Likely penalties for road rage?
Discussion
Mad Dave said:
Ive seen on many occasions, people on the road provoking one another - brake testing etc etc. Just wondering what penalty these assholes are risking by doing this? Is there a specific charge for Road Rage or is it a Dangerous Driving rap?
Road rage is normally associated with the fight between drivers when they eventually stop and the prepare to sort out the problem physically.
Stamping on the brake and slowing hard in order to cause another to brake hard is just plain dangerous driving!
t for doing it.
Mad Dave said:
Thanks Gone. What would be the likely penalty for the road rage bit you mention?
Just to point out, these questions are not related to anything i've done, in case anyone were thinking that!
Fairly draconian. Courts do not like the fact that someone can get so wound up over a minor motoring matter that it causes that person to resort to physical violence.
Magistrates think along the line of "It could have been me getting the benefit of this persons road rage as I occasionally make minor mistakes on the road".
Assaults from this sort of situation usually end up with at least some stripey daylight depending on the seriousness of the injury and the items used in causing it!
This was foremost on my mind today. Dropped my Chim off for a service and got a lift back to my mate's house nearby. Spent a pleasant day watching telly and chatting, like you do, before going to the pub for lunch and a drink. We then drove back to the garage and collected my car.
When pulling out onto the main road, turning left, an Audi TT was about 200-300 yards up the road from me. Plenty of space, so I pulled out and accelerated. About 5-6 seconds later the TT was up my arse, but hey that happens, it certainly wasn't because I was slow (far from it). I got to the tail end of a queue of traffic, and was waiting with my arm draped over the door, when I heard some shouting behind me.
I looked back and saw a woman leaning out of the driver's seat of the TT, "you need f**king glasses you blind c**t f**king w**ker". You get the idea. After a few seconds, I realised she was shouting at me, so I looked over my shoulder and asked if there was a problem. "you f**king pulled out on me you stupid f**king c**t!"
I can tell you, I did no such thing - she easily had a good few hundred yards to slow down as she was only doing about 50-60, and I was no slouch out of that junction. The only reason I wasn't faster is because of the queue in front of me!
She continued shouting, and at this point I checked my mirror and gave very serious consideration to getting out of the car, walking back towards her, and showing her what I thought of her attitude with my right foot and her car body panels. I didn't though, but I phoned my mate in the car in front to ask him to watch his mirrors to make sure nothing bad happened to me. She sees me on the phone, starts shouting more abuse, coffee beans, you name it.
I ended it by smiling, waving, shouting "thanks for the driving tips", and ignoring the silly bitch.
I would really really have liked to just punch the stupid cow in the face. The thing is, one day she'll do the same thing to somebody else, and they'll not hesitate in walking over and doing some serious damage. Personally, I hope I'm there to watch.
When pulling out onto the main road, turning left, an Audi TT was about 200-300 yards up the road from me. Plenty of space, so I pulled out and accelerated. About 5-6 seconds later the TT was up my arse, but hey that happens, it certainly wasn't because I was slow (far from it). I got to the tail end of a queue of traffic, and was waiting with my arm draped over the door, when I heard some shouting behind me.
I looked back and saw a woman leaning out of the driver's seat of the TT, "you need f**king glasses you blind c**t f**king w**ker". You get the idea. After a few seconds, I realised she was shouting at me, so I looked over my shoulder and asked if there was a problem. "you f**king pulled out on me you stupid f**king c**t!"
I can tell you, I did no such thing - she easily had a good few hundred yards to slow down as she was only doing about 50-60, and I was no slouch out of that junction. The only reason I wasn't faster is because of the queue in front of me!
She continued shouting, and at this point I checked my mirror and gave very serious consideration to getting out of the car, walking back towards her, and showing her what I thought of her attitude with my right foot and her car body panels. I didn't though, but I phoned my mate in the car in front to ask him to watch his mirrors to make sure nothing bad happened to me. She sees me on the phone, starts shouting more abuse, coffee beans, you name it.
I ended it by smiling, waving, shouting "thanks for the driving tips", and ignoring the silly bitch.
I would really really have liked to just punch the stupid cow in the face. The thing is, one day she'll do the same thing to somebody else, and they'll not hesitate in walking over and doing some serious damage. Personally, I hope I'm there to watch.
parrot of doom said:
This was foremost on my mind today. Dropped my Chim off for a service and got a lift back to my mate's house nearby. Spent a pleasant day watching telly and chatting, like you do, before going to the pub for lunch and a drink. We then drove back to the garage and collected my car.
When pulling out onto the main road, turning left, an Audi TT was about 200-300 yards up the road from me. Plenty of space, so I pulled out and accelerated. About 5-6 seconds later the TT was up my arse, but hey that happens, it certainly wasn't because I was slow (far from it). I got to the tail end of a queue of traffic, and was waiting with my arm draped over the door, when I heard some shouting behind me.
I looked back and saw a woman leaning out of the driver's seat of the TT, "you need f**king glasses you blind c**t f**king w**ker". You get the idea. After a few seconds, I realised she was shouting at me, so I looked over my shoulder and asked if there was a problem. "you f**king pulled out on me you stupid f**king c**t!"
I can tell you, I did no such thing - she easily had a good few hundred yards to slow down as she was only doing about 50-60, and I was no slouch out of that junction. The only reason I wasn't faster is because of the queue in front of me!
She continued shouting, and at this point I checked my mirror and gave very serious consideration to getting out of the car, walking back towards her, and showing her what I thought of her attitude with my right foot and her car body panels. I didn't though, but I phoned my mate in the car in front to ask him to watch his mirrors to make sure nothing bad happened to me. She sees me on the phone, starts shouting more abuse, coffee beans, you name it.
I ended it by smiling, waving, shouting "thanks for the driving tips", and ignoring the silly bitch.
I would really really have liked to just punch the stupid cow in the face. The thing is, one day she'll do the same thing to somebody else, and they'll not hesitate in walking over and doing some serious damage. Personally, I hope I'm there to watch.
I find it more fun just to drive slowly. Veeery slooowly....
But at any rate, I don't see what's wrong in slamming on the brakes if one accelerates right away? Enough to make the driver behind you sh!t himself, but not actually putting him in danger.
I had an incident a couple of weeks ago - had been raining heavily in the peaks but had eased a bit and the road I was on was good for 30 or so. Was following a car who was driving very erratically kept slowing and stopping, starting, stopping.
A car was coming the other way though the road was amply wide for both cars to pass at normal speed - he stopped.
The car passed and an arm came out the window waving me past (did look like he was breaking down) it was clear to pass so signalled a started my overtake to whit the waving turned into a middle finger gesture and the driver started to accelerate. I stopped - he stopped - this was starting to look like road rage so accelerated again and managed to push my way in front.
I looked in my rear view mirror and said driver continued on his way driving erratically by this time with a queue of traffic behind.
I made no eye contact, no gestures, no horn, etc, just got out of the situation as quickly as possible, but was still a bit shaken.
>> Edited by timtonal on Wednesday 29th June 08:07
A car was coming the other way though the road was amply wide for both cars to pass at normal speed - he stopped.
The car passed and an arm came out the window waving me past (did look like he was breaking down) it was clear to pass so signalled a started my overtake to whit the waving turned into a middle finger gesture and the driver started to accelerate. I stopped - he stopped - this was starting to look like road rage so accelerated again and managed to push my way in front.
I looked in my rear view mirror and said driver continued on his way driving erratically by this time with a queue of traffic behind.
I made no eye contact, no gestures, no horn, etc, just got out of the situation as quickly as possible, but was still a bit shaken.
>> Edited by timtonal on Wednesday 29th June 08:07
Don't have any illusions at all that the bib or magistrates will take any reports of road rage seriously my thread 'didn't stop at accident' is still ongoing except now I have had to engage the services of solicitor and my court date is set for sept.
Interestingly my Mum had a male driver get out of his car to her (she changed lanes queueing for a roundabout indicated, waited - other driver didn't want to give up his space etc)the man got out of his car slammed his door shut but then noticed my 6 foot 'much wider than me brother' in the front seat next to her, he did an about turn, got in his car and drove off!
Interestingly my Mum had a male driver get out of his car to her (she changed lanes queueing for a roundabout indicated, waited - other driver didn't want to give up his space etc)the man got out of his car slammed his door shut but then noticed my 6 foot 'much wider than me brother' in the front seat next to her, he did an about turn, got in his car and drove off!
At the risk of sounding like a bore, and all things being equal, if you drive into the back of someone then you were driving too close. People who drive too close are dicks. The number of idiots to whom I gesture politely to back off, only for them to give me the finger (because it's an affront to their ego, because they won't be told, because I drive a TVR etc etc) beggars belief. So I tend to sympathise with those who brake-test others (regardless of whether it's clever to do so).
We seem to get quite a few of these miscellaneous problems and hassles being reported here.
Do any of you find yourselves being involved in these difficulties on a fairly regular basis, or is it a case of 'once in a blue moon' for each of you?
Please understand I'm not wishing to criticise anyone, but if you're encountering a lot of these conflicts could you consider if a possible adjustment to your driving style might provide more peaceful driving for you?
Best wishes all,
Dave.
Do any of you find yourselves being involved in these difficulties on a fairly regular basis, or is it a case of 'once in a blue moon' for each of you?
Please understand I'm not wishing to criticise anyone, but if you're encountering a lot of these conflicts could you consider if a possible adjustment to your driving style might provide more peaceful driving for you?
Best wishes all,
Dave.
Once in a blue moon I'm glad to say, Dave.
Picked up a good tip of a workmate who got hassled by another driver on a stretch of dual carriageway - A50 near Derby. His passenger rang the Police - they said to let the other car get in front and then stop for 20 minutes or so in a layby.
He did this then continued on his journey. A few miles down the road he saw the other car pulled in by the Bib!
Picked up a good tip of a workmate who got hassled by another driver on a stretch of dual carriageway - A50 near Derby. His passenger rang the Police - they said to let the other car get in front and then stop for 20 minutes or so in a layby.
He did this then continued on his journey. A few miles down the road he saw the other car pulled in by the Bib!
Chrisbb's mum - no login of my own!
I've been driving for years covering alot of miles town and motorway, I've hardly had any incidents to note other than the one mentioned on the thread before. If someone gestures to me in a less than friendly way I simply keep my eyes on the road, avoid eye contact whilst making sure that the driver is not following me.
I think volume of traffic and stress of getting from 'a to b' as quickly as possible contributes to people's attitudes on the road. Plus the general lack of common courtesy and good manners that seems to be norm in today's society, wether driving or not. (sorry but I am quite old!)
The other issue is that most people drive today because it's 'odd' if you don't, however, there is a large spectrum of the population that aren't equiped with enough spatial awareness to be competant drivers.
I've been driving for years covering alot of miles town and motorway, I've hardly had any incidents to note other than the one mentioned on the thread before. If someone gestures to me in a less than friendly way I simply keep my eyes on the road, avoid eye contact whilst making sure that the driver is not following me.
I think volume of traffic and stress of getting from 'a to b' as quickly as possible contributes to people's attitudes on the road. Plus the general lack of common courtesy and good manners that seems to be norm in today's society, wether driving or not. (sorry but I am quite old!)
The other issue is that most people drive today because it's 'odd' if you don't, however, there is a large spectrum of the population that aren't equiped with enough spatial awareness to be competant drivers.
parrot of doom said:
..... The thing is, one day she'll do the same thing to somebody else, and they'll not hesitate in walking over and doing some serious damage. Personally, I hope I'm there to watch.
If she does it to me or any of my colleagues on or off duty she will likely get a scetion 5 public order warning! See her attitude change then
!timtonal said:
Once in a blue moon I'm glad to say, Dave.
Picked up a good tip of a workmate who got hassled by another driver on a stretch of dual carriageway - A50 near Derby. His passenger rang the Police - they said to let the other car get in front and then stop for 20 minutes or so in a layby.
He did this then continued on his journey. A few miles down the road he saw the other car pulled in by the Bib!
Oh that's by far the best result. Let BiB sort them out properly.
Best wishes all,
Dave.
I believe most of this would be solved if all drivers were forced to undertake re-tests or even advanced driving lessons. if you don't pass your off the road - simple as that.
Common courtesy is all it takes. If someone is driving too close then let them past you, ignore peoples gestures and be nice to other road users. It's not fun to drive in Britain nowadays so there is no need to make it worse.
Unless your on a track ;-)
Common courtesy is all it takes. If someone is driving too close then let them past you, ignore peoples gestures and be nice to other road users. It's not fun to drive in Britain nowadays so there is no need to make it worse.
Unless your on a track ;-)
I find I get quite a lot of gestures, flashes, horns and general "abuse" from other road users.
I attribute this to a few things:-
1) I've got a bloody great spoiler on the back of the car. (standard fit)
2) When overtaking the car sounds nicely loud and raucous!!!
3) I drive quite quickly in NSL, and overtake where safe (forbidden under the numpty highway code as too dangerous, it appears!)
4) I drive at the limit in 30's and 40's, unlike most numpties.
5) I flash people who aren't driving with enough attention, usually lane discipline.
All of the above I consider quite reasonable, yet there are frequently in-duh-viduals I come across who take exception to some combination of the above. Should I change my style? I don't think so, but comments are welcome...
I attribute this to a few things:-
1) I've got a bloody great spoiler on the back of the car. (standard fit)
2) When overtaking the car sounds nicely loud and raucous!!!
3) I drive quite quickly in NSL, and overtake where safe (forbidden under the numpty highway code as too dangerous, it appears!)
4) I drive at the limit in 30's and 40's, unlike most numpties.
5) I flash people who aren't driving with enough attention, usually lane discipline.
All of the above I consider quite reasonable, yet there are frequently in-duh-viduals I come across who take exception to some combination of the above. Should I change my style? I don't think so, but comments are welcome...
lucozade said:
I believe most of this would be solved if all drivers were forced to undertake re-tests or even advanced driving lessons. if you don't pass your off the road - simple as that.
Common courtesy is all it takes. If someone is driving too close then let them past you, ignore peoples gestures and be nice to other road users. It's not fun to drive in Britain nowadays so there is no need to make it worse.
Unless your on a track ;-)
I agree with all of that, except for the bit about it not being fun to drive in Britain nowadays. To me it is still enjoyable, and almost invariably quite harmonious, so long as you adapt your style to suit the conditions, and not try to turn everything into a competition.
Best wishes all,
Dave.
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