‘Road Rage etc’ - Is Dashcam Evidence 'Essential' to Report it to the Police?

[markben]

Greetings all. Apologies for this long & detailed Post but it might be of interest in the ‘Dashcam / no Dashcam’ Evidence Debate?

So: today on my usual trip around town I signalled, safely entered & turned R on a busy mini roundabout leaving it clear before pulling up behind a stationary vehicle waiting at Red / ‘Stop’ traffic lights shortly ahead - and using the Highway Code ‘Tyres & Tarmac’ advice (leave 1m between yours & the vehicle in front when waiting in stationary traffic for various reasons). So far, so good?

But a, er, ‘Lady’ in an SUV entered the mini-roundabout close on my tail without checking the exit was clear, partially blocked it and then (as viewed in my rear-view mirror) flashed her headlights, gestured aggressively, banged on her dashboard & appeared to scream at me as if to say ‘MOVE F****NG FORWARDS SO I CAN GET IN BEHIND YOU!!!’. Before you ask: I didn’t respond in any way to her Hysterical Rantings.

Once the traffic lights changed to Green / ‘Go’, only a few seconds later, I filtered into Lane One of the 50 mph urban dual carriageway, accelerated steadily up to 45 mph with the ‘Lady’ Driver at first tailgating me then overtaking & pulling back in front of me quite sharply. In ‘Defensive Driving / Road Rage Avoidance’ mode, I thought it best to pull back & leave a safe distance between us before signalling my intention to pull out in to lane 2 and stay clear of her until the next set of traffic lights where, Hey Presto.. we were neck & neck. The ‘Lady’ driver then filtered-off at a L Junction so that was the end of that?

Ok: so these types of usually relatively minor / hopefully inconsequential ‘Road Rage’ incidents happen every day on busy roads when Drivers are often any or all of in a hurry, stressed, don’t give a @%** about other Road Users etc.

But... in this case.. despite my IAM training + experience as a former Police & Court referred ‘Driver & Speed Awareness’ Training Instructor (+ hopefully Oodles of Restraint?), an hour later I was still feeling pretty upset & threatened by the ‘Lady’ driver’s aggressive behaviour back at that mini-roundabout and - for once - felt it important to Report such an Incident to the Traffic Police. But... probably In Vain with NO Dashcam Evidence?

Now for the Interesting Bit…

Despite NOT (!) having a Dashcam recording of the Incident - as is usually required? - the local Traffic Police Incident call handler took my complaint SERIOUSLY - especially when I gave him the relevant details (Date, Time, Location, the ‘Lady’ Driver’s Aggressive Behaviour / a description of her, the Vehicle description & Reg number plus mentioning my IAM training & Police Referred Driver Training Instructor credentials etc).

He was incredibly understanding and said (quote): ‘Mark, from your clearly honest & accurate description of the Incident & given your driving background & credentials, we WILL check-out the Driver, report your Formal Complaint about her Driving Standards today and give her appropriate advice’. Incident Log number provided, and although I might never know the outcome of my RR Report, I just hope that the impatient & aggressive ‘Lady’ Driver will get a Stern Message & Warning to be more aware of, and considerate to other Road Users - whatever & whoever. Not all ‘Old men in equally Old Mercedes’ (in her hasty & misguided opinion?) are as Stupid as she imagined when Road Raging at me without justification today? . I have no intention to, nor derive any benefit in pursuing things further, but I just hope she will soon have a Wake-up call about her aggressive driving behaviour after a letter or telephone contact from our local Traffic Police? That's why I reported it - and for her benefit as much as mine.

Conclusion? I’ll leave it to you. Only to say I have no prejudices around ‘Lady’ Drivers, younger Drivers, SUVs or whatever / whoever. IMHO & from 50 years’ safe driving experience these types of usually relatively mild & soon forgotten / inconsequential RR Incidents are often more about Drivers’ Mindsets & Behaviour more than anything? But on occasions, they can have Catastrophic consequences when things escalate?

On my 50-year accident free motoring journey, ‘Roadcraft’ (The Official Police Drivers’ Handbook & ‘Bible’) still helps & reminds me to Stay Safe, Restrained, Calm & Responsible on our increasingly busy roads when some.. Drivers simply don’t care about or are ignorant of the possibly dangerous consequences of their actions & behaviour?

Thanks for following, Best wishes & stay Safe too.

Mark B.

 

[peterws1957]

Greetings all. Apologies for this long & detailed Post but it might be of interest in the ‘Dashcam / no Dashcam’ Evidence Debate?

So: today on my usual trip around town I signalled, safely entered & turned R on a busy mini roundabout leaving it clear before pulling up behind a stationary vehicle waiting at Red / ‘Stop’ traffic lights shortly ahead - and using the Highway Code ‘Tyres & Tarmac’ advice (leave 1m between yours & the vehicle in front when waiting in stationary traffic for various reasons). So far, so good?

But a, er, ‘Lady’ in an SUV entered the mini-roundabout close on my tail without checking the exit was clear, partially blocked it and then (as viewed in my rear-view mirror) flashed her headlights, gestured aggressively, banged on her dashboard & appeared to scream at me as if to say ‘MOVE F****NG FORWARDS SO I CAN GET IN BEHIND YOU!!!’. Before you ask: I didn’t respond in any way to her Hysterical Rantings.

Once the traffic lights changed to Green / ‘Go’, only a few seconds later, I filtered into Lane One of the 50 mph urban dual carriageway, accelerated steadily up to 45 mph with the ‘Lady’ Driver at first tailgating me then overtaking & pulling back in front of me quite sharply. In ‘Defensive Driving / Road Rage Avoidance’ mode, I thought it best to pull back & leave a safe distance between us before signalling my intention to pull out in to lane 2 and stay clear of her until the next set of traffic lights where, Hey Presto.. we were neck & neck. The ‘Lady’ driver then filtered-off at a L Junction so that was the end of that?

Ok: so these types of usually relatively minor / hopefully inconsequential ‘Road Rage’ incidents happen every day on busy roads when Drivers are often any or all of in a hurry, stressed, don’t give a @%** about other Road Users etc.

But... in this case.. despite my IAM training + experience as a former Police & Court referred ‘Driver & Speed Awareness’ Training Instructor (+ hopefully Oodles of Restraint?), an hour later I was still feeling pretty upset & threatened by the ‘Lady’ driver’s aggressive behaviour back at that mini-roundabout and - for once - felt it important to Report such an Incident to the Traffic Police. But... probably In Vain with NO Dashcam Evidence?

Now for the Interesting Bit…

Despite NOT (!) having a Dashcam recording of the Incident - as is usually required? - the local Traffic Police Incident call handler took my complaint SERIOUSLY - especially when I gave him the relevant details (Date, Time, Location, the ‘Lady’ Driver’s Aggressive Behaviour / a description of her, the Vehicle description & Reg number plus mentioning my IAM training & Police Referred Driver Training Instructor credentials etc).

He was incredibly understanding and said (quote): ‘Mark, from your clearly honest & accurate description of the Incident & given your driving background & credentials, we WILL check-out the Driver, report your Formal Complaint about her Driving Standards today and give her appropriate advice’. Incident Log number provided, and although I might never know the outcome of my RR Report, I just hope that the impatient & aggressive ‘Lady’ Driver will get a Stern Message & Warning to be more aware of, and considerate to other Road Users - whatever & whoever. Not all ‘Old men in equally Old Mercedes’ (in her hasty & misguided opinion?) are as Stupid as she imagined when Road Raging at me without justification today? . I have no intention to, nor derive any benefit in pursuing things further, but I just hope she will soon have a Wake-up call about her aggressive driving behaviour after a letter or telephone contact from our local Traffic Police? That's why I reported it - and for her benefit as much as mine.

Conclusion? I’ll leave it to you. Only to say I have no prejudices around ‘Lady’ Drivers, younger Drivers, SUVs or whatever / whoever. IMHO & from 50 years’ safe driving experience these types of usually relatively mild & soon forgotten / inconsequential RR Incidents are often more about Drivers’ Mindsets & Behaviour more than anything? But on occasions, they can have Catastrophic consequences when things escalate?

On my 50-year accident free motoring journey, ‘Roadcraft’ (The Official Police Drivers’ Handbook & ‘Bible’) still helps & reminds me to Stay Safe, Restrained, Calm & Responsible on our increasingly busy roads when some.. Drivers simply don’t care about or are ignorant of the possibly dangerous consequences of their actions & behaviour?

Thanks for following, Best wishes & stay Safe too.

Mark B.

I don't think any of my journies short or long doesn't involve witnessing one lunatic driver. It's so common that I couldn't take it further. Fortunately most drivers are perfectly ok.
Just on the subject of dash cam evidence, Lancashire Police issued a statement last year welcoming film evidence but with the proviso that you may be required to attend at a Police station to give a formal statement and attend a court hearing. So in other words don't bother us. Yet they still ask for dash cam footage involving accidents. Seem to want it both ways.

 

[SL63 Mark]

Dash camera evidence wouldn't hurt, surely ? It might provide vital additional evidence to back up your story.

Obviously not necessary in this case, although we will never know whether anybody will actually contact the other driver, based on your verbal evidence alone. A manager will no doubt assess the value of a call in the light of other urgent priorities and make a decision accordingly.

 

[markben]

Dash camera evidence wouldn't hurt, surely ? It might provide vital additional evidence to back up your story.

Obviously not necessary in this case, although we will never know whether anybody will actually contact the other driver, based on your verbal evidence alone. A manager will no doubt assess the value of a call in the light of other urgent priorities and make a decision accordingly.

Well quite possibly. But I've resisted having a dashcam fitted for some time because I don't want to become a 'dashcam warrior' (if that makes sense?) and prefer to rely on my IAM / defensive driving experience to avoid these types of situations as far as possible.

And yes, it depends whether the authorities see my complaint as serious enough to take any action? But the police call handler did say that it will be kept on record and considered in the context of other possible complaints about the driver / motoring offences etc.

 

[M80]

I was told M/cr police don't attend an RTA unless there is injury. So why attend to anything that isn't an accident?

I don't know if other forces have the same policy.

 

[DSK]

This is the reason for a front and rear dash cam. In the event of an incident, a video doesn’t lie, yet the offender will try and down play it. So this replaces he said, she said with irrefutable video evidence.

As you say the vast majority of drivers have very little skill and road craft, compared to those who do and have forms of advanced training. These bad drivers do not care for anyone else. Everyone can always find a fault in others (even if there is no fault) to try and mitigate their own incompetence.

As you say easiest thing to do is try and ignore it but, usually these bad drivers will further over take and brake check you or do other dangerous antics for some time further.

With all the cloned cars and illegal in some way drivers on the roads, it only gets worse.


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[EmilysDad]

...... Everyone can always find a fault in others (even if there is no fault) to try and mitigate their own incompetence.

....

When I got rear ended (oooer!) in stationary traffic a few years back, the first thing she said was ..... ''you didn't move''. What she meant was that because she wasn't paying attention, when the other traffic around us moved, she didn't look past the end of her bonnet & ran into the stationary car (ME) in front of her!
My forward facing camera was enough to prove my innocence!

 

[M80]

When I got rear ended (oooer!) in stationary traffic a few years back, the first thing she said was ..... ''you didn't move''. What she meant was that because she wasn't paying attention, when the other traffic around us moved, she didn't look past the end of her bonnet & ran into the stationary car (ME) in front of her!
My forward facing camera was enough to prove my innocence!

Especially if you could demonstrate her saying that.

 

[EmilysDad]

Especially if you could demonstrate her saying that.

unfortunately I couldn't .... though the blame is always on those that go into the back of someone else (unless otherwise proved)

 

[DSK]

I was told M/cr police don't attend an RTA unless there is injury. So why attend to anything that isn't an accident?

I don't know if other forces have the same policy.

Hmm not sure where you heard that. There are usually a few minor bumps around my way and always seen a police presence when you would think an exchange of details and get on your way is all that appears to be needed.


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[M80]

Twas from a friend (with his daughter) travelling around Princess Parkway, the Hulme end.
A driver, who is likely bi lingual, decided he wanted to be toward the front of a right turning queue at traffic lights, so went for a gap that wasn't. Friends daughter was bumped by him.
Out jumps bi linguist, performing an abusive verbal act.

Fiend calls police to be told no injury, no interest.
I would have responded to police request and told them to send an ambulance as well.

Anyway, soon enough the bi linguist's family members turned up to add complication to things. Friend thought it safer to depart scene.

 

[sl500amgsport]

Silly lady, in this day and age from what we are seeing on the news there was a risk you may have simply produced a gun and shot her. Could have been a very expensive road rage lesson..

My wife rages all the time about bad driving and I simply say for all she knows they could be as high as a kite, probably uninsured simply stay clear and ignore, life is too short!

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[markben]

Silly lady, in this day and age from what we are seeing on the news there was a risk you may have simply produced a gun and shot her. Could have been a very expensive road rage lesson..

My wife rages all the time about bad driving and I simply say for all she knows they could be as high as a kite, probably uninsured simply stay clear and ignore, life is too short!

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Exactly. Fortunately for her, I kept my cool in the situation even though her behaviour was quite aggressive. Some drivers (m or f) would have been out of their vehicle & ready for a verbal altercation - or worse?

I discussed that with the police call handler and he agreed that some kind of 'polite nudge' about her reported behaviour might be appropriate - not least to wake her up to the possible consequences if she did it to the wrong person...?

 

[DSK]

I didn’t want to go into detail but as as similar situation has been mentioned I’ll share…

Incident: I live next to 3 school with give way speed restrictions. Around March 2024, a parent who usually parks near my house tried to beat an oncoming car to the speed bump but, decided against it, still braking in decent time and gave way, as he should have done. The woman behind followed his action to speed up but failed to react to him changing his mind and slowing down. She’s braked far to late and sadly ended in a rear end shunt, minimal visual damage and no injuries.

I carried on working thinking they’ll sort it out. Minutes later the police arrive and after 30 minutes they seem more confused than ever when, surely both should’ve been on their way a long time ago.

Turns out the woman alleged the bloke was being aggressive and violent towards her. I told the cops, I saw and heard it all, to top it off I have it all from 2 angles on cctv. The woman is lying, she is the one who was ranting and raving and being aggressive. I heard the chap repeatedly ask for her insurance details to which she simply became irrational every time. The cop took me aside, watched the 2 minute clip, showing the Birds Eye view with all voice. The cop was so relieved for this as it cleared up a relatively serious allegation against the innocent party. I sent the innocent party the video evidence incase he needed it against her lies. He was very grateful.

A few weeks later the chap came to my house to thank me in his new to him replacement car, advising the insurance wrote off his Focus and that the woman further lied to her insurance, where he showed them my footage and sorted it.


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[markben]

I didn’t want to go into detail but as as similar situation has been mentioned I’ll share…

Incident: I live next to 3 school with give way speed restrictions. Around March 2024, a parent who usually parks near my house tried to beat an oncoming car to the speed bump but, decided against it, still braking in decent time and gave way, as he should have done. The woman behind followed his action to speed up but failed to react to him changing his mind and slowing down. She’s braked far to late and sadly ended in a rear end shunt, minimal visual damage and no injuries.

I carried on working thinking they’ll sort it out. Minutes later the police arrive and after 30 minutes they seem more confused than ever when, surely both should’ve been on their way a long time ago.

Turns out the woman alleged the bloke was being aggressive and violent towards her. I told the cops, I saw and heard it all, to top it off I have it all from 2 angles on cctv. The woman is lying, she is the one who was ranting and raving and being aggressive. I heard the chap repeatedly ask for her insurance details to which she simply became irrational every time. The cop took me aside, watched the 2 minute clip, showing the Birds Eye view with all voice. The cop was so relieved for this as it cleared up a relatively serious allegation against the innocent party. I sent the innocent party the video evidence incase he needed it against her lies. He was very grateful.

A few weeks later the chap came to my house to thank me in his new to him replacement car, advising the insurance wrote off his Focus and that there woman further lied to her insurance, where he showed them my footage and sorted it.


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Well that's a pretty good case for having a dashcam. Not that I'm prejudiced but, from experience, women drivers can be as aggressive & devious as men when it comes to avoiding responsibility for their behaviour on the roads.

I've had 2 cases in the past 12 months when, whilst driving safely according to the conditions (but not loitering), I've been tailgated continuously (not accidentally - as some drivers do then drop back) for a few miles by women drivers - knowingly and dangerously so: i.e. approx a car's length / 5m (!) at speeds of up to 60 mph on busy 'A' roads. Truly shocking and, as mentioned, fortunate for them that they didn't tailgate the 'wrong' person?

I remember both incidents in vivid detail and it took a lot of restraint not to 'engage' with these dangerous drivers in any way. With hindsight, dashcam footage / evidence presented to the traffic police would have ensured a day in Court & likely Prosecution for them.

Thanks, your story has really got me thinking about having one fitted asap.

 

[DSK]

I’d agree with that. With a dash cam in my example, depending on how it’s powered and door/window open, it would have have recorded voice also. Following the incident above, the chap also fitted a dual channel dash cam to his new car.

My ex tried to frame me for years, making false allegations to the authorities unknown to me. Once she thought she had me right where she wanted me she called cops to try and have me arrested. After being totally shocked, staying civil, telling the truth and countering her sadistic allegations for which called the cops with video evidence they nicked her. (Massive credit to cops for seeing through her professionally). She resisted arrest and took two police officers 15 minutes to go toe to toe with her and cart her off. After this her new lies countered her false allegations. Cctv reviewed in more depth over more allegations confirmed she had falsely made these allegations. Her own inconsistencies and calling the police liars further dug her grave deeper. Her own social media channels confirmed the queen style life she was really living, yet alleging the total opposite! Thank god for a decent cops, a great judge who also gave a 2 finger salute to social services who admitted they didn’t read the police disclosure despite a 2 yr opportunity and didn’t care, all men are evil in their eyes (narcissistic bitches!). She admitted to the judge she falsified everything, called the police liars, the repeated attempts to frame me were also proven to have been falsified. Even if she had not admitted to this, the tidal wave of evidence against her was such that, it exceeded the threshold for her to be sentenced by a crown court, and that’s in black and white on my final order!

So social services didn’t want to listen to men at all.
Police should be respected.
Lawyers and barristers are as bad as corrupt politicians, lying and back tracking when called out by the judge, even calling the judge a liar in official correspondence!
Sadly there are a lot of fvcking sadistic people in the world! If you don’t experience bad folks, count yourself lucky!

Protect yourself in every way, don’t react in away it can be used against you, don’t trust people just because they are in a position of authority, fight your own battles tactfully that even stun the authorities exposing all bad actors and their acts.

Whilst I did not need it but still have it, I downloaded questionable/cause for concern remarks etc the ex would say in the car, recorded on dash cam!

I don’t hate women, despite this, and my first ex trying to have me killed on holiday for my assets. There is good and bad in all.


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[Srdl]

A few months ago, I stopped at some temporary roadworks traffic lights when they turned red. Lady behind in a BMW decided she didn’t want to stop so pulled out past me and went through with the lights on red. All caught on my DashCam, number plate quite clear, so I filled in an online form/statement and submitted the video to the Police. Never heard another thing. When I chased them up, I just got the reply “the officer dealing with this will contact you if they need any further information”.

I assume no action taken, That's the last time I waste my time reporting a clear traffic offence if the Police can’t be ar$ed to do anything,

 

[DSK]

Did not give up, online submissions have lead to action in many cases. (Always ensure you supply a minute before and after the incident).


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[Blobcat]

A few months ago, I stopped at some temporary roadworks traffic lights when they turned red. Lady behind in a BMW decided she didn’t want to stop so pulled out past me and went through with the lights on red. All caught on my DashCam, number plate quite clear, so I filled in an online form/statement and submitted the video to the Police. Never heard another thing. When I chased them up, I just got the reply “the officer dealing with this will contact you if they need any further information”.

I assume no action taken, That's the last time I waste my time reporting a clear traffic offence if the Police can’t be ar$ed to do anything,

North Yorkshire take helmet camera footage from cyclists and use it regularly to prosecute drivers and motorcyclists. Depends upon the force and their priorities

 

[markben]

Re. avoiding & surviving Road Rage incidents, I think... I've found the Ultimate Solution?