Friday, August 6, 2010. Approximately 8:40 p.m. Hwy 316 W between the cities of Bethlehem and Winder, GA.
My husband and I were on our way home and traffic was fairly light. We were driving in the left lane, and another truck was slightly ahead of us in the right, both of us traveling at the same speed. Suddenly we had a Hummer close behind us. We couldn’t move over to the right lane without using excessive speed to overtake our neighbor, so we stayed where we were. Eventually the other truck sped up enough, and before we could do anything, the Hummer moved quickly into the other lane, passed us, and moved back over.
He didn’t move too far ahead, as we could still read his license plate (WORK4 1) and tire cover (HUMMER Union City, GA) on the back of his vehicle. Lo and behold, at the intersection of 316 and Hwy 11, we met up at the red light. AC moved into the right hand lane before we reached the light, and just before we came to a complete stop, the silver H2 jumped into our lane, barely missing our vehicle. Anxious about sitting behind this obviously agitated driver, AC started to move back to the left lane. H2 jumped back into that one.
WHEW! Moving once again into the right lane, I tried not to look at the other driver. AC glanced over and H2 started shouting & saluting with one finger. Rather than retaliate in like manner (it’s not in his nature to be vulgar) AC took out his phone to make a call. When the light changed to green, H2 took off, trying to not be in front of us. We believe he thought we were trying to get his tag number for the authorities. (I had already written it all down on my ever-present notepad for this rant.)
When things like this happen, I can only think about all the road rage stories we hear on the news where one or more parties are injured or killed. Thankfully, our turn was at the next road, and Mr. H2 continued westward.
I will be praying for this man, that he wasn’t rushing to the bedside of a family member. I hope that his driving wasn’t as aggressive for the remainder of his journey, and that he didn’t strain his finger.