This story may be a bit long, but I want to make sure I have all the details right.On a recent weekend during a bike ride I nearly got Right Hooked by a Pickup Truck."Whoa whoa whoa!!!" I yelled while panicking and trying to grasp my brakes from my handpositions (I have drop bars but my hands were at the tops) and finally came to a stop before I collided with the bed of the truck or worse.Either in anger or as a part of me stopping myself from crashing, I recall slapping the side of the truck. The driver than stopped and began saying something, but at that point I decided it was best not to engage and just continue straight down my path. All I heard as I was riding away was "My fucking tru-" and kept going.Nervous I tried to keep an eye out for in case this driver decided to re-engage with me out of road rage, but two blocks later and after a red light with no reappearance I figured they continued to their destination.Halfway up a hill I noticed from my left peripheral vision a vehicle suddenly stopping and immediately unclipped from my bike, turning and faced the same truck stopped besides me. Immediately I reached into my left pocket for my pepper spray (which I keep on my person always for dogs and people).Perhaps noticing me reaching the driver stated "Hey, I'm not chasing you down trying to start a fight or anything."Hand still in my pocket I relaxed a little, but was preparing myself for on the off chance this man changes his mind and decided he does want a fight."I just wanted to apologize for almost hitting you, I mean you did hit my truck which I kinda understand, but I'm trying to be better now and just wanted to say 'sorry'. I don't think you really hurt my truck or anything".Realizing that this guy wasn't going to exit from his vehicle to confront me, I decided to remove my hand from the left pocket and displayed my open palm."I didn't damage your truck, it was just an open handed slap on it. Thanks for your apology, I appreciate it. Have a safe trip back home".The guy repeated his apology and wished me the same, then drove off ahead. I decided to wait back a little for he got caught at another red light, after seeing him clearly turn the corner I began to relax a little and continue my trek uphill.----------------------------------------------------This whole incident really spiked my nerves but I'm glad this incident of road rage didn't end up like the ER Doctor last month in LA. I usually try to not verbally say anything to antagonize a motorist beyond a simple "Hey!" to grab their attention during a close call. But I honestly am not sure if I slapped their truck as a part of me stopping or just in anger of a close call.But this is a good reminder to always and try to de-escalate a situation on the road to increase the likelihood of getting to your destination w/o injury or death. Just wanted to post this here to inform the rest of ya'll to try your best with de-escalation as well as situational awareness while on the road. via /r/CCW https://ift.tt/zUwECro
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