Witnessed an RTA- moral dilemma
Discussion
About two hours ago I was driving home and approaching a 'T'-junction, coming from the minor road and intending to turn right onto the major road. The junction was controlled all three ways by traffic lights. On approach, I saw that the lights were red so I eased off and prepared to stop for the lights. Ahead of me was an old Astra on the same course- about ten meters short of the lights and travelling at 5-10mph, obviously preparing to stop.
A blue Peugeot 207 was rounding the bend from the right hand side of the 'T' onto the minor road. It was not travelling at excessive speed. It appeared to go off line and seemed to barely slow before ploughing straight into the side of the Astra, glancing the side of the car from the front wing to the rear door. Both cars were brought to a stop by the impact and I was relieved to see that the driver of the Peugeot made no attempt at a getaway. I pulled up behind the Astra and put my hazards on, before walking over to check everyone was okay.
The Astra was driven by a woman well into her 60's, but she seemed fine and said she was unhurt, just a little shaken. The bloke in the pug was in his 50's and seemed co-operative enough, and very apologetic. Neither car had any passengers. We agreed to move our cars to the side of the road and re-convened at the Astra. The drivers door was jammed shut so she stayed seated in the car throughout.
She said thanks for stopping etc and then said "I think he's had a drink", as the bloke from the pug ambled over. He had a slightly limping gait but can't have been hurt in the accident. When he was out of earshot I asked Astra lady if she'd want the police called. She said no, "because I'm not vindictive like that". I took details off him and wrote mine down too so I could act as a witness. It was very apparent that the man was really quite drunk. I had to keep reminding him not to walk backwards into the road. He was slurring, repeating himself and seemed distant.
I checked that both cars were 'roadworthy' and Peugeot man went on his way. I stayed with Astra lady as he left and checked that she'd be okay getting home, advising that she didn't open the door if possible (as it'd never close again!). She had no-one to help her at home so I asked if she'd be able to manage getting out of the passenger's side. I also double checked that she wasn't physically injured.
As Astra lady left, I picked up the debris from the road and then set off home.
I now feel that I should've phoned the police and insisted that pug man stay until the police arrived. I also wondered if I should've helped Astra lady open her door. I am still considering reporting the accident to the police and the fact that pug man was very pissed. He still had another five miles of his journey to cover. Who knows what he could've done in those five miles.
What should I have done differently?
What would you have done?
Is there any point reporting it now?
I am pleased that no-one was injured. Astra lady just sent me a text thanking me for my assistance and letting me know that she was home safe. But I can't help thinking I should've phoned the police, against her wishes.
A blue Peugeot 207 was rounding the bend from the right hand side of the 'T' onto the minor road. It was not travelling at excessive speed. It appeared to go off line and seemed to barely slow before ploughing straight into the side of the Astra, glancing the side of the car from the front wing to the rear door. Both cars were brought to a stop by the impact and I was relieved to see that the driver of the Peugeot made no attempt at a getaway. I pulled up behind the Astra and put my hazards on, before walking over to check everyone was okay.
The Astra was driven by a woman well into her 60's, but she seemed fine and said she was unhurt, just a little shaken. The bloke in the pug was in his 50's and seemed co-operative enough, and very apologetic. Neither car had any passengers. We agreed to move our cars to the side of the road and re-convened at the Astra. The drivers door was jammed shut so she stayed seated in the car throughout.
She said thanks for stopping etc and then said "I think he's had a drink", as the bloke from the pug ambled over. He had a slightly limping gait but can't have been hurt in the accident. When he was out of earshot I asked Astra lady if she'd want the police called. She said no, "because I'm not vindictive like that". I took details off him and wrote mine down too so I could act as a witness. It was very apparent that the man was really quite drunk. I had to keep reminding him not to walk backwards into the road. He was slurring, repeating himself and seemed distant.
I checked that both cars were 'roadworthy' and Peugeot man went on his way. I stayed with Astra lady as he left and checked that she'd be okay getting home, advising that she didn't open the door if possible (as it'd never close again!). She had no-one to help her at home so I asked if she'd be able to manage getting out of the passenger's side. I also double checked that she wasn't physically injured.
As Astra lady left, I picked up the debris from the road and then set off home.
I now feel that I should've phoned the police and insisted that pug man stay until the police arrived. I also wondered if I should've helped Astra lady open her door. I am still considering reporting the accident to the police and the fact that pug man was very pissed. He still had another five miles of his journey to cover. Who knows what he could've done in those five miles.
What should I have done differently?
What would you have done?
Is there any point reporting it now?
I am pleased that no-one was injured. Astra lady just sent me a text thanking me for my assistance and letting me know that she was home safe. But I can't help thinking I should've phoned the police, against her wishes.
t in the face. He's obviously a cock for drink driving and deserves it.What if he had hurt or killed one of your loved ones or anyone when continuing his journey after this accident.
Have previuosly had his situation and removed the keys from his car and told him that he can walk home or I'm calling the police. He went home on foot minus his car keys, I left his keys with his next door neighbour after he gave me his address.
Have previuosly had his situation and removed the keys from his car and told him that he can walk home or I'm calling the police. He went home on foot minus his car keys, I left his keys with his next door neighbour after he gave me his address.
DavidHM said:
Probably should have phoned the police, but it's too late now.
This is what I'm thinking. Astra lady didn't want them called but I probably should've all the same. There is nothing the police could do about it now. Luckily no-one was injured and maybe pug man will wake up and look at his car and realise he doesn't even remember the journey. Hopefully he'll realise that he's been very lucky and won't repeat his mistake.
So you witnessed some drunk driving pi55head crash into another car and thought it was a good idea not to call the police? Jesus Christ, why did you think this was a good idea? Next time he might get behind the wheel completely pickled and mow down some kids or a cyclist (even though they jump red lights).
Toilet Duck said:
So you witnessed some drunk driving pi55head crash into another car and thought it was a good idea not to call the police? Jesus Christ, why did you think this was a good idea? Next time he might get behind the wheel completely pickled and mow down some kids or a cyclist (even though they jump red lights).
I agree. ^^ 'hopefully'. Tosser.I have just got off the phone with the Surrey Police non-emergency crime center. The details are all logged down but nothing will be persued unless Astra lady rings them.
I understand what you're all saying re: calling the police. In retrospect I probably should've but my reasons for not doing so are as follows. Hear me out, I am being honest here and fully expect people will disagree.
-Astra lady told me not to. I am not the victim here, and it would've been very different if he'd hit me.
-Inconvenience. I have no power to make pug man wait with us for the police. I wanted to go home and eat my dinner. Astra lady had to drive all the way to Croydon and clearly didn't want the hassle.
-Phoning the police could've ruined peoples lives. Whose? well, who knows. What if Astra lady wasn't on the right side of the law? bald tyre? accidentally expired MOT/insurance/whatever? She's been involved in something she doesn't want to be involved in. I respect her decision not to phone it in.
-I am not a confrontational person. I am disguested by the fact pug man thought he was in a fit state to drive, but ultimately no-one was hurt and maybe he'll think twice next time. He was on his way to Headley on the quiet roads and wouldn't have come across a single pedestrian for the remainder of his journey.
Like I say, In retrospect I should've phoned. The person on the end of the non-emergency police line agreed. But my conscience is clear and I can go to bed now.
I understand what you're all saying re: calling the police. In retrospect I probably should've but my reasons for not doing so are as follows. Hear me out, I am being honest here and fully expect people will disagree.
-Astra lady told me not to. I am not the victim here, and it would've been very different if he'd hit me.
-Inconvenience. I have no power to make pug man wait with us for the police. I wanted to go home and eat my dinner. Astra lady had to drive all the way to Croydon and clearly didn't want the hassle.
-Phoning the police could've ruined peoples lives. Whose? well, who knows. What if Astra lady wasn't on the right side of the law? bald tyre? accidentally expired MOT/insurance/whatever? She's been involved in something she doesn't want to be involved in. I respect her decision not to phone it in.
-I am not a confrontational person. I am disguested by the fact pug man thought he was in a fit state to drive, but ultimately no-one was hurt and maybe he'll think twice next time. He was on his way to Headley on the quiet roads and wouldn't have come across a single pedestrian for the remainder of his journey.
Like I say, In retrospect I should've phoned. The person on the end of the non-emergency police line agreed. But my conscience is clear and I can go to bed now.
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