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Rant: This SUV-driving woman tried to eliminate me this morning

Started 3 years ago by angelescrest
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angelescrest
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I could not believe it. I was heading east on the W. Sea Bridge, in the left lane (readying to exit onto the 5) where the bridge narrows and the speed limit drops to 35. Suddenly, in my rear-view mirror, I see this woman...really, really, really close to me; she is bearing down on me. I increase to 40; I need to stay in that lane to get onto the 5. She looks berserk, has dark brown page-boy style hair, and I would guess her age to be 40-60. She was practically IN my little Subaru, and there was nowhere I could go. She gestures for me to move over. I motion for her to stay back. She gestures wildly, and then gives me the finger.
When I make the final merge into the exit lane, guess what? This woman, though behind me, moves decisively while gunning it, and cuts me off as I try to move over, thereby nearly killing me.
Very nice-newish, smaller SUV with a sort-of fish decal on the right rear. All I could do was lay on the horn and wonder what these times have wrought.

Posted 3 years ago #
Tom Watson
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Must live on the Eastside....

Posted 3 years ago #
Irukandji
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Wish we all had DashCam!

Posted 3 years ago #
angelescrest
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Oh my gosh--you know who she looked like? Remember "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown"? Iván's estranged wife, riding on the back of a motorcycle toting a gun with which she will attempt to kill him?

Posted 3 years ago #
Bonnie
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She must have been having a bad day. I mean, what if she was 40 and she knew she looked 40 to 60. Ouch! That's a big range there.

Posted 3 years ago #
thee
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but the dogs, what about the dogs?... were they, per chance, off leash?

Posted 3 years ago #
WSB
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I think she was behind me heading toward The Junction from Fauntleroy Way yesterday afternoon. I took the turn onto ... Oregon? ... and was being ruthlessly tailgated, particularly when I slowed to make sure I wasn't going to get T-boned at those four-way no-sign intersections. I could see her gesturing wildly ... I've had those days too ... but still. I turned right at Holy Rosary just to get out of her way!

Posted 3 years ago #
Magpie
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Unfortunately, she'll probably never read this because she is too important and her time too valuable to read the blog. Or, maybe she was running away from the repo man.

Posted 3 years ago #
Dog Free Parks
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Thee: Actually, sounds like this was an example of the same entitlement syndrome that those dog owners who feel "free" to break the law in public parks exhibit all the time. Um, probably shouldn't bring up law-breaking, un-neighbourly dog owner issues all the time. It is off-thread. I know you are trying to be a clown, but, really.

Posted 3 years ago #
JoB
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Dog Free Parks...

that might have been his point:)

seriously folks, there are going to be some really pissed off entitled folks for a while. I hear they are being forced to give up housekeepers and personal assistants and maybe even massage therapists in an attempt to economize...

that must be really stressful.

probably more so for those who they are depriving of incomes... but still....

Posted 3 years ago #
Luckie
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Sense of entitlement and nice car aside: it sounds like this woman might have a serious case of The Crazy.

Posted 3 years ago #
RainyDay1235
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I'd have called 911 (non-emergency) and reported her ass as an aggressive driver. Cops take that very seriously!

Posted 3 years ago #
JoB
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luckie..

i was being facetious

but stressed people do crazy things...

we should all be more careful out there..

the stress levels for all of us aren't going to go down until we are personally doing something to help alleviate the cause of our stress...

volunteer somewhere and encourage everyone you know to do the same....

it will make it a safer as well as better world.

although i think it might take some doing to convince that woman to give up some time to volunteer anywhere...

Posted 3 years ago #
angelescrest
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I would have reported her, but I had such scant details. The fact that it may have been the same woman menacing TR, makes me think we should all be on the lookout, and if you know who this person is by what I've described...well, what? Warn her that her absolutely insane and aggressive driving nearly cost me my car (at the very least?)? Caused others to flee?

Posted 3 years ago #
Aim
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I had a guy to that to me at Delridge and Henderson the other day. Right up on my tail, screaming his fool head off, trying to get around me or get me to move to... where? One lane each direction and there was a car immediately ahead of me. I couldn't go anywhere, but that didn't stop him from freaking he heck out. He flipped me off twice out the window, and 3 times out his sunroof, just to make SURE I knew he was mad. Like I couldn't tell from his psychotic driving?

I had half a mind to pull over and tell him to get off the meth and life would get a whole lot easier for him... However, I decided mouthing off to a psycho probably wouldn't get me anywhere.

Mid 80's to early 90's gold sedan with sunroof. Something about it reminded me of a Ford Probe or something with that "sport sedan" type shape. Guy had dark, shaggy hair and I think a moustache. And a huge temper.

People need to get help if life makes them THAT angry.

Posted 3 years ago #
datamuse
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Perception is subjective, but it seems like I've been encountering a lot more aggressive driving recently. I've been commuting between West Seattle and Tacoma for almost four years and it really does seem like the incidents of tailgating, weaving, driving way too fast, flashing lights, and so forth are going up. (And mind you, I come from the east coast where everybody has three hands: one for the wheel, one for the phone, and one for the horn.)

What color was the SUV?

Posted 3 years ago #
beachdrivegirl
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wow... some our making qutie teh assumption about whom this person is. I am not saying it is right but has anyone of you had the sense of compassion that maybe something horrible had happened and just maybe she was on the way to the hospital or something...we all need to learn to be a bit more compassionate and friendly. People are going to need each other during tough times and judging them is just plain rude.

and rainyday i agree with you..calling 911 is a defin. must if she is driving that eratically b/c she is not only endangering all of our lives but her own as well.

Posted 3 years ago #
dawn211
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Angelscrest - what color was the car?

Posted 3 years ago #
datamuse
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BDG: So that gives them the right to endanger others? Come on. I agree with you about making assumptions but it would be nice to be able to assume that folks can cope with their problems without doing something that might well land others in the hospital or worse.

I don't get how judging people, situations, or things is rude, either, though expressing such judgments in unkind terms may well be.

Posted 3 years ago #
JoB
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when did having a bad day become an excuse for dangerously offensive driving?

Posted 3 years ago #
PDieter
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yes indeed don't you people know that the universal sign language for "medical emergency transport" is to raise the middle digit of your hand?

it's done this way so off leash dogs can't fool us into giving way on the highway. clever no?

Posted 3 years ago #
MousePotato
Member Profile

I agree with RainyDay. Someone needs to catch her plate, call 911, and end her reign of tyranny in West Seattle before she becomes a news blurb with victims in her wake....

Posted 3 years ago #
beachdrivegirl
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Just guessing but they probably were not planning on endangering others. I know when I have been upset you dont always think clearly....

Posted 3 years ago #
datamuse
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If they aren't thinking clearly then they shouldn't be driving. Then again, as you already pointed out, assessment of their mental state isn't my job.

I do, however, feel entirely justified in rendering the judgment that this person was driving dangerously.

Posted 3 years ago #
JanS
Member Profile

I'm guessing that the thought of endangering or not endangering others never entered her mind. People so drive like that only give a damn about themselves...they ARE the center of the universe. Thanks for playing "devil's advocate"...but...NOTHING, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING is an excuse for that kind of aggressive driving. That's my opinion and I'm stickin' to it :)

Posted 3 years ago #
beachdrivegirl
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I agree that they were driving recklessly. I also agree that they probably should have not been driving. I also agreed that 911 should have been called. What I do not agree with is making assumptions or judgements about this persons social status and/or what they were or were not stressed out about. In my opinino that is not a joking matter. It is just plain rude.

Posted 3 years ago #
JanS
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Thanks...then color me rude on this one, I guess. To each his own...it makes the world go 'round.

Posted 3 years ago #
angelescrest
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Datamuse: Red-Marroon, new-ish smaller SUV (like the biggest Honda), with a stylistic decal on the rear right of a a fish (?).
BDG--As a mom of a child with a life-threatening illness who has almost died 20-30 times (and could die when her ammonia's going up and she doesn't get the IV fluids), I sure know what getting to the ER is like when the kid's literally dying in the back seat. It takes every shred of strength to maintain focus...even doing some sort of mantra, while trying to maintain composure. If she were truly in an ER mode, I would have known; that woman was angry and unstable.

Posted 3 years ago #
beachdrivegirl
Member Profile

Angelcrest, I am sorry to hear that your child has a life threatening illness. It is unfortunate to hear tha this lady wa just in a "ruch" I was just trying to give her the benefit of the doubt.

Posted 3 years ago #
cakeitseasy
Member Profile

When confronted with vulgar,road rage I like to respond with blowing a kiss, a cheery wave and the Palin wink.

A sure fire way to get the persistently crazy to back off... the 'ol act crazier than they are a.k.a. the NYC trick. (Also works wonders with crazy pandhandlers, bosses, unsolicited phone callers and mother-in-laws). ;0)

At #4 LOL!

At #17 Not very convincing. "maybe something horrible had happened and just maybe she was on the way to the hospital or something..." I would think someone in that situation would be more concerned w/getting to their destination (change lanes,move along) than trying to force their point to another driver by riding their bumper and being vulgar. And it always winds up with people trying to force their point, doesn't it. The flip-side of overt aggression is just as bad...people who feel powerless and try to take it out on others by putting up obstacles as in, I never drive 45 in a 60 zone, but I'm going to do it just-to-piss-you-off...and because you remind me of my mother. Some people drive the speed limit, if you don't like it, dance around them or conversely, move out of their way. It's all a dance. Just keep it moving!

Posted 3 years ago #
Irukandji
Member Profile

Perhaps the driver has a personality disorder that goes florid when the seasons change. Try mouthing the word 'MINDFULNESS' in the rear view mirror and see where it gets you, then get the hell out of the way!

Never okay to endanger others no matter what your situation, and do what you need to do to stay safe knowing how absolutely thoughtless and/or insane that another driver may be.

Posted 3 years ago #
PDieter
Member Profile

wouldn't you have to mouth

SENLUFDNIM

for that to work?

Posted 3 years ago #
Irukandji
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Maybe it's time to bring back those little handheld paddles that were hip in the 70's...

SINGLE?

CUTE!

SLOW THE FvCK DOWN!

Posted 3 years ago #
JoB
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color me rude...

i want a SLOW THE F..K DOWN paddle... i could use it every time i drive...

Posted 3 years ago #
JenV
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wow - defending someone who is a dangerous driver. this forum has officially sunk to a new low.

Posted 3 years ago #
flowerpetal
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PDieter, that was too durn funny. Thanks for the out loud laugh at work.

Posted 3 years ago #
angelescrest
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MAROON, whoops.
You can bet I'm driving around today with this car on my mind.

Posted 3 years ago #
missaudreyhorne
Member Profile

BDG, it doesn't really sound like you are trying to "just give her the benefit of the doubt". Actually, it REALLY sounds like you are just trying to argue with people you don't like on the forum. As per usual.

Also, I don'tk now about you, but when I am distraught in an emergency situation, flipping someone off is most likely the last thing I'd think of doing. I'd be TOO DISTRACTED to be that angry.

Posted 3 years ago #
Irukandji
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Well, missaudreyhorne, perhaps that's because you're NORMAL... is it inflammatory to declare someone normal?

Posted 3 years ago #
What The
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I think I found her...got her locked up in my basement with Bobblehead the cat.

Posted 3 years ago #
JanS
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missAH...everytime I see those two kitties in your avatar, I stop and smile...now there's love....

Posted 3 years ago #
Moose Jaw
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Not trying to justify the crazy lady's dangerous driving but we should consider the possibility that she may have had a serious case of the shizzz. We've all been there.

Posted 3 years ago #
Anonymous
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It's already been established this is a wealthy, entitled person intent on killing you. Any other explanation is defending dangerous driving and an attempt to argue with people you don't like.

Posted 3 years ago #
What The
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I've tried "water boarding" on her and the incessant "Meows" of Bobblehead without any luck for obtaining criminal evidence. She did mumble something about "I looked at my middle finger while merging onto the 5...thought I had scratched the nail polish I had just gotten done?"....

The "Rich" killing the "Poor"...now that's a concept!

Posted 3 years ago #
changingtimes
Member Profile

when people are tailgating me i go extra slow.. like i have all the time in the world..pointing out landmarks...usually the people will get the point and theyll get off my a**!! :)

Posted 3 years ago #
JoB
Member Profile

just for giggles JT...

what part of this doesn't seem like dangerously aggressive driving to you?

"She was practically IN my little Subaru, and there was nowhere I could go. She gestures for me to move over. I motion for her to stay back. She gestures wildly, and then gives me the finger.
When I make the final merge into the exit lane, guess what? This woman, though behind me, moves decisively while gunning it, and cuts me off as I try to move over, thereby nearly killing me."

and does this sound like an inexpensive car to you?

"Very nice-newish, smaller SUV"

How dare i malign that poor woman by insinuating that she might feel entitled (due to her behavior) and that she might have money (due to her haircut and car) and she could be stressed because she has had to cut back on her benefits (due to the current economic climate) ...

and that even you should be more careful on the road because some people are very stressed right now and are driving exceedingly aggressively.

I don't know about you but when someone rides up my tailpipe, motions me off the road, flips me off when i don't get out of her way and then flips around me cutting me off from my exit..

i don't assume she is in a rush to get to the nearest hospital... though i do sometimes look in my rear view mirror to see if she is being pursued.

unfortunately, people who behave like that generally leave you too stunned to grab the cell phone, set it up as a camera and take a picture of their plate before they are long gone.

It's too bad really because that kind of aggressive driving generally ends up killing pedestrians or bicyclists or motorcyclists or other drivers while the perpetrator speeds away.

but hey, i can see why i should have given the poor woman the benefit of the doubt...

i bet she was having a really bad day.. i hope she isn't having a string of them.

Posted 3 years ago #
WSMom
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West Seattle is such a small town, you gotta be careful who you flip off or tailgate...you may end up sitting next to that person in church or your childs sports game!

Posted 3 years ago #
Anonymous
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I can't seem to find a single post that doesn't agree, this was dangerous, reckless driving that should be reported.

The disagreement was in associating an economic status to the behavior and the assumptions of what type a person she is and her motives.

We really KNOW she was angry, not frightened or worried? We really KNOW the O.P. is not exaggerating (I don't think you are btw). Cuz we were all there?

All BDG did was question the character attacks, and she's the bad guy?

And yes, ridiculing someone as being entitled and in a bad mood because they had to give up their personal assistant and house keeper is an attack.

She could have just as easily been a single mom in a rental car, who's child was just hit in a crosswalk and now needs a fund raiser to help with medical costs because she lost her job last week and has no insurance.

Posted 3 years ago #
angelescrest
Member Profile

You got it mixed up, JT. I'm the single mom in the leased car, whose job is teetering (like so many others'); whose child metaphorically was "hit in the crosswalk" when she fell into a coma at 11 mos., and continues to be hit--no slammed--on a daily basis. That's just life. You're right: I didn't exaggerate what happened. But, like I said, I've been in that life/death driving situation so many times (life flight helicopters/ambulances, you name it), and there was no friggin' excuse (and extreme agitation means don't get behind the wheel if you're out of control--it's not a rationale/excuse)for that woman attempting to drive me off the road.

Posted 3 years ago #
Anonymous
Member Profile

I don't understand what you're seeking angelescrest. Everyone (including myself) agrees with you. Reckless, dangerous driving is inexcusable and I'm sorry your were in that situation and glad you weren't hurt.

My point wasn't to feel sorry for her. Just don't think the woman's finances and life situation are part of the equation and think those that concentrated on it detract from the relevant actions. One could just as easily go for the single mom scenario as the rich b*tch. But why assume either.

That is a dangerous traffic transition in the best of circumstances. I did hear and understand your frustration.

Posted 3 years ago #