What should I do?

[Badge67]

Alright, I'll try to keep this to the point. Lately I've seena lot of drivers do a lot of stupid things. The latest one happened earlier today. He passed on a two lane road on a yellow line with oncoming traffic. The oncoming vehicle had to go off the road to avoid an accident, and the passing driver acted oblivious to everything. I'm not in LE. I've been trying to get into an explorer post, but they don't have enough interet in it, so they aren't even gonna try to get it running again until at least October. I'm friends with the county sheriff, and he's started a reserve deputy program, and I've talked to him about getting involved with that. So far I'm not sure if that'll work or not though. So I guess my question is, for someone like me who isn't a LEO or even an explorer or anything, what should I do about stuff like that? Just ignore it and hope that an officer catches them doing it sometime? I've called dispatch on my cell phone before and reported things that way, but am I just bugging them and not getting anything accomplished? :confused:
Stay safe.

[CrazyinaJeep]

First off, I'm not a cop. Don't move, let them hit you, then sue their *** off.

I did it. Got $2,000,000 bucks to boot.

Well, no.

I've got an airhorn in my Jeep. Lots of noise. Hard to ignore. Put on in, and don't be afraid to use it if someone is driving like a ****ing moron. Never hurts to flip 'em the bird, either. Just don't get angry. Be calm. Be collected. Console yourself with the knowledge that they probably don't know how to use a microwave. Ask yourself how they got a driver's license? Shoot out their tires.

[ 05-15-2002: Message edited by: CrazyinaJeep ]

[occiferdave]

When you see something or someone endangering the lives of others, call 911, tell them what happened and where you are. They will send someone out to investigate asap. Just don't take matters into your own hands, especially at your age.

OcciferDave

[Don]

Much as it pains me to agree with odie, on this one I've got to. That is the ONLY thing that you should do. In many states, "aggressive driving" is now an offence in and of itself. So if you do anything back and turn it into "road rage" then YOU will be just as much at fault (if you live to tell about it) as the other driver is!

Are calls like this a PITA to dispatch and to officers? Of COURSE they are. But so are many others. It is just part of the job!

I just ignore it unless it is a situation where it appears the driver is DUI or is just so reckless as to be a danger to everyone on the road. Then, I will call it in via cell phone. However, my first and most usual response is to get out of their way and let them go on down the road to have their accident. You see, I really DON'T have anything to "prove" and frankly, at this time in my life the LAST thing I want to do is get involved in some idiotic "road rage" incident.

[Badge67]

Thanks for the advice, guys! I'm sure as heck not planning on getting involved in any road rage incidents. It just bugs me to see people doing all kinds of stupid stuff behind the wheel. I guess I'll just try to stay outta their way like you said and if it looks too reckless call it in and bug the dispatchers. :) Thanks!
BTW, the airhorn's a good idea, crazy. I might have to try it.
:D ROFL!!!!

[ 05-15-2002: Message edited by: Badge67 ]

[Frank Booth]

I vote with Don on that one....

[Montana]

Just FYI, badge...(at least in Montana) if you do call 911, you will need at least the license number, and if at all possible, description of the driver, plus be willing to sign a complaint on the driver if necessary. That way, if LE doesn't catch the vehicle, they can still do a request for prosecution based on the information you give. And, in my limited experience, you never catch the vehicle, because by the time the call goes through dispatch and on the radio, ten minutes has gone by and the vehicle is miles away or parked in their own driveway. This may not be true in other jurisdictions, though.

[Autumn]

It is frustrating when I see dangerous drivers on the road and there is nothing that can really be done about it. I always think if I were to call the cops they are just going to laugh because there are a lot worse things they have to deal with, so I don't even bother.

However, Portland has a drunk driving phone number sign posted on the freeway that you can call if you spot anyone driving intoxicated - so that's kinda cool, never have had to use it yet though.