Handling Road Rage Situations

[catnphx]

Yesterday, about half way between Phoenix and Tucson, I-10 has very little traffic on it and I'm heading back home to Phoenix. I'm in the far left lane (out of 3) using cruise control at about 83 mph (limit is 75 mph) and somebody moves from the middle lane and pulls up right behind me. There was nobody in the front of this driver in the middle lane. In fact, the nearest car in front and behind us was 1/5 mile away.

So for about 5 miles he's riding my tail closer than he should and then pulls comfortably back ... he does this several times. He finally decides to get back into the middle lane and speed up and then he pulls right in front of me and starts slowing down to about 55 mph. He does this for about 15 seconds and then he takes off going about 90+ mph and I never see him again.

Why do I mention this story? I remember a thread recently that asked if you have changed since you've been carrying on a regular basis. When the crazy driver pulled in front of me and slowed down to 55 mph, I didn't honk at him, I didn't flip him off, I didn't chase him, I didn't yell at him ... in fact, I kinda laughed in amazement that this guy would be so stupid to do this to me.

It came so naturally to avoid the conflict because I was extremely confident that I'd be victorious if there was a conflict. I had my M&P 9c (13 rounds) with a 17 round mag on me. I was completely calm whereas the unarmed me might have done something stupid. I guess there is truth in the statement "An armed society is a polite society."

 

[Frank Ettin]

I think you showed proper restraint. But you might also have considered just pulling over for a moment when he first got on your tail and letting him pass.

 

[catnphx]

I think you showed proper restraint. But you might also have considered just pulling over for a moment when he first got on your tail and letting him pass.

He pulled behind me for absolutely no reason but to try and intimidate; there was nobody around. I considered what you recommend but when he backed off I figured all was good. I suppose I could have done that he was just playing games.

 

[Frank Ettin]

He pulled behind me for absolutely no reason but to try and intimidate; there was nobody around....

And you decided that you would show him that he couldn't intimidate you? That's not a very good attitude in a car, and it's especially not a good attitude when carrying a gun.

 

[catnphx]

Though you seem to want to delve into the strategic pros/cons of every action I took, that is not my intent of this thread. But I will say that me not wanting to be intimidated had nothing to do with it and your assumption is absolutely wrong. Every action I took would cause him to react. Moving over like you suggest did not seem appropriate because it would likely cause him to react; he would most likely have gotten behind me again and this would have escalated the situation.

I'm happy with my decision but thanks for your judgement of me and let's not forget the Thursday evening quarterbacking.

P.S. The intent of this thread was to mention my calmness to the situation. The old, unarmed me would have handled the situation different.

 

[SmokeJensen]

Catnphx: Very well done. You were cruising alone on an empty 3 lane highway with an idiot that was obviously looking for a reason to show his behind. I wouldn't have budged from my lane either. There were 2 extra lanes to pass and the fella chose to harass you. You kept your composure and made the right decision.

The fact that you laughed at his antics is humorous to me also. I do the same when someone acts like an idiot in such a manner. Although I do get a bit uptight when another person gets stupid in a vehicle. To me, its no different than pointing a loaded gun at me. Anything can happen and a life can be lost including mine.

Since I got my CCL I've been a complete different person. I do not allow myself to be pushed as far. I tend to laugh and move on. I've been alot nicer and more respectful. People tend to enjoy me better and I enjoy myself.

 

[Bozwell]

Props to you for keeping your composure in the face of a total idiot.

To the poster who suggested you move over and weren't "backing down" - don't be so naive. The OP said the guy switched lanes just to get behind him and with no one in the middle lane - why wouldn't he just switch lanes with the OP if his goal was to play games and try to intimidate the OP? Then I suppose you could swap again and he will do the same, and now you're playing his game and all over the road to boot.

 

[Kleanbore]

As indicated here, road rage incidents are not really within the scope of this forum.

 

[Sam1911]

The old, unarmed me would have handled the situation different.

Something to ponder: Never let the fact that you have a gun change what you are willing to do or how you do it. If you're thinking, "I'm armed, so this is OK," that should be a warning sign. A defensive sidearm is not there to help you feel more confident in social situations.