November 30th, 2022Your say

Road Rage incident

Our rural property suffered flood damage to two of our dams in the recent
floods/storms. One of these dams has been an ongoing restoration project for
us since the massive floods of 2011.
As part of the restoration we recently took another trip to Castlemaine to the
Pyrenees Quarries, where we handpicked stone to suit and stacked it in my box trailer
up to a safe weight for my 1996 Magna wagon to tow home, carefully, to Daylesford.
Towing a heavy trailer is not a fun exercise at the best of times, but I had not
reckoned on the selfish, intimidating tactics of a silver Mazda driver as I was about to
depart from the Castlemaine outskirts.
Waiting stationary at the Maldon Road to the Midland Highway T-intersection, I
gave way to many cars approaching from my left, and when I spied a reasonable break
in the southbound traffic and moved forward facing Daylesford.
Naturally, taking off from a standing start, I had to respect my clutch and was
not able to go raring off down the road. This driver from probably 250 metres back
suddenly sped up to the rear of my rock-laden trailer and freaked me out as he drew
level with my window, as he leant on the horn to show his displeasure.
I was in shock as he continued this tirade as he was still on the wrong side of the
road and facing oncoming traffic. I hope he reads this letter and has a personal think
back to his actions that were completely unwarranted and apart from lacking a bit of
patience had chosen to show me who was boss, in no uncertain terms. That was road
rage (and) he could have easily caused an accident.
People who live in country towns are aware that they often share the roads
with folk who are pulling trailers, caravans and such and that it is sensible to show
consideration, because one day they may be towing a heavy load themselves.

From: Stefan, Sailors Falls