Operation Life Saver and Handling Road Rage

This week I was asked by a train safety group called Operation Lifesaver to attend a meeting and talk about vehicles crossing train tracks safely and legally.

The invitation was sent after an Ask A Trooper column where I described seeing a teenage driver cross the train tracks, while the warning lights were flashing, the bells were sounding and a train was approaching. I was asked to discuss the traffic stop I made and the contact I had with the driver.

The members of Operation Lifesaver are focused on trains, rail traffic and most important safety. I met some very interesting and dedicated people at this meeting and every one of them are very interested in safety. I would suggest drivers, parents of teenage drivers and driver instructors visit Operation Lifesaver’s website at www.oli.org for some very enlightening and interesting information about trains and traffic safety.

How to deal with reckless driving and road rage

Don Rose from Fowlerville, a sort of neighbor of mine (he lives around the
corner) emailed a question regarding reckless/road rage driving. His question:

You know the sharp curve at Fowlerville and Morhle Roads? The first one you come to, as you are heading north? Well there was a car in front of me and one behind me. As the first vehicle negotiated the curve I followed behind them making sure the intersection was clear. The vehicle behind me tailgated me and exaggerated the turn and started weaving back and forth. They continued to do this for the whole 1/2 mile as we came around the second curve turning north again. Before the "Pass With Care" sign the vehicle behind me decides to pass both of us at a high rate of speed. As they passed I took note of the license plate - and thought about calling 911 to report the erratic driving. What should I have done in that situation?

In this situation Don could have called 911 to see if there was officer in the area. The odds of this happening are not great but sometimes there happens to be an officer close by when these types of calls come in.

In reality, there probably will not be an officer available for the simple fact there are less police officers today and those officers working have to prioritize the calls they take. A burglary in progress or a medical emergency will take precedence over a reckless driving complaint. Those are just the facts we are dealing with in today’s law enforcement. Not one law enforcement agency in Michigan; be it the state police, sheriff, city or township has not had service effected by the reduction in police officers.

I am not suggesting law enforcement ignores these situations. If the caller has a good description of the driver, vehicle and registration plate, officers may be able to pay a visit to that driver at a later date.

There is a saying about dealing with reckless or road rage type drivers and it’s easy to remember; FIDO – Forget It, Drive On.

If you have a question, please send it to askatrooper12@gmail.com or mail it to the Michigan State Police – Brighton Post, 4803 S. Old US-23, Brighton, MI 48114.