Would you report a stupid driver? | GTAMotorcycle.com

Would you report a stupid driver?

onixiii

onixiii

Member
Reason I ask is because some lady hit my sideview mirror on the highway with her minivan and nearly threw me off my bike in traffic, about 30 minutes ago. When I honked my horn and signaled her to pull over I got nothing. Got up beside her and she was trying extra hard not to look at me. So I burned her plate number into my head and pulled over to make sure there was no damage to my bike.

No damage, so I can't really report a hit and run. Should I let it slide since all she'll probably get is a brief phone call?
 
I'd report it.
 
If she made contact with you and didnt stop, its a hit and run.

Definitely report her ASAP
 
matthew said:
If she made contact with you and didnt stop, its a hit and run.
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Not necessarily. If there is no damage or injury, there is no hit and run.
 
Totally. She did something that could have resulted in you being seriously injured and this could be the wake up call she needs. You don't know if this is a one-time stupid moment or the most recent in a long string...she needs to pay more attention though. Can't hurt for them to speak to her and point that out as well.
 
El Zilcho said:
Not necessarily. If there is no damage or injury, there is no hit and run.
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Thats why I'm iffy about whether I should or not. There was no damage to my bike, but at the same time it was 30 seconds of sheer panic where I had my elbow on her van to keep myself from falling off until she passed.
 
The incident was close enough to freak you out and you came here to post discuss it.

Calling it in is no different than someone reporting an aggressive or intoxicated driver.
 
onixiii said:
Thats why I'm iffy about whether I should or not. There was no damage to my bike, but at the same time it was 30 seconds of sheer panic where I had my elbow on her van to keep myself from falling off until she passed.
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You can just report the incident as it happened and they will take it from there. People can report any instances of unsafe driving without them being actual crimes.
 
onixiii said:
Thats why I'm iffy about whether I should or not. There was no damage to my bike, but at the same time it was 30 seconds of sheer panic where I had my elbow on her van to keep myself from falling off until she passed.
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Any sort of impact may result in injury which you may need to report at a later date. While you may not feel it now, you may have injured your back, your neck or your arm. I'd report it at least to collison reporting so it's on file. When they ask if there was damage I believe you could claim there is no damage to the vehicle but you wish to have it on record in case you need to record personal injuries at a later date with your insurance company.

That's kind of how I see it.
 
Alright I called and looks like I'll have to go down to the station to file a report. I guess I'm off to take care of this, thanks for the advice peeps :eek:.
 
onixiii said:
Alright I called and looks like I'll have to go down to the station to file a report. I guess I'm off to take care of this, thanks for the advice peeps :eek:.
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Good decision.
 
Grossly stupid or possibly impaired driver or rider, yes, report them. Do it either right away via cell phone or later depending on severity.

If later, in some places you can simply fill out a Roadwatch (google it) complaint form and drop it off at your convenience.
 
rideitlikeyoustoleit said:
Just call the non emergency number for the police and ask what you should do in a situation like this. I'm pretty sure they would ask for the license plate either way.
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Some police services are suggesting that you use 911 to call in impaired or grossly aggressive vehicle operators, while others have dedicated driving complaint driver hotline numbers for less serious driving issues.

At yesterday's campaign launch, police urged drivers to call 911 or dial *OPP to report the licence number of cars they see speeding, weaving, following too closely or making unsafe lane changes.
http://www.thestar.com/News/Ontario/article/497891
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[h=3]How do I report an aggressive driver?[/h]Any person who witnesses a driving offence such as "aggressive driving", can call the Ottawa Police's other emergency line at 230-6211 to make a report. If the incident is in progress and if the driving is serious enough that other persons - whether motorists or pedestrians are at risk, you can call 911.

If you call 911, you will be asked where the aggressive driving is occurring (i.e. name of road, direction of travel), a description of the driver and vehicle along with your name and phone number.

The car may be pulled over within a kilometre of the incident, but the driver at that time may be driving properly - following the rules of the road. The driver may be impaired, and officers will act accordingly. If you witnessed the offence - YOU ARE REQUIRED FOR COURT.

http://www.ottawapolice.ca/en/servingottawa/sectionsandunits/traffic/complaints/index.aspx
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I reported an aggressive driver on the 401 once near Oshawa. He was riding peoples bumpers like inches off the bumper.

Called 911 and it was no problem. Gave the 911 operator the license number and then she wanted to know what kind of car
it was. I said it looked like a crown vic. Colour? ahhh black with white doors..........wonder how far that complaint went?
 
You could have actually called OPP on her right there on the spot. Let them know her plate and the direction she was traveling and road. They'll try to find her, catch up to her and give her a ticket for careless driving.

They did this to a buddy of mine. Not sure how consistant it is, but for the safety of everyone out there, people like that should be reported...

I've said it before and I'll say it again...she collided with you and your motorcycle...You could have been a small child, a pedestrian, a cyclist, anything...the fact is, her carelessness and mistake could have caused more damage, and yes, drivers like that should be reported...especially if she couldn't even own up to her mistake and learn from it.
 
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