I suspect that this video is of Eastern European extraction, where drivers routinely mount cameras on their dashboards to record the demolition derby that typifies their roadways. It’s a particularly good example of what to do should someone engage in road rage here in The Land of the Free and the Home of the Second Amendment. Initially, of course, do nothing to encourage road rage. Be polite on the roads. If someone cuts you off, so be it. Lay on, Macduff, and damn’d be him that first cries, ‘Hold, enough!’ (i.e., chill). If however, you find yourself stopped with someone preparing to verbally or physically assault you, leave. Driving away requires some space; whenever possible . . .
leave enough space for egress when you’re driving (“tarmac and tires”). Do not leave your vehicle to engage in a “discussion” with a road rager. Unless you’re running away. Don’t forget: you can push vehicles out of your way – which will certainly enervate your attacker. Drive to the nearest police station. Call ahead. Worst case, you’re trapped. Run over the person posing an imminent threat of death or grievous bodily harm. If you missed that chance, you’re in deep trouble.
Legally, morally and practically, shooting a road rage attacker should be your last resort. If not, things can get VERY messy. Like ten years in jail messy. Like this [via arkansasonline.com] . . .
A 30-year-old man who said at his trial over a fatal downtown Little Rock road-rage encounter that he only fired his gun to protect himself was sentenced to 10 years in prison for manslaughter Thursday night . . .
Prosecutors said witness testimony and police video from the immediate aftermath of the May 2013 shooting proved that not only was Schnarr never in serious danger from Aldridge but that he also could have easily driven away or just rolled up his car window.
But the defendant decided to end the men’s quarrel over who had been responsible for a near collision by using his gun because he was too angry to back down, deputy prosecutor Kelly Ward told jurors in closing arguments. Deadly force for self-defense can be used only as a last resort, not to settle a shouting match, she said.
“He didn’t want to leave because he wanted to show Mr. Aldridge, ‘I have a gun. I win.’ Rather than back his car up, he uses his gun to kill Arista Aldridge,” she said. “He did not stop shooting until Mr. Aldridge suffered that fatal wound … until he collapsed. That’s how you know his purpose.”
Hello? You shoot – and keep shooting – to stop a threat. Or, if you’re a cop, just ’cause (couldn’t resist). Anyway, back in advice land, once you’ve exhausted your options and fired in self-defense, you’re under no obligation to remain on the scene, lest the attacker’s passengers attack. CALL THE POLICE. That is all. [h/t FC]