Have you ever phoned in a bad driver? Would you have phoned this guy in?
By The Horse
@TheHorse (205701)
Walnut Creek, California
February 19, 2023 4:11pm CST
I was driving home from an errand this morning when a firetruck approached me from the East with its lights flashing. I pulled over. I was at a stop light, so there was no loss of time for me. I "do the right thing" when a firetruck or police car needs to get by me. In this case, I just gave them extra space. I noticed that the driver behind me did not pull over, but didn't think much of it.
As the firetruck passed, I started to pull to the left, preparing for the light to turn green. The car behind me went to my left and ran the red light, almost sideswiping me. I waited for the light to turn green and then accelerated hard, trying to get behind him (or her, at that point) to get his license plate number.
Luck was on my side. He got stuck at the next red light, and could not run it and turn left, as there was oncoming traffic. I was able to get his license plate number, and started repeating it out loud, as I could not find my pen to write it down. I then inched forward to get a look at the driver.
His windows were darkened, but I spied a 48-ish black dude, talking on his cell phone.
When I got home (three minutes later), I phoned him in. I sometimes feel like a grumpy old man when I do this. But I have lost people in car crashes, and I am sensitive to Really Bad Driving.
Do you have drivers like this where you live? Have you ever "phoned in" a bad driver?
14 people like this
12 responses
@celticeagle (159008)
• Boise, Idaho
19 Feb 23
I think that you never know what this type of driver might do next. It's important to report such things.
4 people like this
@TheHorse (205701)
• Walnut Creek, California
20 Feb 23
@celticeagle I sometimes feel like I am p*ssing in the wind when I call in bad drivers. But some day it may lead to justice.
2 people like this
@wolfgirl569 (95136)
• Marion, Ohio
20 Feb 23
I would have called it in also. We had someone fly past us on the highway one time so fast that I was expecting to see someone chasing them. They were going to fast for me to get the plate number. If not for that I would have
2 people like this
@TheHorse (205701)
• Walnut Creek, California
20 Feb 23
@wolfgirl569 Me too. Living in California can be odd.
2 people like this
@RasmaSandra (73408)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
19 Feb 23
Good for you those kinds of people can injure others and even run people down, I have never reported a bad driver,
2 people like this
@JamesHxstatic (29242)
• Eugene, Oregon
20 Feb 23
I have not, but in that case I would. Hmmm, I'm not sure we can in Oregon.
1 person likes this
@Deepizzaguy (94514)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
19 Feb 23
In the Lake Charles area, there are a few bad drivers who have a bad habit of running red lights and stop signs. I do not have the tools like a cellphone to report a bad driver.
1 person likes this
@BearArtistLady (5382)
• United States
20 Feb 23
My neighbor told me that insurance in California was going to double. She couldn't figure out why, until I started to lay out facts to her. For one the horrible drivers that hope for their vehicles are involved in an accident so they can get a new one...especially if they list it on Craig's list and can't get it sold. I've seen cars that date back to 1997 with asking prices that start at $10,000. I've seen the prices range from $$10,000 to $100,000. That's a pretty big chunk of change to pay for a used car!!! Of course the new car prices aren't too cheap either, with some monthly payments starting at between $500 to $2000 a month.
With what the driver pulled on you, it's another "reason" for insurance to double per year. I'm just happy that you're safe and able to present the discussion.
1 person likes this
@kaylachan (57636)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
19 Feb 23
I ran into a bad driver today, who almost hit me, only because they decided stop signs are suggestions. I can't see well enough to get plate numbers, but I lucked out and didn't get hit. But, I could have. If I could, I would likely have reported.
1 person likes this
@jstory07 (134441)
• Roseburg, Oregon
20 Feb 23
No almost all drivers are bad where I live. They never stop at stop signs and stop when there is not one.
@LeaPea2417 (36438)
• Toccoa, Georgia
20 Feb 23
I am so glad you phoned him in!! I have not done it but I intend to do it if something happens to me like what happened to you. I can't stand bad drivers.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (156056)
• United States
20 Feb 23
I've never phoned in a bad driver; but I'm glad you did. Did you call 911?
1 person likes this
