldge them or respond in any manner. I will not stop the car and will take great care to continue on my way despite their actions. As we get older we drive slower. Hell, I have kids in baby-seats flipping me the bird.

Just a note: sometimes the person tailgating you has an emergency. When our little guy was killed my wife had him in the car trying to get to the hospital. They were honking the horn and flashing lights to get around people. Some people jammed the brakes, slowed down and flipped the bird. He died in the car on the way to the hospital. If someone is tailgating or seems very anxious to get by, simply let them go by.

Also remember that most state laws won't allow a justification of defense if you participate in the escalation in any way. Don't converse with the other party, verbal or otherwise.

 

[Treo]

When our little guy was killed my wife had him in the car trying to get to the hospital. They were honking the horn and flashing lights to get around people.

Please God I hope you are referring to a pet animal

 

[BC1]

Please God I hope you are referring to a pet animal

No. He was my wife's nine-year-old brother. Killed by a child predator/sex offender on a quiet September afternoon in a rural farming community in upstate NY.