Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge Scary experience

Well, I had my first up close and personal experience with road rage a few weeks back. Was on my way to seminary (pursuing military chaplaincy after 18 yrs in the Marines) and shifted over to the left turn lane while approaching a stoplight. For whatever reason, the guy behind didn't like it, so he began honking at me. "Whatever," thinks I, and ignore him. Well, the light changes, and as I go thru the turn I notice that this guy's right on my tail - not more than a few feet off my rear tire - and honking his horn the whole time! I try to accelerate away but he just speeds up with me and continues to tail me. I decide the best move is to try to turn onto a side street at the earliest opportunity, so I move over to the left side of the left lane. The moment I do so, he comes zooming up past me - in the same lane, mind you - in his big ol' pickup and then swerves in front of me, forcing me to quickly choose between rear-ending him, hitting the median, or laying the bike down.

Suffice it to say that I chose the latter.

After sliding about 50-60 feet, I manage to look up only to see him speeding off. Some helpful types came over and assisted in getting me and the bike off the street, and the cops were on the scene in a matter of minutes. Fortunately, the lady behind the pickup at the stoplight had seen the whole thing and followed the driver til he reached his destination - a whole 1/3 of a mile away! She came back and directed the cops as to where to find him, and they took him into custody within minutes. Charged with "Assault With A Deadly Weapon (other than a firearm)" he is.

I managed to walk away with only some road rash on my knee, but my '05 America (which I'd only had for a few weeks) is now in the shop to replace all the scratched/dinged up parts. Still, I'm lucky that it didn't end up worse...

Unbelievable!!! Lord, I hate those types! But somebody was wise enough to find out who it was. Justice is served, (or would be if you could find out where he hangs out, late at night, alone....)Bummer about the bike and the rash, though. Ride on!

Glad that you are okay and that the stupid jerk was charged with a felony offense. Thanks is also due to the citizens who did their civic duty to 'get involved.'

Glad you had a witness to the assult.

Glad your OK. Let us know what happens to this scum bag.

Glad you OK man, and the good citizen decided to get involved. That is scary, it'll be interesting to see who "John Q Pickup" ends up being.

BRAVO...dont let this guy off light. They act was deliberat.
And the cops have his name.

I hate to advocate this, But I'd be on the phone to the law offices of "Shyster and Shyster" right now.

WTF is wrong with people? Glad they busted him and I hope he gets some time in the pokey.

Glad you are OK, I hope the cops there are better than here so he gets what he deserves and has to pay for your damages.

I agree with Oneijack, get a lawyer and sue for damages. Just be careful if the lawyer takes the case on contingency, that your medical bills get paid first and any proceeds AFTER that get shared with the lawyer.

bankrupt that guys insurance policy, lock him up and throw away the key.....

And when you picked yourself up, were you thinking like a Chaplain?