davjohns 1 #1 November 5, 2009 I became a single father while I was in Iraq. Now that I am back, I am very protective of my 16yo daughter. I let her start driving herself to school last week. This morning, I was heading to work and happened to be in the lane next to her and slightly behind her as we approached a red light. Some punk kid in beat up truck pulled up on her bumper within about a foot and then cut in front of me ( also within inches) in order to be one car length ahead at the light. I was a bit incensed by this guy endangering my daughter like that. I exited my vehicle and approached his open window. I think my words were, "One more brain cell and you would have a pair, buddy. Don't do things like that. It's stupid." He wouldn't look at me, but replied, "Yes, sir". As I returned to my vehicle, my daughter yelled out the window to me to watch my temper. I swear I never get mad about anything, but it was all different with my daughter involved. The guy happened to be continuing in the direction I was going and did not do anything else untoward before reaching what I assume was his job. It might help to understand that I am an Army Officer and I was in uniform when this happened. So...anyone have a similar experience? I ignore rude drivers every day. This one was different because of my daughter. Am I a nut?I know it just wouldnt be right to kill all the stupid people that we meet.. But do you think it would be appropriate to just remove all of the warning labels and let nature take its course. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airdvr 210 #2 November 5, 2009 Refer to this thread...http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=3719487;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;;page=unread#unread BTW...good on ya!Please don't dent the planet. Destinations by Roxanne Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BillyVance 35 #3 November 5, 2009 No, not a nut. I've done the same thing more or less once before. But it was my wife I was protecting. We're caravaning on the highway to home at night with her in front and me following. She prepared to make a lane change to pass a slower vehicle in the right lane and while in the process of passing that slower vehicle, some asshole from way back behind me comes screaming up at maybe 90-100 mph, then slams on the brakes inches from her rear bumper and flashes his high beams at her. At that moment he was just ahead of me and I hadn't moved to the left lane yet. I got so mad that I instantly swerved to the left lane right behind him so fast you would have bounced your head off the passenger side window if you'd been in the car with me, and turned my high beam on and left them on. Evidently, that worked because the asshole got the hell out of the way as soon as he was clear of the right lane traffic, and didn't dash off. Not the best reaction to use, of course, but I am not in any way, an intimidating person when standing face-to-face. My action behind the wheel was intimidating enough. I can't do that anymore since I usually have a kid or two riding in the vehicles with me. I just have to let the assholes go and hope a trooper will catch them in the act later or karma will get them. "Mediocre people don't like high achievers, and high achievers don't like mediocre people." - SIX TIME National Champion coach Nick Saban Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mrwrong 0 #4 November 5, 2009 Cred for good measure of actions!! I think you were 100% on that one! “The sum of intelligence on the planet is a constant; the population is growing.” - George Bernard Shaw He who dies with the most toys, wins..... dudeist skydiver # 19515 Buy quality and cry once! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nataly 38 #5 November 5, 2009 Awww.. It just shows you care "There is no problem so bad you can't make it worse." - Chris Hadfield « Sors le martinet et flagelle toi indigne contrôleuse de gestion. » - my boss Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beerlight 0 #6 November 6, 2009 +1 You did good Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fossg 0 #7 November 6, 2009 Its all about being a Dad. One thing I noticed is that when I returned from deployment the last time I was a little overprotective of my family for a few weeks. I will probably be the same way when I come back this time. My daughter is 16 as well. Best wishes to you and your family. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
davjohns 1 #8 November 6, 2009 Thanks for the comments, everyone. Nice to have one's sanity reaffirmed. Now, if I could convince my daughter that I am normal... I know it just wouldnt be right to kill all the stupid people that we meet.. But do you think it would be appropriate to just remove all of the warning labels and let nature take its course. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wolfriverjoe 1,523 #9 November 6, 2009 Quote Thanks for the comments, everyone. Nice to have one's sanity reaffirmed. Now, if I could convince my daughter that I am normal... Umm... I think you are asking the wrong group of people if you want to define yourself as normal"There are NO situations which do not call for a French Maid outfit." Lucky McSwervy "~ya don't GET old by being weak & stupid!" - Airtwardo Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
davjohns 1 #10 November 6, 2009 Good point.I know it just wouldnt be right to kill all the stupid people that we meet.. But do you think it would be appropriate to just remove all of the warning labels and let nature take its course. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andy9o8 2 #11 November 6, 2009 From one lawyer-father of a teen daughter to another, I understand where you're coming from, but I think you let your heart overrule your head at that moment, and in doing so, you put your personal safety in jeopardy. There's a reason why a "routine" traffic stop is one of the most dangerous duties a police officer has - because it only takes a split-second for a driver to raise a gun and fire a shot out the window. If you were a friend or relative of mine, I'd hug you and say, "Bro, please don't do that again", except you're in Alabama, where guys don't hug each other. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Heatmiser 0 #12 November 6, 2009 Na, they just don't talk about it in the morning. What you say is reflective of your knowledge...HOW ya say it is reflective of your experience. Airtwardo Someone's going to be spanked! Hopefully, it will be me. Skymama Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimmytavino 16 #13 November 6, 2009 you're not a nut.. but i'd say you need to relax a little... when we're in traffic, especially 2 lane traffic,,, LOTS of stuff can happen..... Would you have gotten outta your vehicle?? if your daughter was NOT the driver of the car, in the left lane???? people pull,,,"mario andretti" moves , all the time while on the road,, and YES.. sometimes THEIR sense of urgency( especially if they are running late). sometimes overrules common sense, and simple safety procedures.. BUT it happens all the time... I have both a daughter AND a son, and I'd be less than Happy for someone like you, to consider my Son, as "some punk kid"... just cause he made a bold move, in traffic.... YOU never changed lanes,, last minute??? Did YOU have to jam on your brakes,, to avoid a collision??? Sometimes people MIGHT assume that those around them will YIELD,, and will ALLOW them a late second maneuver, if they are in a wrong lane... It's called cooperation, while at the wheel...we were taught to drive defensivley and to ANticipate, silly and/or stupid moves by others....But there's no good reason for you to have gotten outta your vehicle to harass the kid... Glad that you 'approve' of his driving, till he got to "what you assumed was his job".. God Bless you , for your service, and I thank you sincerely,,,, but you do not have to go marching around,, being the local "traffic sherrif", uniform or no uniform.. take things easy,,,, and you'll be happier.. What's gonna happen when your daughter starts DATING?????skydive safely jmy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
