Yes, it's true that people hurting each other with cars is not taken as seriously as people hurting each other with guns, even if one requires a license, and the other doesn't. Sort of ironic.
I agree with Patrick's first part. The guy tried to injure you. I'm not a lawyer, but have a feeling that the "assault with a deadly weapon" might not make it as a charge. However, the police obviously took it seriously enough to both call back and agree to file a full report. That's good. Here's my guess about what will happen: The guy will say that you provoked him. He'll say that you are exaggerating the incident and he didn't intentionally try to hit you. Deny, deny, deny. The police will know that he's lying and will warn him that his behavior is not acceptable, and that he could be prosecuted. They'll also likely find out that the driver has some other incidents on his record that will lead them to believe that he has anger issues: complaints from neighbors, co-workers, or family; other aggressive driving incidents; lots of speeding tickets; getting in fights at bars, etc. Not this time, but eventually, this guy will hurt someone. Your report of past aggression and intentional attempts to hurt you will play a part in his sentencing. So, yes, I think it is very important to report these things. "What is not measured is not managed." If no one ever speaks up, people will continue to think they can get away with being dangerous a@@****s, and there won't be any reports showing that bicyclists are being endangered. The anti-bike people will say, "We did a search of police records and couldn't find any evidence of bicyclists being harassed." I'm sure when we all think about it, we know that it's not payback we are looking for, but safety for ourselves and others on the road (or in life.) Reporting incidents like this may not result in the guy being prosecuted for what he tried to do to you, but it will be on the record if he continues to be a danger to society. Even if nothing comes of this report, maybe, just maybe it will scare the crap out of him to know that the police are taking this seriously. Maybe his wife/parents/kids will find out and mete out justice at home. Sorry for what happened to you, and thanks for following through. It's important that we each take the time to report stuff like this. Robbie On Mon, Jun 24, 2013 at 9:53 AM, Grant Foster <[email protected]> wrote: > So, today as I reflect on it I'm left wondering: What will happen to this > guy? What would happen if he would have pulled out a pistol and shot it at > me, hitting my bike and grazing my arm? Would he get a letter in the mail? > Is that a false comparison? What does 'press charges' mean? Is what he did > considered criminal? > > I'm interested in people's thoughts. Stay safe out there. > > Grant > >
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