Personal Tales Of Road Rage In The City Of Angels
15 August 2007 - 2:00pm
As more cyclists and runners use the streets of Los Angeles, incidents of road rage and accidents are on the rise.
"Hurled milkshakes, heated confrontations, serious accidents -- they're all a part of hitting the road for many cyclists and runners. In these tales from the front lines, L.A.-area riders and runners talk about their worst encounters with motorists."
"...the hostility and congestion are getting worse, especially as traffic worsens and drivers become more distracted by cellphones and other electronic gadgets...many drivers are unaware that cyclists have as much right to the streets as they do..."
Source:
The Los Angeles Times, August 15, 2007
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Nasty drivers
It's not just bikers and runners who face some real jerks behind the wheel. I've walked in a few places where motorists feel the need to scream at me for walking down the sidewalk. It's almost always younger drivers and there's always more than one person in the car. I know some of those idiots think it's funny but usually you can't even understand that they are yelling as they whiz past. I'm not sure drivers are getting worse in this regard to it does deter people from walking, biking or running.
I think it stems from the feeling of invincibility, anonomity and speed that comes with a car. I've never had a problem when I was running but when I would walk, people assume you're poor, mentally retarded or just some sort of loser. The worst part is when they want you to approach them in their idling auto at night or slow down to yell insults and won't go away. In any case, it's potentially dangerous because they could have a gun and their buddies with them so it's best to keep moving. Those people are bullies on wheels.
I'm showing my age but there used to be a PR campaign on TV in the early 70s (I think) with an old Indian, Iron Eyes Cody (?) crying at the sight of people throwing junk out of there cars. It seemed to cut back on litter bugs. Now, I see a lot of younger people dumping bags out of their cars. If Iron Eyes was around today, he'd probably get a beer bottle upside his head from a speeding motorist.