The head of Road Policing Operations, Superintendent Neville Taylor, speaks at length about intimidation on the roads and what can be done to combat it:
We will not tolerate bullying or intimidation on Victorian roads.
We are investing considerable resources, time and effort into road policing to ensure everyone's safety on our roads.
Our approach is one of zero tolerance – if you break the law, you will be dealt with.
It doesn't matter who you are, the law applies to everyone.
Road bullying is driver behaviour which intimidates other road users. It may be tailgating, cutting people off, blasting the horn, excessive accelerating and decelerating, unsafe lane changes and abusive behaviour or gestures. All of these things are offences.
Road bullying can also occur during mass rides, where large numbers of motorbikes ride together and dominate the road.
( but not if an asshole in car turns in front of, tailgates or runs over a biker, of if a drunken coproach gets behind the wheel, etc.etc,etc,)
We have certainly turned our attention to these large-scale 'runs' and respond both proactively and reactively. Over the past 12 months, there have been several police operations targeting Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMCGs) in particular. This has been in response to feedback from other motorists that these riders, in such big numbers, are intimidating to other road users. We hear complaints that people are too scared to overtake riders or that they speed up to get out of their way.
This change in driver behaviour, particularly under pressure and out of fear, is dangerous. Dangerous to everyone on the road.
We are also aware that large numbers of riders – and I'm talking sometimes hundreds – travelling together can create a perception of 'owning the road'. This delusion of invincibility leads to them blatantly breaking road rules and, at times, forcing other motorists out of their way.
The sheer number of them can be intimidating to other road users.
We hear a lot of talk about bullying in schools or in the workplace, but bullying can occur randomly on the roads from complete strangers. They may be hoon drivers, members of a motorcycle gang, truck drivers or a motorist with road rage issues.
Fortunately, it isn't a common occurrence on our roads and most motorists are considerate and courteous of each other. But when it does happen, the consequences can be deadly.
Road bullying tactics can cost lives. There is no doubt in my mind that a vehicle – whether it's a motorbike, a car or a truck - being driven dangerously is a deadly weapon. I'm talking about a tonne or more of metal being used to intimidate and threaten another person ... terrifying. And the consequences are likely to be devastating.
Anyone who finds themselves in a situation where they feel bullied or intimidated should remain calm and not react. Immediately call 000 if it is a life-threatening situation or call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000. We urge motorists to take down the registration number as well, as this assists police with their investigation.
Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/superintendent-taylors-comments-on-road-bullies-20111227-1pb2e.html#ixzz1iP3FfEtE
This change in driver behaviour, particularly under pressure and out of fear, is dangerous. Dangerous to everyone on the road.
We are also aware that large numbers of riders – and I'm talking sometimes hundreds – travelling together can create a perception of 'owning the road'. This delusion of invincibility leads to them blatantly breaking road rules and, at times, forcing other motorists out of their way.
The sheer number of them can be intimidating to other road users.
We hear a lot of talk about bullying in schools or in the workplace, but bullying can occur randomly on the roads from complete strangers. They may be hoon drivers, members of a motorcycle gang, truck drivers or a motorist with road rage issues.
Fortunately, it isn't a common occurrence on our roads and most motorists are considerate and courteous of each other. But when it does happen, the consequences can be deadly.
Road bullying tactics can cost lives. There is no doubt in my mind that a vehicle – whether it's a motorbike, a car or a truck - being driven dangerously is a deadly weapon. I'm talking about a tonne or more of metal being used to intimidate and threaten another person ... terrifying. And the consequences are likely to be devastating.
Anyone who finds themselves in a situation where they feel bullied or intimidated should remain calm and not react. Immediately call 000 if it is a life-threatening situation or call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000. We urge motorists to take down the registration number as well, as this assists police with their investigation.
Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/superintendent-taylors-comments-on-road-bullies-20111227-1pb2e.html#ixzz1iP3FfEtE