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Suggestions for what to do with road rage footage

by DaveE128
Fri, Jul 31, 2015 11:36
7

So, yesterday I was subjected to a foul mouthed rant ending in "report me to the police and I'll (something unintelligible)". All caught on video including registration and a shot of the guy's face that isn't marvellously clear but is probably good enough to confirm the registered keeper as the driver .

Can you guess what provoked it?

I used a track-stand while waiting at red lights. Then gesticulated (not a rude one) when he did a punishment pass, then when he pulled over to abuse me, I asked (politely) that the driver give cyclists more room when overtaking them in future.

It was in Gloucestershire, which is miles from where I live.

Any thoughts on the best way to handle this?

I have a feeling it was the same guy that overtook me while I was trying to turn right (with clear hand signal) along the same road a while back at the same time of the week. Didn't have the camera then and didn't catch the registration, but I think the car was similar.

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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7 comments

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CXR94Di2 | 9 years ago
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Things to try and remember to say if on camera, is your "your behavior and language are threatening towards me, stop"

If they continue, there it is on the recording, bingo

Easy to say when not in the heat of the moment.

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mrmo | 9 years ago
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Where in Gloucestershire, were they driving a Back Toyota aygo?

For reference I have been asked to give a statement about driving, it is your word against there's but if more than one person, at different times, complains something may actual happen.

Apparently the CPS chose not to proceed because I stated that I told the driver to fuck off, that I had no interest in having a fight.

However the driver did have to go to the police station, and go through all that hassle.

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DaveE128 replied to mrmo | 9 years ago
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mrmo wrote:

Where in Gloucestershire, were they driving a Back Toyota aygo?

For reference I have been asked to give a statement about driving, it is your word against there's but if more than one person, at different times, complains something may actual happen.

Apparently the CPS chose not to proceed because I stated that I told the driver to fuck off, that I had no interest in having a fight.

However the driver did have to go to the police station, and go through all that hassle.

No not a black Aygo I'm afraid. It seems there are multiple nutters there. Don't want to say too much in public in case it's seen as prejudicial.

Thanks for the thoughts people. I want him to have to think about his behaviour but I somewhat dread the process. (Have had to give evidence in court before have been an independent witness to a non-cycling road rage incident.)

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Judge dreadful | 9 years ago
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Report it, get it all official, if he ends up wiping a cyclist out, at least he's known, should any court wish to chuck any books at him.

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CXR94Di2 | 9 years ago
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Threatening, and or abusive language in public falls under the "public order act 1986"

So even though he passed you closely (traffic offence) he also committed another offence with his behavior.

If anything else, he will be wary next time and probably wont do it again, so report it. Else he may become more aggressive with the next rider.

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DaveE128 | 9 years ago
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Thanks for the thoughts.

He shouts something obscene about turning the camera off which I declined to do so it obviously isn't covert.

I think I'll report using their online form, but given that I live hundreds of miles from Gloucestershire, I'm not in a rush to take the camera in to one of their police stations. Not sure how else I could get the footage to them - I suppose I'll have to ask them.

I'm pretty confident I did nothing wrong. From what I could understand of his foul-mouthed frothing rant I think he considered a pretty steady track stand to be "f***ing around" or something similar. 7 I got the impression he just hates cyclists with a passion. It's a shame that this isn't regarded as a "hate crime" AFAIK.

I'm not entirely sure what kind of offence (if any) was committed.

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Martyn_K | 9 years ago
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Review the footage a number of times and make sure your actions are whiter than white. You need to make sure there are no reasons why a driver could get that angry.
I'm not excusing the actions of the driver but you do not want a reason for your complaint to be rebuked.

I would then take a copy of the file and save it locally on your own computer. Take the camera with you when you report the offence to the police. Showing the police that you are not taking 'covert' video recordings by presenting the equipment is a good idea.

Drivers need to learn and the only way to learn is by making sure they are educated. Sometimes this means getting the law involved.

Good luck.

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