Police in Richmond are warning drivers to simmer down after being called out to four road rage incidents — during Monday’s morning rush hour alone. Read More
Richmond RCMP offered advice on how to avoid getting into a potentially dangerous confrontation
Richmond RCMP offered advice on how to avoid getting into a potentially dangerous confrontation
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Police in Richmond are warning drivers to simmer down after being called out to four road rage incidents — during Monday’s morning rush alone.
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Alarmingly, two of the four calls involved people allegedly pulling out weapons.
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The first, shortly before 8 a.m., was reported by a man who said he’d been cut off by a driver in a red Nissan Pathfinder. He confronted the Nissan driver at the next intersection, asking him to fight.
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The man claimed the driver got out of his SUV holding a canister of bear spray at his side, at which point he returned to his car and reported it to police.
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Police tracked down the driver of the Pathfinder, “who admitted to exiting his vehicle with the bear spray, citing he did so because of the challenge to fight,” said Cpl. Adriana O’Malley in a news release.
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“The driver was remorseful and admitted this was poor judgment on his behalf.”
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Police seized the bear spray and both drivers were given verbal warnings about their behaviour.
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The second road rage call involving a weapon came in about an hour later, with a report of a silver Toyota RAV4 speeding and driving recklessly.
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“The complainant reported the driver of the RAV4 brandished what appeared to be a firearm and pointed it towards himself,” said O’Malley.
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The driver was located, and “admitted to holding up an airsoft gun during this incident.”
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That weapon was also seized and the investigation continues.
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“Our officers are definitely seeing an increase in traffic following spring break, but it is unusual for us to receive this many reported incidents of road rage in a single rush hour,” said O’Malley.
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O’Malley conceded heavy traffic and construction on many key commuter routes in Richmond can be frustrating, but “aggressive, threatening behaviour has no place on our roadways. These incidents will be fully investigated and, where applicable, criminal charges will be pursued.”
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O’Malley offered the following tips for drivers to steer clear of a potentially dangerous road rage encounter:
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• If someone cuts you off, do not engage with them verbally or otherwise. Ignore it and carry on your way.
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• If you observe someone driving recklessly, including speeding, report it to the police in that jurisdiction.
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• If confronted by another driver, where possible, leave the area and report the incident to police.
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• If confronted by another driver and you are unable to leave, stay inside your vehicle, lock your doors, and call 911.
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• If you have dashcam footage of a road incident, ensure you preserve it and provide it to police.
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Are drivers getting angrier out there? Have you had a recent road rage encounter? Tell us your story at vantips@postmedia.com.
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