RICHMOND RCMP on Tuesday issued a warning to road users following four reported road rage incidents during Monday morning rush hour.
On March 31, Richmond RCMP received four reports associated to road rage incidents during the morning rush hour. Two were particularly alarming as the incidents involved weapons.
In the first incident involving a weapon, shortly before 8 a.m., a man advised he had been cut off by a driver in a red Nissan Pathfinder whom he confronted at the next intersection, asking him to fight. The man reported that the driver of the Pathfinder exited his vehicle holding a cannister of bear spray by his side, at which point he returned to his own vehicle and contacted police.
Richmond RCMP located and spoke with the driver of the red Pathfinder who admitted to exiting his vehicle with the bear spray, citing he did so because of the challenge to fight. The driver was remorseful and admitted this was a poor judgement on his behalf.
The bear spray was seized by police and both drivers were provided verbal warnings regarding their behaviour.
In the second incident involving a weapon, shortly after 9 a.m., Richmond RCMP received a report of a silver Toyota RAV4 speeding and driving recklessly. The complainant reported the driver of the RAV4 brandished what appeared to be a firearm and pointed it towards himself. Richmond RCMP located the driver of the RAV4 who admitted to holding up an airsoft gun during this incident. Richmond RCMP seized the weapon and the investigation remains ongoing.
Cpl. Adriana O’Malley said: “Our officers are definitely seeing an increase in traffic following spring break, but it is unusual for us to receive these many reported incidents of road rage in a single rush hour. While heavy traffic coupled with roadway construction impacting some key commuter routes in Richmond might contribute to increased frustration on the road, aggressive, threatening behaviour has no place on our roadways. These incidents will be fully investigated and where applicable, criminal charges will be pursued.”
Richmond RCMP recommends drivers take the following steps to avoid potential road rage incidents:
* If someone cuts you off, do not engage with them verbally or otherwise. Ignore it and carry on your way.
* If you observe someone driving recklessly, including speeding, report it the police of jurisdiction.
* If confronted by another driver, where possible, leave the area and report the incident to police.
* If confronted by another driver and you are unable to leave, stay inside your vehicle, lock your doors, and call 9-1-1.
* If you have dash cam footage of a road incident, ensure you preserve it and provide it to police.
To help avoid frustration, Richmond RCMP recommend planning ahead and allotting yourself extra time for your daily commute.
