Tapping on a Car to Communicate to the Driver

[bobco85]

I am curious to know what everyone thinks of tapping on a car to communicate to the driver. Note: this includes any contact one makes with the car aside from an accident, so kicking, punching, elbowing, tapping, knocking, etc. are all included. Even the scene from that movie (Premium Rush) where the lady wields a chain to lash out at taxis, albeit an extreme case.

I was intrigued about this subject after reading this story from the Missed Connection thread:

@dcv 35392 wrote:

didn’t know where else to post this – this is great, i wish i could be so civilized:

http://www.break.com/index/road-rage-british-style-2386038?st=email&ai=0&zi=0&ds=1

I do not tap on cars for any reason whatsoever because I can see it pissing off the driver, but can see the benefit if like in the video above one is about to be hit by the car. I also see tapping to signify to the driver that they just did something stupid, not always in road rage but definitely in a scolding sort of way. I personally just yell a loud and short “Hey!”, but in some cases I would really need a horn to get through to the driver.

Another angle on this is the legality of purposely making contact with another vehicle on the road. Is it considered road rage and thus the police would pull you over? Just think of the implications if there are passengers (especially kids) in the car, as it could be seen as an attack on the vehicle.

I’m interested to learn what everyone thinks.

Topic

[jrenaut]

I will amend my previous post to say that in situations where you fear an immediate accident, rules are out the window. Be polite if possible, but do what you have to do.

And since we all of course ride like PALs all the time, the driver is sure to see the error of his or her ways immediately.

[unclejed]

I tapped a car in Crystal City while walking in a cross-walk with the walk sign. The driver decided that he could squeeze between me and the curb I was walking toward. As I slowed to let him pass, thought I would remind him that I was rightfully crossing the street and was close enough to tap his car. He stopped and asked if I had touched his car, I said yes and explained that I was in the cross-walk with the walk light. Instead of saying he was sorry, he offered to tear my skin off. I declined the offer and he drove off.

Guess the answer is: best not to tap cars unless you are willing to deal with the driver.

[jnva]

@unclejed 35494 wrote:

Guess the answer is: best not to tap cars unless you are willing to deal with the driver.

The reverse also holds true – if a driver gives me the finger or yells at me he will have to deal with me when I inevitably catch up to him!

[Rod Smith]

If knocking on someone’s window means I’ve been in a hit and run collision, fine me, put me in jail and make me pay for the damages. Fair enough.

A lot of people are talking about slapping cars which could be construed as an act of violence. Mine is usually more of a polite knocking with knuckles. Knocking on windows is probably better than painted surfaces as far as perceived ‘damage’ and to make a noise that’s easier to hear inside.

Fist slammed hard on the car roof directly above the driver’s head is sometimes necessary in extreme cases of negligent or aggressive driving. That gets their attention! Love to see them jump. “Oh did I scare you? OK, we’re even. Now how about safe driving? Would you like to try some of that for a change? I hear it’s quite relaxing.”

Oops, sorry for the rant.

[dcv]

Once I pounded the side of a commercial van in anger crossing the N. Lynn & Lee intersection, the driver got out and started chasing me on foot. luckily there was a lot of traffic and congestion crossing the key bridge so i got away. stupid me, won’t do that again.

[eminva]

First of all, I try to be a PAL and do my part to avoid getting in situations where I’m way too close to a car, like anticipating right hooks, etc. But sometimes it can’t be helped.

Like dcv, I got a reaction once that I wasn’t expecting, but mine was different. A couple of years ago, I was riding in downtown DC, controlling the lane. A car was weaving in and out of traffic and twice, within the span of one block, changed lanes right into me so that I had to take evasive action to get out of his way. When he was stuck at the inevitable next red light, I pulled up next to him and motioned for him to roll down his window (did not touch the car). He did, and I used a polite but emphatic tone to tell him he’d almost run into me twice and to please keep an eye out for cyclists. He nodded his head yes and looked like he was about to start crying. His response was the opposite of confrontational, which is what I had been expecting.

I think some actions, tone of voice or demeanor can be interpreted as confrontational or angry. Probably can’t help it, but what I seem to project in these circumstances is stern mom or teacher, which gets a completely different response from drivers.

Liz

[Author]

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