road rage

What is the name of your state? NJ

This morning, I was driving my kids to the daycare, waiting to make a left turn at a traffic light that showed green. I was yielding to oncoming traffic when a lady in an SUV started blowing her horn on me, gesturing that I should make my left turn. Unfortunately, I can't because of oncoming traffic. This frustrated her, causing her to blow her horn, again. I gestured that I can't go because of traffic, to which she responded with more aggressive gestures. At this point, I decided to exit my vehicle to gesture to her that I can't move (anyway the light turned red) because of oncoming traffic and that I just can't make a sudden dash because I have my two small kids in the van with me. I noticed that she was already dialing her cellphone. I turned to step into my car to drive off (the light had turned green left arrow). I noticed through my rearview mirror that she was frantically making a phone call.

My question is can she find out my personal information through my license plates? Based on that information, can she sue me for assault or threats? I have considered this because I might have appeared dangerous to her considering I'm a man and she is a woman. I never did reach her vehicle, didn't even get my emotionally-charged message accross. I did make a left turn at a local school just to avoid her following me. Basically, I didn't want a confrontation -- so I backed off.

Please help...I have a clean driving record and, like most of our citizens, I never want to run afoul of the law, and to be sued for anything.

Thanks.

Dennis

Dennis63

But if i was her i would have called the cops. I've had to crazy people before go and get out of there car and start screaming. One guy who had an a little kid in his car. Both times being there fault because the one person didn't think i went fast enough at a stop light and got out and started screaming at me and following me until i got to my b/f's house. And the guy who was making a turn and wasn't staying in his lane but though that he still had the right to threatin my b/f and i. I realize from what you said it wasn't your fault but when a man does get out of his car that is scary because you are bigger. The woman shouldn't have been beeping but you shouldn't get out of your car.

Kittyscorpio,

I would have been glad if there were police around so I can file a complaint. On the other hand, can she call in a complaint -- using my license plate number? And for what? Should I expect the cops waiting for me at home? I wish I got her license plate number...

Thanks.

D

dennis63

I honestly have no idea. The lady that followed me grant i shouldn't have flicked her off i don't have the best temper. When she followed me to my b/f's house she threated to call the cops for what i have no idea she was the one following me. I'd say if she does you may want to explain the sitution and tell how she was behaving. How long has this been since it happened?

Kittyscorpio,

Believe it or not, it happened this morning! I'm still upset because of the way I reacted (which is NOT usually the case)...I guess I got protective of my kids in the car. My 5-yr old son was getting upset with the car horn beeping behind us.

Did you get a visit from the police?

D

dennis63

Nope no cops were ever at my house. Probably because she was missing some teeth and was on something from what my b/f told me. I don't have any idea how to help all i know is its been a good 5 or 6 months since this has happened. You just to remember getting out of your car is not the best thing to do you never know if the person would have a gun or something.

Thanks Kittyscorpio...will keep that in mind next time. D

You're lucky you didn't get your head blown off with a .45.

Why in the hell would you get out of your vehicle to confront anyone? Especially with your kids in the car.

[Bravo8]

No she cannot obtain your personal info from your tags. Under the Driver's Privacy Protection Act of 1994, certain informations is designated as restricted. She can obtain the year, make, model, VIN number, and status of your vehicle from your registration plate. Information such as name, address, etc is not obtainable by her (as a private citizen). A police officer can obtain that info from the DMV.

As you have indicated, you realize that getting out of your vehicle was a dumb idea...but hey, sometimes emotions get in the way of rational thought. At least you realize it. That idiot SUV-driving soccer mom probably still thinks she did nothing wrong.

At least you scared the crap out of her.....maybe next time she'll think twice before acting like a jerk.

Bravo8,

Thanks for putting my mind at ease. Yes, I realize what I did was STUPID -- big time. Like Captradar said...it might have been a crazy dude with a shotgun or worse. I really did got emotional from my kids being upset. I guess there is a first time (and hopefully last time for everything).

Gratis,

D