Do you believe in CARma? (long drive thread)

[bdoyledimou]

When i drive, long trip or short, i am a very polite driver.

I signal well before lane changes, i allow the car in the other lanes an oppertunity to pass me before i move in, i keep at least three car lengths betweem and the car in front of me, i allow vehicles to merge in frotn of me during construction or other lane ending situations. I do not talk on the phone, or use gadgets eat or drink while driving.

I refer to this as CARma , as i hope that my manners brush off or at least help other drivers and keep me safe.

I also have a basic rule.. if i drink, i do not drive

In preparation for our 4300 km (3700 mile ) round trip drive in August, we took a quick trip to Michigan this weekend.

On the way home tonight, i came up behind a driver who was in the middle lane of the 401 driving 80km/h (~50 miles) the speed limit is 60 miles per hour or 100 km/h). As i went to pass him, he cut into my lane.

I slowed down, and he moved back into his lane and slowed down. I managed to get beside him, when he gunned it got in front of me and moved back into my lane. I slowed down again, and decided to just give it some time.

It didn't take long.. about 30 seconds later he almost hit the median.
He over corrected and shot across 3 lanes before he recovered. he moved back into the middle lane.

He continues to swerve back and forth in his lane, at curves would drift wildly. It was clear he was intoxicated.

Now i don't drink and drive, and i expect others on a highway to be just as courtious. So my SO called the police and reported him.

We then spent the next 50 kms co-ordinatiing with the provincial police and
following this guy. during this time, he nearly hit several cars, almost ran off the road, almost hit the center again.

When the police finally located us, and pulled him over (we pulled in behind the cruiser) the officer told us he blew .01 below the mount that would have been a criminal charge, and instead ended up with a 3 day suspension.

We felt bad about calling the police... but seriously.. even though he was technically "legal" that was scary.

So does anyone else believe in CARma? and also, would you have done what we did? or just get past him, and hope you didn't read about him the next morning after they hit something/someone?

 

[sjsjbrook]

As a person who drives on the 401, thank you for calling it in. People like him make the road dangerous, and by calling it in, even though he only got a 3 day suspension, you may have saved a life.

You at least got him off the road at that time.

Thank you.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I've been tempted to call the police in the past, but don't spend enough time on highways. Last time I encountered a dangerous driver, we were on local roads - and he encountered a police detail before I could do anything .

I like - and otherwise practice - your CARma. We need bumper stickers!!!!