The Public Opinion Soapbox

SuperNerd · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 8

I slowed down for the blinking school zone lights on Lincoln Way East just past Dodies today. A Camry flew up on the rear of my car, put on his turn signal as if he was going to turn onto Main Street Fayetteville - instead, he passed me in a no passing area and blew through the school zone. By the time we got to Mont Alto Road, I had caught back up to him in traffic. I tried to get his license plate number but couldn't before he turned so I followed him into the neighborhood behind the Sunoco and got his license plate. At no time did I ever get up on his butt or tailgate or act in a threatening manner, but it was obvious I was following because there was no real way out of the neighborhood without following him.

He then proceeded to spin around and follow me as I left the neighborhood. I pulled into the next public parking lot I could find where he confronted me as I entered a store.

He was a VERY large man and extremely threatening. I told him politely (I was not going to be rude because I am neither large nor a man) that I simply wanted his tag number because he passed me in a no passing zone and blew through the school zone. I went inside the store, not listening to whatever he was saying.

What do you do?

ANON22 · Joined: 10 Jan 2008 Posts: 81

WOW! The turn out of your situation could have been bad, thank god it wasn't!!! Its scary to think that someone who I'm assuming knew they were in the wrong would be that confrontational, but I guess some people are like that. I don't know if the S P would even do anything at this point, but maybe it's worth a try. It's funny that he even used his turn signal, as if it made it legal! You just don't know with the crazies out there!!!

Me!!!!!!!! · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 305

I'd report him to the PSP. There was no reason for his rudeness from this guy.
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Coppy · Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 2615 Location: Chambersburg

I would also report him Playstation Portable.

.45chel · Joined: 26 Oct 2007 Posts: 3068 Location: Chambersburg

Talking to a local law enforcement officer recently I was kind of bummed when he said the main problem they have around here is that people file complaints, but don't follow through (testifying)

I would definitely report the 'gent'. Otherwise, he's going to think intimidating you worked and he's going to keep at it with other people who may not be a strong of will and spirit as you. Then--- where does it end?
What could have happened as he was flying through that school zone?

Yeah there is also the possibility that the experience with you set him straight, but I'm doubting it.

Make sure to inform the police of the confrontation, as well.
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Nevermind.

draven · Joined: 08 Jan 2008 Posts: 5

Hmm, he was in a Camry? In that case, if he confronted me, I would have just got back in my Jeep and drove over the hood of his car.

Seriously though, you did the right thing.

Patriot Warrior · Joined: 29 Jan 2008 Posts: 2 Location: Chambersburg

I think you handled the situation the best way you could. There is a danger in stepping up to report these types of situations. Good Job.
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Coppy · Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 2615 Location: Chambersburg

OK, I'm going to have to step in here and disagree.

The world is full of bad drivers and we all have different ways of handling them. The best thing to do is to simply stay alert and defensive. But what SuperNerd did is bordering on road-rage, regardless of who started it.

Taking down the license plate, under normal and safe circumstances is perfectly reasonable. Although, i should point out, in many cases such as these, it's your word against them. People like this inevitably foul up in front of a police officer and hopefully get what they deserve.

But to follow this person, through a neighborhood and then to a convenience store thus prompting a confrontation? This is irresponsible and dangerous. He was a VERY large man and extremely threatening? You put yourself in that situation! I just hope you didn't have children in the car to see this poor example of responsible behavior on your part.

I know, I'm sorry, I hate to be harsh like this but everyone is patting you on the back I just couldn't disagree more. You created a worse situation than the one that started it. Being polite and friendly about taking someone license in a person confrontation doesn't necessarily mean it was the right thing to do.

I don't work in law enforcement, but I imagine that any police officer would discourage doing something like this to get a license plate, when it would simply be your word against theirs anyway. As chel said, the problem is people aren't willing to follow through in a court situation. Honestly, in many cases, is it worth it?

Perhaps speeding through a school zone IS a very serious offense and he should be punished, but if it's just you're word against his, testifying could be just a huge waste. I fully support reporting the plate numbers of problem drivers, but this was taken too far I think.

.45chel · Joined: 26 Oct 2007 Posts: 3068 Location: Chambersburg

Coppy · Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 2615 Location: Chambersburg

This strikes me as a poor example though; I don't really condone anyone following someone through neighborhoods just to get their license plate. Because it can lead to confrontations like this one which, thankfully, ended peacefully.

I agree citizens should stand up for their community, but this just didn't seem worth it to me.