Don't flip off someone with a loaded gun.

I was reading Dave Moulton’s blog write up about the trial and a two comments in particular prompted me to want to share with everyone here.

Comment A:

Not to in ANY way excuse the doctor's actions, but we must notice the pattern of escalation here. The cyclist "flipped off" the driver, provoking violence. The only time I've gotten into a near-violent altercation with a motorist, I too turned back, sneered, and gave him the bird. He deserved it, but it didn't do anything except make him madder.

Comment B:

Thanks, I wanted someone else to bring that up first. Think, would you flip off someone pointing a gun at you?
Nuf said,

That’s a damn good way to remember to keep your cool when confronting an idiotic/impatient/impertinent driver is treat them like you would someone who is point a gun at you ready to pull the trigger. Sudden movements are not smart. Escalating the situation is not smart. Claiming you have every right and aren’t going to back down, well, you could easily be dead right. Being alive is much better.

Practice De-escalation on the bike, esp with cars.

Right now I’m eternally grateful that the Washington bridge is open and that combined with the India Point Park Bridge and the deserted East street, well, I see very very few cars except on Hope street, and that has a decent shoulder and people aren’t using it as a super highway (like the alternative commuting routes I take when the Washington bridge is closed).

Everytime you get the urge to flip someone off, yell at them, just take a minute, take a breath and if you have to do something, just smile and wave.

heddwch
G