Is it wrong for me to throw things at cars that nearly hit me?

sbj405

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Tue Dec-06-05 05:41 PM
Original message

Is it wrong for me to throw things at cars that nearly hit me?

With the shorter days, I find myself walking home in the dark now. Unfortunately, parts of my neighborhood do not have sidewalks. This combined with on street parking makes being a pedestrian rather dangerous. Add in holiday crazed (possibly drunk?) drivers and I really fear for my safety.

So, would it be wrong for me to carry something (like say a golf ball) to hurl and remind these asshat drivers that there are pedestrians? I would try to limit this to the most egregious offenders - blatant stop sign runners, those who leave the pavement, etc.

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MissB

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Tue Dec-06-05 05:42 PM
Response to Original message

1. Yes, it would.

Plus, if they decided to turn around, you'd still be on foot.

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sbj405

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Tue Dec-06-05 05:48 PM
Response to Reply #1

3. Well I currently hit the car (when close enough), give the finger, and

give a few choice words when their windows are down. No one's chased me yet . . . <crosses fingers>

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djeseru

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Tue Dec-06-05 05:43 PM
Response to Original message

2. I'd be scared they'd turn around.

And carrying a weapon they might be angry enough to use. :scared:

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liontamer

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Tue Dec-06-05 07:08 PM
Response to Original message

4. yes

if they're such bad drivers you might cause a wreck

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LeftyMom

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Tue Dec-06-05 07:17 PM
Response to Original message

5. I've kicked a dent in one a couple of years ago.

Edited on Tue Dec-06-05 07:44 PM by LeftyMom

The ancient man operating it hit my son's stroller (while he was in it) and were so fucking oblivious they hadn't noticed that or my yelling. They sure fucking noticed when I kicked a nice dent in the door of thier Lexus. Some people need to get the fuck off the road!

I don't know that a golf ball is the best choice as it could break glass, I'd stick with something unlikely to cause significant property damage that you could easily explain having on you if the cops get called out. This time of year whapping the car with one of those big long umbrellas would prove a decent option, IMO.

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sbj405

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Wed Dec-07-05 06:13 AM
Response to Reply #5

8. I've revised my thinking - walnuts or chesnuts

Probably won't break a window and the squirrels will love me.

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geniph

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Tue Dec-06-05 07:35 PM
Response to Original message

6. Better to take the license number

and report them for driving in an unsafe manner. You never know which of these crazed fucks just had their wife leave them, their doc cut off their 'scrips, their boss fire them, and are carrying an Uzi.

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Straight Shooter

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Tue Dec-06-05 07:59 PM
Response to Original message

7. It isn't wrong to feel that way, but it isn't wise to do so.

I hope you're wearing something white, or have reflective tape attached to something you're wearing. There are really cool little blinking lights that you can wear, some of them are actually made for dogs' collars, for people who find it necessary to walk their dogs after dark.

I also assume you're walking on the left side of the road, facing traffic. This way you can see oncoming danger.

You can't win by throwing a golf ball. What if the driver swerved and hit an oncoming car? Needless to mention the tragedy that would be, you might also end up getting hit by flying pieces.

Good luck.

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sbj405

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Wed Dec-07-05 06:15 AM
Response to Reply #7

9. I follow all the good pedestrian protocols

Reflective clothing, walk on the left, cross at crosswalks. It's not a matter of people not seeing me, it's the generally selfish me first attitude that prevails. I especially worry about the kids walking home and playing near the street, they are certainly less careful about looking for cars than I am.

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Straight Shooter

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Wed Dec-07-05 10:00 AM
Response to Reply #9

12. Then you're smarter than a lot of people I see walking down the road.

Can't tell you how many times I've seen people, with icy roads, too, where a car might slide accidentally, walking down the right side of the road, or wearing black jackets and blue jeans in the darkness, you name it.

It sounds like you've taken all the precautions you can take. Maybe a letter to the editor is in order, advising parents to caution their kids. That's about as far as your responsibility goes. I'm sorry you have to deal with that situation. It's a sign of the times.

Good luck.

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AllegroRondo

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Wed Dec-07-05 09:40 AM
Response to Original message

10. I had a friend who biked to work every day

Edited on Wed Dec-07-05 09:41 AM by AllegroRondo

who was always mad about drivers who drove as if they didnt notice or care about bikes on the road - and this was in city traffic, not a highway, where you would expect a moderate amount of bikes and pedestrians.

he actually put two nails in his left pedal, with the points facing out. When a car got too close to he left side, they would get two long scratches in their paint.

He also considered the golf ball thing, but decided against it as it was difficult to throw and steer at the same time.

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kick-ass-bob

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Wed Dec-07-05 09:42 AM
Response to Original message

11. I've banged my hand on someones hood

while I was in the crosswalk and they didn't want to stop.

The guy got out like he was going to do something, but never came out from behind his door.

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