Advocacy & Safety - Attack Christian?

I just got back from a 16 mile ride in my hometown. Beautiful day, there is not that many left this year, and it is very nice to get a good workout in and still enjoy the scenery. I often rant about inconsiderate jerks and verbose dumb azzes on here because I commute in city traffic. The more I ride and learn the less often it happens and I rarely have even words with anyone anymore. I dont get mad at people, like lose my temper, I am a Christian but I am not as Christian with people as I should be and I have struggled with behaving better when someone slights me or does something to me. but....
Today has me kinda spooked. I was riding on one of the few roads with even slight hills here, right in the downtown part of my little town. The road is about two miles long and smooth. There are six inch curbs and 2 lanes. Traffic was real light. The speed limit is 25 mph and I was doing 20+. there are a few stop signs and a stop light.
A car comes up behind me there is no oncoming traffic in sight so I stay on the right tire line about 3 foot from the curb, the first two cars in a line of three dont even slow down and safely pass me. There is still no traffic coming but the thrid car sucks up on my back wheel. I am, at this point, just aware of the car but not really trying to get a look at it becuase I think it is getting ready to turn right and just does not want to hook me. I look up ot see the next right and there is really no where to turn into for quite a while. When I look back down to my mirror the car is considerably closer adn I could hear it closing in too. Still no traffic, I am not sure how fast I was going but I am sure I was speeding up. then the car passes me, way too close to start with, in fact there was too much stuff for me to run off the road or I might have at that point, still it swerves toward me even closer, not enough to hit my mirror but close.
THen the car takes off. I was at this point under the impression the driver was female and I did see a kid in the front passanger seat. but I could not tell for sure because of the high headrest. Then the driver flips me off. I really dont get angry at being flipped off but when someone endangers my life and even worse my road bike I do get sorta po'd. I kept riding on the same road and as luck would have it there was a bunch of cars at the 4 way and the car that had nearly ran over me was behind the two that had passed me before and they stopped so she had to. I pulled up behind her and was amking a note of her license plate in my head but in no other way even acknowledging her existance. The other two cars had stopped and driven on. She had not yet moved so she was a few car lenghts from the sign. I was watching to see what she would do next, i expected someone to get out of the car and I was still po'd enough I was kinda hoping. then she finally takes off, so I start pedaling, get snapped in. Then she slams on her brakes. I was alert enough I stopped in plenty of time. then after clearing the 4 way she did it again. I still was not sure it was a female but just under that impression.
This road goes out to the highway, the Catholic church, and the middle school. About 100 yards behind the Catholic church is the Local police station. I was pretty sure I was going to report this person at this point, I continued riding toward the Catholic Church and to police station. The car pulls into the lot and parks to go to Church. She looked totally shocked when I pulled up behind her. It was definately a she and 30 or less. She grabbed her kid laid down in the seat like I was going to do something to her. Although I might have been justified a few minutes eailer, and was kinda hoping it was a guy, I never had any intention of hitting anyone. I am nearly 50 and have been happily married for years so I know it is not an old girlfriend or anything like that.
I was just so shocked by the whole situation. I did not go report to the police right then. Right now I just have a lot of questions. Why would she be so aggressive? I was not on my normal route so I could not have slighted her before. she did not even look familiar. I am not a Catholic so i dont know her from Church. I guess I am just trying to understand how she could be so young and normal looking and yet be so aggressive and hateful, definitely dangerous. All with her kid in the car on the way to church. After seeing her grab her kid and lay accross the front seat I just dont know what to think.
I wrote her plate number down and what happened down but it is almost like she had something against me personally. I am going to have a cup of coffee and decide wether to report her to the police or look her up myself and ask what the problem is. I know what I should do but I really just wanted to record the incident somewhere. Thanks for listening.

It is this sort of unwarranted* behavior from seemingly normal people that really makes me wonder about people from time to time.


*(not that this behavior is ever warranted, but one might expect a close situation if say the motorist was turning right just ahead... as the OP expressed )

I have had run-ins with motorists on otherwise quiet Sunday mornings when no other traffic was about, and the road had plenty of empty lanes to use...

I cannot say why this sort of thing happens... just that it really has no place. This sort of behavior is contrary to laws, to morals... and as you say, Christian beliefs.

Perhaps you should have confronted the woman and just talked to her... get her to voice why she acted in that manner. Were there other people in the church lot?

Perhaps a call to the police while you were there with the woman may have gotten a response from her... and maybe a lesson to her would have been the result. Who knows... then again police may have just nabbed you as some stalker...

Report it.
If this situation continues its only a matter of time before someone of
this mentality fabricates a reason to hit someone who is in their way.
Im glad you are OK and not to diverge from the topic too much but
people pull this stuff on cyclists because as a bloc we have a scare
factor on the same level as flea. People know that no matter what they
do to us it is OK. We are the only sect of the population that suffers this
at the percentages we do. This goes against my values and reasoning,
but I cannot help getting some satisfaction out of hearing tales of revenge
against motorists who have purposely assaulted us in some way. If the
autocentric public became scared of us like they are a group of Harleys
or something like that, we would be much better off. Right now they laff
at us. We are PeeWee Hermans who are in their way off to something
impotant like the McDonalds drive-thru or the sale at the mall.
:rolleyes:

I would certainly report it. If she hadn't given you the finger I'd have chalked it up to someone that just didn't know how to drive well and had no idea of how large their car was or just how dangerous it is to follow that closely as in no idea of how hard it is to stop or manuever something as heavy as a car. But the finger salute definetly brings the whole incident into the dangerous or even potential assault category. The cops may blow you off but if it's a smaller town they may take it all a little more personally and go have a chat with her or even ticket her.

You didn't ask her why she did that? No reply?

You should have gone in and told the priest about her behavior. He might give her a more guilt ridden talking to than the police could.

She was probably thoroughly embarrassed when you pulled into the church thinking "oh no, does this guy attend here?!"

Interesting post.

I think any time we label ourselves anything we run into trouble. Hypocrisies so to speak. These occur because basically we are all just human and human beings are flawed.

It seems to me you may have missed the opportunity to have a "christian" experience. You might have locked your bike outside the church. Attended the mass a safe and not imposing distance from the woman you had your encounter with and when the "sign of peace" came in the service made a point of seeking her out and genuinely forgiving her in the hopes she might also forgive you for what she perceived as your transgressions were against her. I believe the phrase is: " forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us..."

Maybe you were reluctant to enter the church because you are not of the same faith (ie. Catholic) or maybe you were on your way somewhere else- but sometimes it's worth it to "break the rules" to simply stop. Maybe you were so angry and feeling justified in that anger that to do such a thing was inconceivable. (I'm sure she felt the same way.)And the time it would have taken to do such an action would more than likely be the equivalent to the time it will have taken you to post here and respond to all the posts about this. Not to mention the time it would take you to report the incident and file the report.

Such an act might have altered both of you in a very positive way. It would have required you not judging her and that she was on her way to church but actually forgiving her. My guess is she would have more than likely seen what a jerk she was and apologized.

I say this not because I'm a member of any particular faith nor could I even lay claim to calling myself a "Christian" (with a capital "C") but because you seem to have brought it up more as a spiritual question than a legal or rights to the road issue.

You should absolutely report it--first to the police, and second to her pastor. Not doing anything will simply reinforce her behavior, and it's highly likely I'll be reading one of these (http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ned=us&q=bicyclist+killed&btnG=Search+News) from your town soon. Don't wait for the "if only I'd done something..." scenario. It'll be too late then--for you, or for the person she chose to kill.

Interesting post.



It seems to me you may have missed the opportunity to have a "christian" experience. You might have locked your bike outside the church. Attended the mass a safe and not imposing distance from the woman you had your encounter with and when the "sign of peace" came in the service made a point of seeking her out and genuinely forgiving her in the hopes she might also forgive you for what she perceived as your transgressions were against her. I believe the phrase is: " forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us..."

Maybe you were reluctant to enter the church because you are not of the same faith (ie. Catholic) or maybe you were on your way somewhere else- but sometimes it's worth it to "break the rules" to simply stop.



While you do pose an interesting scenerio that could have been followed... bear in mind that perhaps the OP was not dressed in a manner suitable for attending that church... as indicated by others in attendance. Further, there are certain customs for certain churches that the OP may not have been aware of, that could have been rather embarrassing.

But I really like your thoughts.

perhaps the OP was not dressed in a manner suitable for attending that church... as indicated by others in attendance. Further, there are certain customs for certain churches that the OP may not have been aware of, that could have been rather embarrassing.

But I really like your thoughts.

I wrote a somewhat lengthy response to your comments but realized it takes this far off the topic of Advocacy and Safety.

Somewhat more on topic is that each bike ride we take is a journey of some kind. It's a unique way of traveling that makes us more vulnerable to the slings and arrows of our neighbors and whatever nature can throw at us than driving in a car. Because of that it often presents us with unique opportunities and challenges.

If I were writing a short story and wanted to create a metaphor of a man challenged by a spiritual decision I could not write a better story than the one the OP has written. That the question might be should I go into the police station? or should I walk into the church with her? or do I simply ride away? presents the reader with some pretty profound thoughts.

Again, I would not describe myself as particularly religious, not even particularly spiritual, but I would fall into the category, I think, of philosophical and even the reasons you cite to not enter the church with her pose interesting philosophical questions.

absolutely report it, is my opinion.

as a commuter and fitness rider I get plenty of drivers around who think bikes don't belong on the road... even today (did my first metric century) I had no less than five vehicles pass *waaay* to close, and this is only counting the ones who had two lanes in the same direction and thus zero excuse for trying to run me into the ditch.

report it. this is the second such incident reported here recently, see the 'Georgia' story, the perpetrator in that story was also a churchgoer. I don't understand the hate, unless all the faith business is nonsense.

It might be interesting to attend a service at her church to see exactly what is being preached.

:)

I would report it, but there is also the part of me that would have locked my bike outside the church, gone inside, gotten a seat right behind her and during the part of the mass where you meet your fellow church goers, shake her hand, smile, and say "I forgive you". If she's a true Catholic, the get will show all over her face and will hang with her for the rest of the day. (This coming from a recovering Catholic. ;)) And if she's not, at least she'll see me as being a human and rising above pettiness, which should have a similar effect. :thumb:

BTW, I'm not the "church going" type, although there is a Buddhist temple in town that I have been meaning to visit.

If the incident was worth reporting, report it and move on.

Definitely can relate to trying to practice being a Christian. Walk the talk, so to speak. To which I can say, "Me too!". :)
It's tough at times to not want to avenge yourself against what nasty action someone has done against you.
However, reporting dangerous behavior is not an act of revenge, even if you are doing it to be vengeful, it's an act of justice. Big difference there, since it's an act that looks at the highest good of all involved. It may very well uncover some psychiatric problem on her part, and maybe get her some help. It's also to protect other cyclists (and probably drivers, pedestrians) in court if she should do that again and hit someone.
The more cyclists report dangerous and harassing behaviors by drivers, the more it will add up in the police report database. (Not sure how that works, I assume it's on some sort of database)
Like the case where a person had harassed some cyclists in the past, he did things on purpose to try to make them crash. The cyclists got the license plate number reported the driver, but nothing happened.
Then when the driver did it again and sent two other cyclists to the hospital with serious injuries in a different incident on the same stretch of road, the case could very well have been dismissed but for the previous complaint against that driver. Even the defendant's expensive hotshot lawyer knew he couldn't get him out of it, and the cyclists won the lawsuit.
I'm thinking that among other cases I've read about will be good reason to make a complaint in a police report, for the record.

I wrote a somewhat lengthy response to your comments but realized it takes this far off the topic of Advocacy and Safety.

Somewhat more on topic is that each bike ride we take is a journey of some kind. It's a unique way of traveling that makes us more vulnerable to the slings and arrows of our neighbors and whatever nature can throw at us than driving in a car. Because of that it often presents us with unique opportunities and challenges.

If I were writing a short story and wanted to create a metaphor of a man challenged by a spiritual decision I could not write a better story than the one the OP has written. That the question might be should I go into the police station? or should I walk into the church with her? or do I simply ride away? presents the reader with some pretty profound thoughts.

Again, I would not describe myself as particularly religious, not even particularly spiritual, but I would fall into the category, I think, of philosophical and even the reasons you cite to not enter the church with her pose interesting philosophical questions.

Agreed... I think on all levels. And yes indeed it is an interesting picture.

Please go to your local police station.
Make out a report, just to have it on record and a copy for you.

da Lawd loves a crazy woman. Report her, her next victim may be some one close to you.

Well Making, this fine catholic individual demostrates conclusively how christianity is completely flawed, really the work of the devil and should be abolished and all its adherents crucified.

Ok, done with the sarcasm, but what does christianity have to do with driving like an idiot? Take your jesus stuff to P and R

Well Making, this fine catholic individual demostrates conclusively how christianity is completely flawed, really the work of the devil and should be abolished and all its adherents crucified.

Ok, done with the sarcasm, but what does christianity have to do with driving like an idiot? Take your jesus stuff to P and R

Jesus Loves San Rensho.
Jesus Died for San Rensho.

At my gym there was similar experience a year ago. My gym has a road riding class. The instructor and one of the students were almost back after their ride, and were on a very wide stretch of road right before the driveway to the gym. They were riding side by side near the curb; there was no bike lane but the car lane is easily wide enough for 2 cars. A lady in a minivan pulls up near the cyclists, swerves toward them and honks her horn loudly. The student was startled, lost control, and crashed into the curb. The minivan keeps going and turns into the gym parking lot.

A driver behind the minivan stops and helps the instructor gets the student back to the gym. As they're waiting for someone to take her to the hospital (she ended up cracking her tail bone), the minivan lady walks up. The instructor recognized her and started yelling at her. The driver first said that the cyclists were in her way, so she honked. When the instructor pointed out that they were way over near the curb, the driver then said that there was oncoming traffic in the other direction that made her swerve toward the cyclists. The second driver contradicted her and said there was no oncoming traffic. She finally said that she honked because she though riding side by side was "wrong" no matter how wide the road was, and she wanted to make her feelings known to the cyclists.

There are idiots out there and they have their own agenda, regardless of whether it's right or not.

Christian, no Christian, meh. The woman tried to injure you. The ethical thing to do is report her to the police to protect others.

There are nice people, and there are a-holes of all denominations. You can add any additional adjective (catholic, buddhist, American, Martian, rich, poor, car driver, bus rider, cyclist) you want but a jerk is a jerk, this lady is obviously a jerk. She might be religious 1 day a week, but she's an a-hole all 7 days.

I just got back from a 16 mile ride in my hometown. Beautiful day, there is not that many left this year, and it is very nice to get a good workout in and still enjoy the scenery. I often rant about inconsiderate jerks and verbose dumb azzes on here because I commute in city traffic. The more I ride and learn the less often it happens and I rarely have even words with anyone anymore. I dont get mad at people, like lose my temper, I am a Christian but I am not as Christian with people as I should be and I have struggled with behaving better when someone slights me or does something to me. but....
Today has me kinda spooked. I was riding on one of the few roads with even slight hills here, right in the downtown part of my little town. The road is about two miles long and smooth. There are six inch curbs and 2 lanes. Traffic was real light. The speed limit is 25 mph and I was doing 20+. there are a few stop signs and a stop light.
A car comes up behind me there is no oncoming traffic in sight so I stay on the right tire line about 3 foot from the curb, the first two cars in a line of three dont even slow down and safely pass me. There is still no traffic coming but the thrid car sucks up on my back wheel. I am, at this point, just aware of the car but not really trying to get a look at it becuase I think it is getting ready to turn right and just does not want to hook me. I look up ot see the next right and there is really no where to turn into for quite a while. When I look back down to my mirror the car is considerably closer adn I could hear it closing in too. Still no traffic, I am not sure how fast I was going but I am sure I was speeding up. then the car passes me, way too close to start with, in fact there was too much stuff for me to run off the road or I might have at that point, still it swerves toward me even closer, not enough to hit my mirror but close.
THen the car takes off. I was at this point under the impression the driver was female and I did see a kid in the front passanger seat. but I could not tell for sure because of the high headrest. Then the driver flips me off. I really dont get angry at being flipped off but when someone endangers my life and even worse my road bike I do get sorta po'd. I kept riding on the same road and as luck would have it there was a bunch of cars at the 4 way and the car that had nearly ran over me was behind the two that had passed me before and they stopped so she had to. I pulled up behind her and was amking a note of her license plate in my head but in no other way even acknowledging her existance. The other two cars had stopped and driven on. She had not yet moved so she was a few car lenghts from the sign. I was watching to see what she would do next, i expected someone to get out of the car and I was still po'd enough I was kinda hoping. then she finally takes off, so I start pedaling, get snapped in. Then she slams on her brakes. I was alert enough I stopped in plenty of time. then after clearing the 4 way she did it again. I still was not sure it was a female but just under that impression.
This road goes out to the highway, the Catholic church, and the middle school. About 100 yards behind the Catholic church is the Local police station. I was pretty sure I was going to report this person at this point, I continued riding toward the Catholic Church and to police station. The car pulls into the lot and parks to go to Church. She looked totally shocked when I pulled up behind her. It was definately a she and 30 or less. She grabbed her kid laid down in the seat like I was going to do something to her. Although I might have been justified a few minutes eailer, and was kinda hoping it was a guy, I never had any intention of hitting anyone. I am nearly 50 and have been happily married for years so I know it is not an old girlfriend or anything like that.
I was just so shocked by the whole situation. I did not go report to the police right then. Right now I just have a lot of questions. Why would she be so aggressive? I was not on my normal route so I could not have slighted her before. she did not even look familiar. I am not a Catholic so i dont know her from Church. I guess I am just trying to understand how she could be so young and normal looking and yet be so aggressive and hateful, definitely dangerous. All with her kid in the car on the way to church. After seeing her grab her kid and lay accross the front seat I just dont know what to think.
I wrote her plate number down and what happened down but it is almost like she had something against me personally. I am going to have a cup of coffee and decide wether to report her to the police or look her up myself and ask what the problem is. I know what I should do but I really just wanted to record the incident somewhere. Thanks for listening.

Report it to the cops ASAP!!!!

Maybe she was on her way to confession, and didn't have anything to confess yet.

You guys are all too kind...if it had been me, I'd have gotten in her face and read her the Riot Act.

And if she didn't pass the Attitude Test, that "lady" would have come back to her car after church to find a nice long scratch down the driver's side.

"Close Shaves" and honks are just part of riding...but mess with me intentionally and it's Game On.

I would have asked her why it was necessary to try to wreck me. If she gave an ugly response, then I'd file a report with the police. Chances are, the next time she felt the urge to try to mess with a bicyclist, she'd remember that some of them can catch up to you.

It is very easy to bash any faith due to the hypocrisy that we see from their members and it is not limited to Christianity as we are all aware.

I would have reported it straight away. I would have confronted her as she was getting out of the car, and called the police while she waited. If she tried to leave on foot, I'd follow her until the police arrived.

Good on ya for not going ballistic.

I probably would've been a smart ass. Something like "GREAT MORNING TO PRAISE THE LORD, AM I RIGHT??!?!!" Then followed her into church (spandex and all), genuflect, etc., and sit down in front of her, praying out loud, "Lord, thank you for sparing my life this morning. I nearly died at the hands of some anonymous jerk. I know the cancer will kill me eventually, but I wasn't ready to die today."

Not really, but I would think about doing it.

I have learned my lesson after confronting many people.... sometimes I still blow up but for the most part I have learned the ways of the ninja.

Stealthy, secretive, direct > revenge <.

=)



This is an assortment of valve-core removal tools....

http://www.v2conference.com/wheel-weight/images/Tire%20Repairings%20and%20tools/Tire%20and%20Valve%20Tools/2.jpg

I have learned my lesson after confronting many people.... sometimes I still blow up but for the most part I have learned the ways of the ninja.

Stealthy, secretive, direct > revenge <.

=)



This is an assortment of valve-core removal tools....

http://www.v2conference.com/wheel-weight/images/Tire%20Repairings%20and%20tools/Tire%20and%20Valve%20Tools/2.jpg

Hmmmm...those are kind of large tools. I have an ancient one that fits in the palm of my hand...not that I've ever had an opportunity to use it to perpetuate a "political statement".

FWIW, I've heard that removing a valve results in a pretty loud whistling noise...any truth to that?

So she's a Christian, eh..... I'm glad I'm an atheist.

Making.....let us know if you do report this and the response you get.

Hmmmm...those are kind of large tools. I have an ancient one that fits in the palm of my hand...not that I've ever had an opportunity to use it to perpetuate a "political statement".

FWIW, I've heard that removing a valve results in a pretty loud whistling noise...any truth to that?



Yes, it will make a loud whistle, however you should use your ninja skills before attempting a move to be sure that the coast is clear.


=)

I hope you reported her. There should have been no thought. Her actions were intentionally aimed at you and were harassment at the least.

Hmmmm...those are kind of large tools. I have an ancient one that fits in the palm of my hand...not that I've ever had an opportunity to use it to perpetuate a "political statement".

FWIW, I've heard that removing a valve results in a pretty loud whistling noise...any truth to that?
Well yes, if you take the core out. If you just loosen it slightly, you give them a continuous slow leak.

However, do you want someone who is a proven bad driver to have an ongoing mechanical problem? they're bad enough as it is.

I hope you reported her. There should have been no thought. Her actions were intentionally aimed at you and were harassment at the least.

I'd say disorderly conduct.

There are nice people, and there are a-holes of all denominations. You can add any additional adjective (catholic, buddhist, American, Martian, rich, poor, car driver, bus rider, cyclist) you want but a jerk is a jerk, this lady is obviously a jerk. She might be religious 1 day a week, but she's an a-hole all 7 days.


I have to agree with AdamD here. It has no bearing that the lady is Catholic or other, she was acting like a jerk and put you at risk the way she was driving. I would recommend reporting her to the police.

report it. this is the second such incident reported here recently, see the 'Georgia' story, the perpetrator in that story was also a churchgoer. I don't understand the hate, unless all the faith business is nonsense.

It might be interesting to attend a service at her church to see exactly what is being preached.

:)

I have not read all the posts yet so if I repeat something I am sorry. I think maybe the person uses the Church as cover. I talked to a friend who is a Police Officer about it and he says it is very difficult to prove what someone is thinking, I was welcome to fill out charges but nothing could be done even if an officer saw it. Had she touched me in any way it would be a whole different story. So I am not pressing charges but I guarantee I will keep an eye out for her. Also my cop buddy said he would check it out (plates) and see if there had been other problems. this is a small enough town I could probably find her in a few minutes. The only way I can explain the hate is if she thought I was someone else. I dunno, but like I said about being spooked, how many of her are out there sharing the roads with us? Scary.

Well Making, this fine catholic individual demostrates conclusively how christianity is completely flawed, really the work of the devil and should be abolished and all its adherents crucified.

Ok, done with the sarcasm, but what does christianity have to do with driving like an idiot? Take your jesus stuff to P and R

You are exactly right. It was just part of what was so shocking about the whole incident. The only more shocking sceneiro would have been pulling in front of a bike shop. But you are correct I should have not brought up the religion part.

I think we all feel more comfortable screaming at a woman in this situation. Resist the temptation, and just call the cops like you would if it was a professional wrestler wielding an axe. People who drive like that are not good enough drivers to "just scare you" or whatever it was she thought she was doing. It was potentially lethal behavior, and cannot be tolerated.

Luke 17:3...

christian, no christian, meh. The woman tried to injure you. The ethical thing to do is report her to the police to protect others.
+10000

Interesting post.

I think any time we label ourselves anything we run into trouble. Hypocrisies so to speak. These occur because basically we are all just human and human beings are flawed.

It seems to me you may have missed the opportunity to have a "christian" experience. You might have locked your bike outside the church. Attended the mass a safe and not imposing distance from the woman you had your encounter with and when the "sign of peace" came in the service made a point of seeking her out and genuinely forgiving her in the hopes she might also forgive you for what she perceived as your transgressions were against her. I believe the phrase is: " forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us..."


This is pretty much exactly what Jesus would do, incidentally. Not me though, I'm not very Christlike. I'd have flipped her off back and probably made some other obscene gestures as well.

I did actually mention what Christian behaviour on the roads should entail in this recent article of mine:

Why Speed Matters (http://www.slowerderbyshire.co.uk/essays/why-speed-matters.php)

Of course a humanist or person of any other faith or persuasion is free to act in such a manner.

The article is due to be published next weekend in the Derby Evening Telegraph.

Having been ran off the road by motorist before, I seriously doubt that the police would have done anything about it. To play the devils advocate, what would the motorist be charged with (the Catholic motorist lady with the child)?

It would have been interesting to have calmly asked her about her behavior. "Hey Lady, why did you do that to me?"

Well yes, if you take the core out. If you just loosen it slightly, you give them a continuous slow leak.

However, do you want someone who is a proven bad driver to have an ongoing mechanical problem? they're bad enough as it is.It depends, in the days before cell phones, on a 80 mile out and back countryside ride, I had a pickup truck (with 4 guys and fishing poles in the truck) pass and the passenger reached out and threw a wad of paper in my face. 200 yards down the road, I watched the truck driver force a cyclist off the road.

On my way back home, I see 4 guys at a beach park fishing. I check the parking lot and see the truck. I also see 2 of the tires have sticks jammed into the valves and the tires are flat. They must have pissed other people off as well. Anyway, I was pretty happy knowing I would be home before they would be able to fix the tires and have a chance to harass me again.

Having been ran off the road by motorist before, I seriously doubt that the police would have done anything about it. To play the devils advocate, what would the motorist be charged with (the Catholic motorist lady with the child)?

It would have been interesting to have calmly asked her about her behavior. "Hey Lady, why did you do that to me?"

It was just pretty surreal, I was gonna tear (verbally at least) into whoever it was, but she was so scared. Yet a few minutes earlyer she nearly caused me physical injury and flipped me off. I dunno maybe it is some kind of psych problem? Maybe that is it, a power issue?

It was just pretty surreal, I was gonna tear (verbally at least) into whoever it was, but she was so scared. Yet a few minutes earlyer she nearly caused me physical injury and flipped me off.

Put human being in automobile with the windows up = gives them the psychological ability to be king s***.

Take said human being, place them out of said vehicle & have someone confront them with accusations involving loss of life = same person will king s*** in their pants, once they've realized the potential consequences.

-Kurt

Put human being in automobile with the windows up = gives them the psychological ability to be king s***.

Take said human being, place them out of said vehicle & have someone confront them with accusations involving loss of life = same person will king s*** in their pants, once they've realized the potential consequences.

-Kurt

Would you have to have some sort of psych diagnosis not to care about others anymore than that?

I would report this incident. If nothing more than to prevent another road rage incident she's likely to have ... putting others in danger. Sound's like she needs some anger-management course. Perhaps a court can "recommend" an appropriate course.