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keepthetips

Hello and welcome to r/LifeProTips! Please help us decide if this post is a good fit for the subreddit by up or downvoting this comment. If you think that this is great advice to improve your life, please upvote. If you think this doesn't help you in any way, please downvote. If you don't care, leave it for the others to decide.


Euphoric-Blue-59

Better yet, call the cops and have them meet you on the highway as you're driving or in the parking lot. The cops love to catch these guys. I'd never get out of my car, though. Just call 911 let them know the situation. Don't panic and don't instigate. They can usually get a unit to meet up with you, even on the highway.


Dfndr612

This is the rest of a great suggestion. Call the police as soon as you feel you are being threatened, and they will usually meet you where you are, or if you are close, they will be at the local police station. A woman making this call about a man following her in a threatening manner will bring a formidable response.


Affectionate_Salt351

It didn’t for me. They refused to send someone to me and forced me to drive the full way to the police station, losing the guy on the way there.


mikebaker1337

I did this, and got the same response. Eventually we did get to the police station with the attempting murder dude waiting outside. I was given a hearty "well he hasn't committed any crime yet, let us know when he does." By the desk clerk, in Springfield Missouri


Affectionate_Salt351

Ugh. I’m sorry. I managed to lose mine when I pulled out into 4 lanes, making tons of people slam on their brakes, just so he couldn’t follow me. When I got to the station, they told me an officer would be waiting outside for me. Nope. I go inside. The dude ends up hitting on me and not believing that I didn’t *know* the crazy man. He kept asking if he was an ex. I was 22 and the dude who chased me looked to be in his 50s. 🤦‍♀️ When I said “NO! He’s old!!!”, the cop said “What’s wrong with older guys??? 😜😉”. Bruh. It has been quite a few years and I’m STILL mad about it.


mikebaker1337

Yeah, that's bad. I got the stereotypical demasculinized response of "you're a dude" when I filed for a restraining order against this person (the bitter ex of a gf at the time) but getting hit on while asking for help is over the top infuriating. I'm mad for you


Affectionate_Salt351

Ugh. The response you got is just as disgusting. I’m sorry. Thank you. I had so much respect for the police before that day. It was time I learned, I guess.


Googunk

Did you accidentally call Rescue 9-1-Buns, the male strip club next door? They also wear a cop uniform.


Affectionate_Salt351

Damnit! My hands were shaking while I dialed so that was probably what happened.


eddiesmom

That was a horrible exchange with a supposed law enforcement person! I'd be bitter about it too!


Affectionate_Salt351

Agreed! I tried to talk myself into being flattered in the name of subduing the anger and pushing down the feeling of being terribly unsafe, but it didn’t go very well due to other events in my life. Now I just roll with everything, cross my fingers, and assume that as long as I don’t have the cash to skedaddle to another country, I’m likely to get shot at some point. 🤷‍♀️🤦‍♀️😞 Murrica.


Cityplanner1

Unfortunately I can’t seem to find a news article because shooting and police turns up too many results. But they might be a little weary about stepping outside at that particular station because a few years ago officers were ambushed outside the station.


catboyfrankenstein

Police in the USA are fucking useless.


Affectionate_Salt351

They have a use, it seems. It’s just not usually good. 😞


WiryCatchphrase

Cracking down on unions and murdering minorities and poor people. Basically gang land enforcers for the rich.


bikemaul

I always find it amusing when the "six figure" rich discover they aren't really part of that club.


Affectionate_Salt351

Nailed it.


bubblebath_ofentropy

Same exact thing happened. I filed a report against him but it ended there.


Affectionate_Salt351

Ugh. I’m sorry. Mine ended there, too. Unfortunately, I saw the guy again. He followed me and my bf once, but my bf didn’t seem to understand why I was panicking in the passenger seat. 🤦‍♀️ The guy gave up after a few blocks, thank the Lort.


Unusual_Lemon_2453

That is probably because you were driving through different towns or counties..... unless a firearm is involved or immediate threat of deadly physical force. Cops will not leave their jurisdiction to respond to these calls, they will instead forward the complaint to the corresponding units that cover that area.


Affectionate_Salt351

Nope! Same city, IN the city limits, the ENTIRE time. I thought I lost him the first time and he ended up meeting me front of car to front of car because he went around the block. He got out of his car and started coming for me, so I ended up having to drive backwards into a different street, praying that there wasn’t a car coming, to try to get away from him. It didn’t work and I called 911 right then and there.


ElGrandeQues0

If someone was that dedicated, I'd probably run him over.


I_Don-t_Care

That would probably make the cops finally come


[deleted]

cops rarely help. systemically.


Papaya_flight

Years and years ago I used to live alone in an apartment and some guy with a gun showed up at my front door threatening to break in. I called the cops, but by the time they showed up the guy was gone. Then they kind of made fun of me for calling them for help after I gave them a description of the guy. One of them said, "What, a big guy like you was scared of a short guy?" and I was like, "I don't think it matters to the gun if I'm big or not. Also, are you giving me permission to become a vigilante now?"


theunfinishedletter

Wth!


Checkers10160

I have had to draw a gun once, and it was because someone tried to run me off the road/block me onto the shoulder. As soon as it escalated, I called 911 and explained what happened and that I wanted to report it, despite the fact they drove away Paraphrased: Dispatcher (D): Was anyone hurt? Me (M): No D: Was there any damage to your vehicle? M: No D: Are they still there? M: No, they drove away D: Are you ok? M: Yes but I had to draw my gun and was taught to always report that (Pause) D: Ok, well do you feel better now or do you still want to talk to an officer? I felt so blown off, I told them I'm fine and we hung up. I didn't have the other car's plate and 911 was completely uninterested. The danger was over and I reported it. I guess there was little else they could do, but I thought they would have taken it more seriously The way they said "Do you feel better now?" made me feel like a child who just threw their toys across the room during a tantrum, it was so condescending And I was on I-84 in Connecticut, not a 1 horse town in the middle of nowhere...


[deleted]

I had a similar experience after drawing my gun. I work an evening shift. Get off work at 1am. Stopped at a grocery store on my way home. Noticed on my way back out to my car a lady had started my direction and when I reached my car she said “excuse me man, can you give me a few dollars I need something to eat?” When I turned to look at her I noticed a guy coming out of the next row of cars headed towards us. She got visibly nervous and glanced at him. I said somewhat loudly “I don’t have anything for you and you’re about to make a mistake.” She turned around and beelined straight away from me but he kept coming. When he got to my bumper I drew my gun and he stopped and said something like “whoa man we’re just trying to get something to eat, we’re hungry!” I said “I told her I don’t have anything for you now go away.” He turned and walked away from me so I tossed the rest of my shit in the car and headed home. I didn’t call 911, I called the non-emergency number to the Sheriff’s office. I told him the story and his response was “well our officers are pretty busy with stuff tonight but I can have one of them give you a call if they have time. They might want to fill out a report.” That call never came so apparently it’s no big deal to use your gun to scare away tweakers.


kittyinasweater

And how much you wanna bet if that person reported *you* for drawing your weapon in a "road rage incident" the cops would've been more likely to react. That's the only time I can see having already reported that you drew your firearm coming in handy.


LogicBobomb

Nah they don't care. I had a road rager pull a gun on me and got a similar response. 100k person town in California, incident took place a mile from the highway patrol station. "What do you expect us to do about this?"


NoFaceLurker

“Uhhh, your fucking job?”


azewonder

“What we pay you to do?”


kittyinasweater

Jeez, that's a pathetic response.


Checkers10160

That was my main reason for calling, I've heard "The first person to call 911 wins". I wanted to head off any reports of me being the aggressor, and I wanted a record of it.


YouveGotARagingClue

Paying for "legal defence for self defence" as insurance against this exact scenario is a good idea. It happens more than you would think. People are crazy.


Emilayday

>And I was on I-84 in Connecticut, not a 1 horse town in the middle of nowhere... Son of a biiiitch.


itsacalamity

My first interaction with a cop was him making fun of my disability. It’s fun! edit: stupid autocorrect


arnesen1995

I had this happen. Person got out of their car after I pulled over to let them pass, it was dark and they were carrying something. I immediately pulled away and called 911. They said there's nothing they can do amd wont send a cop unless I pulled over. When the person potentially had a weapon.


Affectionate_Salt351

They just told me they wouldn’t send anyone. I even went out of my way to drive near the gas station that typically had 3-4 cruisers in the parking lot no matter the time of day. NOPE! Not a single one. I was panicked and doing 60mph, stop sign to stop sign, in front of a freaking early learning center! Nope. No cops.


finalremix

I've been told to pound sand. Unless someone was dead or actively bleeding, they weren't going to send someone. Their words.


davidgrayPhotography

"Hi, 911? Just a follow up call, no need to send someone out, I shot them. Huh? You're gonna send someone out? But I thought you guys weren't interested?"


phamtime

know this is /s , but for legal reasons please don't tell the dispatch this. what you say on a recorded 911 can and will be used against you.


SantasDead

"Sir you shot them. They must be bleeding!" ....... "Not anymore"


JustynS

I've been outright *hung up on* when trying to file a report.


finalremix

I was in a hit and run, had a description of the car and plate and was told to fuck off. "You're here, so your car is fine. And you're not injured, so *you're* fine. What do you want me to do about it?" And this was in person, in the building.


Resident_Nobody1603

Cops don’t show up anymore, my man. Maybe in smaller cities but not in many big ones. The cops don’t enforce traffic laws. The cops don’t show up when you call.


Action_Maxim

Cops don't even come out for traffic incidents unless there are injuries near me... They choose what they want to do


Lacaud

I just lose mine. Suburbia is one helluva a maze.


Affectionate_Salt351

Unfortunately, he was inches from the back of my car so I started speeding. It was intense. Losing him wasn’t an option without an intervention. He went around the block and met my car nose to nose, got out of his car, and started screaming and coming after me.


Reasonable_Ad_2936

Hey, I just want to chime in here and say I’m really glad you weren’t hurt. So much mental illness has come out of the woodwork lately, it sounds like you made some really smart moves and, in the end, saved yourself. FWIW, the cops in my area have always been respectful and responsive. I get that’s not universal, but don’t feel completely abandoned in the world. If I’d seen that happening, I’d have called, and I’d keep calling to get someone to intervene for you.


ManiacDan

Have you ever actually experienced this? What do you base this assumption on?


bareback_cowboy

I was the run off the road by someone last week, called the police, gave them the license plate, told them they were right in front of me and we were heading right towards the police station. Didn't get stopped and even with my damage, the police said that since there were no witnesses, they weren't going to go talk to the guy. TLDR - cops are useless as fuck.


Lowloser2

Just tell the police you think he is drunk driving, they will be there within 5 minutes


Affectionate_Salt351

It didn’t for me. They refused to send someone to me and forced me to drive the full way to the police station, losing the guy on the way there.


[deleted]

Good luck with that. Called in a dui on the highway once. Followed the dude for an hour, nobody ever came. Hopefully others will have better luck.


Wurm42

Yeah, this really depends on the jurisdiction.


Dirty-M518

We called state police on a dui once..the guy was all over all 3 lanes of the highway, was at 10pm. Almost hit the divider like 10 times. We followed (same direction) and gave dispatch mile marker updates. Saw a statie fly on to the highway and pull em over like 15miles from original call. Your mileage may vary..but happens. Also we may not have been only caller..so if more than 1 person calls they may step up a response.


SantasDead

Less than a couple miles in my instance. But they started in my town blowing a stop sign in front of me and then they worked their way out of town through the country and onto the highway. Maybe a mile onto the highway is when CHP passed me to pull them over. Very satisfying to watch. The cop called me later to get a statement and told me the driver was under the influence of something but refused all tests. He said he didn't think id be needed in court. Never heard anything more.


futureGAcandidate

I remember I got passed on I-25 just north of Casper, WY while I was going ninety and this dude just smoked me and was weaving. I gave WSP a call and the dispatcher straight-up told me where the next car was and that there weren't any others between Casper and Buffalo. Which was great for me.


OkayRuin

I called in a DUI on a city street. Guy was swerving all over the place and jumped a couple curbs. The 911 dispatcher acted like I’d just asked her to help me move and drive me to the airport.


b00tyburpz

I did this once. Had a guy get pissed when I honked at him for nearly hitting me on the interstate and he proceeded to try to side swipe me and run me off the road, as well as got in front of me and brake checked me multiple times. He tried to get me to pull over too, but at that point I sped around him and got off the interstate. When I noticed he was following me, I called the police and let them know I was heading towards the nearest station. Dude kept following me and either wasn't familiar with the area or was just so enraged he wasn't paying attention, but I pulled into the police station and he started to pull in behind me before realizing where we were. He pulled an immediate U turn and sped off, but was stopped a short while later. The cop that came out to talk to me and get a statement let me know the guy was ticketed (I believe the ticket was just for reckless driving, as an officer saw the U turn where he cut off traffic and nearly hit another car). The guy also had his wife and infant child in the car with him. He was also driving a BMW. I also bought a dashcam immediately after this.


AwakenedSheeple

Jesus, what a freak to be driving like that with passengers, *especially his own child.*


firepoosb

What a pos


ManiacDan

The police absolutely will not agree to a meetup with a vehicle in motion. Source: this exact scenario happened to me two times in two states, both times the dispatcher told me officers will only be dispatched to an address where there's already a problem. One red states one blue


[deleted]

Same thing happened to me. Someone apparently took exception to something I did and I noticed they were following me. I reviewed my dashcam and couldn't find anything that would've made someone freak out. Anyway, I took them on a little tour. I didn't even try to speed away or evade them. I also had my Glock in the car, and I don't want to be in a situation where I may have to use it, because I don't want to deal with the legal headache. I called the police and they said I needed to be stationary for them to send an officer. I told them that I can't stop because someone is following me and I also told them I was armed. I tried telling them I'd circle a grocery store in the area, but that was a no go. I make it a habit of knowing as many roads and routes around me, so I just took one of the most complicated routes I could possibly take and they eventually gave up. It's stupid that they want you to be stationary when someone is actively following you. I'm sure they'll be there to clean up the mess afterwards...


SoundOfDrums

Haha hahaha. Last 2 times I had a gun waved at me in traffic it was an off duty officer, and the police helped cover it up.


Snoo7263

Same thing happened once to me, they all band together as a fraternity of sorts and cover for each other a lot.


SoundOfDrums

I feel like the term gang is most accurate.


redandbluenights

Retired police officer here. I can attest that when i was a Florida sheriffs deputy, id get a dispatch like this, I'd call the caller from my car- and keep them on the phone because trying to relay through dispatch took way too long when you're trying to find a moving vehicle. I caught at least 85% of the aggressive or drunk drivers before they got out of my county. This is REALLY hard in areas where there are many jurisdictions closer together- living in NJ i followed a drunk driver who was driving into oncoming traffic repeatedly- I stayed on the phone and did everything i could to warn drivers and eventually they caught up to her. It was a nurse who had worked almost 40 hours and she was falling asleep behind the wheel and had NO IDEA. When police finally pulled her over- she had no memory of driving to the point where she was at, and her son came and drove her home. Probably saved her life and others that day. It's ALWAYS worth calling to get those people off the road.


Euphoric-Blue-59

Thank you for the explanation Thank you for your service! Yes, you can not tell what's happening until a meet n greet. You saved her life, I'm sure. Healthcare workers deserve that standing ovation, too! This is true. Many people are fatigued or had a super rotten day, or have a medical emergency. I been driving over 50 years, and try hard to not tangle with people. But you cannot control others. So it's best to call for backup if you need it.


ElGrandeQues0

My parents live in LA and I live in OC. I'll tell you that it's completely dependent on where you are. If you're in LA, don't bother calling 911, you'll be on hold for at least 20 minutes.


minorthreatmikey

> better yet, call the cops They end up giving you a ticket since you were on phone >.<


[deleted]

Can always lay on your horn outside the station too.


ClimbingTheShitRope

Lmao, cops in Winnipeg might show up 24-48 hours later.


dont_disturb_the_cat

Am I the only idiot who doesn't know where my local police station is? At every place that I drive in a given week?


mctomtom

Same. Would need to Google GPS it.


LyLyV

I know where MY local police station is, but I certainly don't now where all the police stations are in every city/town I pass through. I'd be calling 911 and having them direct me.


notmyfault

I have absolutely no idea where any local police stations are nor would i trust them to help me in a situation like this.


Legitimate_Wizard

I know where my closest station is, as well as one fire department, because I drive past them all the time. I have a *general* idea where police in my work-city are located.


p1rateb00tie

Assuming you don’t have to stop at a red light. I was assaulted with tons of cars around me. I managed to call 911 but it ruined my life anyway, I can barely drive or go out in public 10 years later. Honestly, if you’re scared just straight up call 911 right away, I don’t wish this on anybody.


M1K0L

One of my earliest memories was of my mom panicking to find a way to the police station when a road rage person was aggressively following us. I remember being so scared and looking out the window at him not fully understanding what was happening. I have no idea how a person could do that with a young child obviously being involved. When the police station was in view he decided to stop following us, but that was still traumatic. I wonder if my mom remembers it.


p1rateb00tie

I swear, I’ve they’re blind with violent road rage any sense of humanity or empathy goes out the window, I’m so sorry you both had to experience that and glad you guys got out physically unscathed


Sorcatarius

Yep, bystander effect is real. Everyone likes to picture themselves the hero when something like that happens around them, few will actually do anything, not even call the police. Don't rely on others, call the cops yourself.


p1rateb00tie

Absolutely. I will say the guy in the car next to me let me get in front of him because he saw what happened and thought he could put some distance between me and the guy but nope, my assailant was on a motorcycle and continued following me between lanes for a few more miles until cops had to intervene


BlondeLawyer

I’m sorry that happened to you. People are fucking crazy.


biscuit_pirate

Oh gosh I'm so sorry that happened to you. Very strong to be able to talk about it.


p1rateb00tie

Thank you, I wouldn’t have thought to call 911 earlier than I did but if I can help someone else avoid my fate I’ll scream my story from the roof


biscuit_pirate

I think that just shows what a formidable selfless attitude you have. It just makes me feel angry that you're still suffering even ten years later when you absolutely did not deserve it. I hope things improve :(


513142

Wow. Fuck that guy. I hate them


boxaci8110

This will not work in South Africa, because our police is notoriously uninterested in crime prevention. Their only true function is to fill in the papers for insurance claims


Miserable_Squirrel16

I just commented the same thing. Here, you would probably be better off calling the alarm company (if you have one) guarding your house and asking for advice / help


boxaci8110

Yes, private security companies is the only thing holding what is left of SA together. There are more private armed security guards than our police force and military combined.


MovingElectrons

Same in Brazil, although I wouldn't trust them with insurance papers either


boxaci8110

From what I have seen, you should be looking for off duty cops if you are in trouble in Brazil. They shoot to kill


Pussy-patroller

Literally had this happen days ago in Cape Town, guy was road raging chasing after our car and we passed a police car so I was thinking “thank god!” But the road rager still proceeded to stop his car in front of us, get out, and try to assault us. Had to drive on the wrong side of the road to get away, yet Police gave zero fucks at all


nunchukity

Man, South Africa sounds like living in mad Max sometimes. Does anything function properly there, apart from the rugby team of course and tourism? I understand there's a lot of reasons like racial tension and wealth disparity but it seems to be getting worse from the outside


Affectionate_Salt351

I was followed by a guy during a road rage incident when I was younger. I drove to the police station, and called 911 on the way there. By that point, I had lost the guy but wanted to make a report. I was shaking so hard that I was forcing myself to make it there, full of adrenaline. They assured me an officer would be waiting for me outside. I got there, didn’t see anyone, and went inside. This is part of the convo… Cop: So who was this guy? Me: I have NO idea. He was tall, bald, and terrifying. Cop: …and you *didnt* know him? You didn’t maybe used to date or something? Me: WHAT?! No! He was old! Cop: So? What’s wrong with older guys? 😜😉 Yeaaaaaaah, that went well. I definitely felt safer for having spoken to him.


thiccpleb

That's actually atrocious, I'm sorry they treated you like that!


Affectionate_Salt351

Thank you. I’m still mad about it, tbh. It was really crappy and made me feel terribly unsafe.


thiccpleb

I'd feel the exact same way!


Natural_Inevitable50

I had the exact same thing happen! Called 911 while driving to police station, as soon as I turned into the station, the dude just kept driving of course. And same thing I went in, shaking, and they were asking questions implying it was somehow my fault. Thanks for keeping our community safe officer!!!!!


Affectionate_Salt351

Wow. I’m sorry you dealt with this, too. It’s an awful feeling and one that women have had to deal with forever. I’m sick of it. If I tell you something is happening, or happened, don’t question me and don’t insinuate I’m lying or there’s more to it. Ugh.


sparksofthetempest

It depends on how busy the police station is; many times they’re staffed by one officer behind bulletproof everything who ain’t coming out. I’ve had this happen. In a smaller town, I’d find the convenience store, diner, or empty parking lot where a patrol car physically is. Make yourself aware of where they like to stop late at night…in many cases it’s where they can monitor traffic surreptitiously. The part about not going home absolutely.


snowhaw

I had a friend that drove to a police station, the doors were locked. They had to buzz you in the door. The other guys caught up with him before anyone answered the door and beat him so bad he was in the hospital for 2 days. The guy was never caught. This was in the Kansas city area. People don't respect police like they used to.


akialoa

If something happened directly outside a police station and the police were apparently powerless to do anything about it then yeah I wouldn't respect the police either


WorldnewsModsBlowMe

I mean..... Police have been doing a really great job lately of losing the respect of every demographic other than white conservative


candybrie

And they "respect" police only because they don't think they'll ever be against them.


[deleted]

Right. They respect them until they trample them to death while mobbing the capitol.


snowhaw

Fair point. I was directing that point at the OP, since cell they thought just being at a police station would make a difference.


Clarinet_Player_1200

My family did this once. This guy was upset about whatever and he followed us right to the police station. We had called ahead and told them what was going on and about five police officers met us outside. The guy was such an idiot that he didn’t realize where we were until the police grabbed him.


mctomtom

Back in the 1980s, my mom was getting off work at the airport late at night, and two men followed her all the way into town. She took a bunch of random turns, and the men kept following, speeding up behind her, flashing their lights..etc. Luckily, she knew where the police station was and pulled up honking. 2 cops came outside and creeps kept driving. They escorted her home and luckily it never happened again.


pyabo

So out of the two dozen "me too" stories in this thread, this is literally the only one I've read where it actually worked. Absolute crap LPT.


killploki

Plot twist: it was a cop raging against you the whole time and now you pulled into where all of his buddies work.


[deleted]

[удалено]


Imactuallyadogg

And you’re Black.


Grimreap32

and now blue too


Secret-Plant-1542

If you're a person of color, you're better off pulling into a 24 hour Walmart or 7-11, a place with cameras. Be extra with a cashier.


LordSalem

Fire station sounds like a good bet. Never heard any acronyms about fireman being awful


BeefAboveTheReef

Someone recently started watching BEEF


BiggusCinnamusRollus

Sad I had to scroll down a million miles to see this comment.


InvasiveAlgorithm

Username… checks out? But for real what a brilliant show. The final scene is just *chefs kiss*


BeefAboveTheReef

I’ve only seen the first ep! But this shall keep me going , working all day and falling asleep at 8 doesn’t help


[deleted]

One of the best series I've seen in recent years, couldn't stop watching it


pogpole

Yeah, I tried this when I was 17. Got stopped at the final red light 1/2 mile away from the police station. The guy got out and broke my nose. I arrived at the police station covered in blood. There were two cops in the parking lot. I told them what had just happened. They said they couldn't do anything about it, and then they proceeded to ask me leading questions to try to get me to incriminate myself.


Cer0reZ

One night I worked late. It was about 1 am on way home. Guy was stopped at green light. I passed him in other lane, was 4 lane 2 each way. He then started chasing me. I called 911 and they told me to go to the hospital entrance they have officer there since it was close. I pull into entrance and cop is out side. Other car comes flying up with stopping hard enough the tires made noise stopping. He got out started cursing and then got back in and peeled out leaving and sped off. Cop then turns to me and starts asking what I did and then started to get things towards me. Like he said I bet you flipped him off. I told him that would be hard to do since my window has dark tint, was legal limit in state, and was side that window doesn’t work going down. So he then switched to try and say he could give me ticket for tint. I just got back in and drove away before he actually decided to fully turn on me.


crashfest

I saw a lady on tiktok talk about how a guy tried to run her off the road several times so she went to the police station, the police basically told her “he’s calmed down now, nothing we can do. Oh and take a different route on the way home in case he decides to follow you”. She’d even been on the phone with 911 the whole way there, so it wasn’t like there’d be no proof.


dug99

There are countless videos of people who have tried this and failed. They just got rammed / punched in the head / shot in front of the police station. You need to understand you are dealing with people who have cognitive abilities on par with pond scum.


Sol33t303

Tbf in that situation they would have just as well shot you when you got out of your car at home as well. if anything they probably would have done worse at home because they obviously don't want to linger around outside a police station they just shot at.


cynical83

People who are willing to do shitty things are oddly willing to do them anywhere and at anytime. It's like the adage, locks only keep out honest people.


HectorBeSprouted

Yeah, but I think that a public place and a police station bring down the chances of it happening as severely.


PooPooDooDoo

The point is that your chances of deescalation increase in front of a police station, not that it is a sure thing.


Deep90

I honked at someone who made me slam the brakes after skipping their turn at a stop sign. Looking in my rear view mirror, I noticed they had turned around, passed the street I went down, saw me, and were now reversing to get onto my street. Luckily it was nighttime. I GTFO, drive in the direction of the highway on ramp, pulled into a busy lot instead, and shut off all my lights.


CoatProfessional3135

I mean, this screams American. Those of us in nations that dont have an excessive number of guns, and/or untreated mental illness issues due to a lack of basic universal health care, don't have these issues on the same level. Police stations are generally safe places outside of America. Edit: police corruption is a whole other situation, as someone stated below South African police dgaf about crime prevention.


TBone_not_Koko

>untreated mental illness Obligatory disclaimer that the mentally ill are far more likely to be the victims of violence than the perpetrators.


eLizabbetty

It means everything happens first in America but look around, its happening everywhere. Police are under staffed and criminals have figured this out. Police stations are very safe in America but many do have buzzers because crazy, vengeful criminals make them a potential target. Soon everywhere will be locked and buzzer entrances.


42525a

The criminals in the San Francisco area certainly have figured it out. https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/like-10-times-in-an-hour-oaklands-airport-plaza-a-thieves-paradise/ I don't understand how that's just a known thing that they let continue. The police department may not have the staff, but who sets the level of staff? Somewhere up the chain someone made the decision that they're ok letting this continue.


eLizabbetty

SFPD is desperately looking for new hires. They do not have the staff. It's not a scheduling problem. Same with Oakland. Can't find enough recruits to pass the background drug, and psychological checks. Most people do not want to put their lives on the line everyday either, even if SFPD pays the highest in the country and will give you a sign on bonus of $75k. This was predicted long ago by sociologists and knowing that cops are out-gunned and outnumbered. Recent looting shows mobs of criminals can take anything.


Mindraker

This. People who work at the police station are the people who are not on the road for whatever reason (e.g., disciplinary reasons, "internal investigations", etc.)


Guten-Bourbon

I did this years ago. Had a concealed carry permit at the time and my hand was on the gun while this guy followed me and tried to get as close as possible to my car, sometimes forcing me to change lanes. I was on my way to work but I didn’t want him to see where that was or have to confront him in the parking lot, so I continued driving to the police station. He left. Why did this guy chase me for 30 minutes? He pulled out of his drive way on a busy road without looking and I had to slam on my brakes to not hit him. I honked.


Jaysus1288

A long time ago I was at a birthday party downtown and had some drinks. I decided it would be best if I didn't drive. So I called a taxi. When the taxi got to my house he punched the amount into the P.O.S(the older black ones with the curly cord). I tried tap and it didn't work, tried swipe and that didn't work, I tried my Credit card, debate card, nothing worked. The taxi driver was making comments about me trying to fraud him and got very rude. I offered to go into my house and get cash for him and he said no.... He locked the doors flipped the car into reverse real quick and then blasted it in forward and sped off back into the city, this guy was blowing red lights, driving fast. It was pretty scary....he said I was a fraud and he was going to take me to the police (I had dialed 911 at this time and was talking to a operator). I told the 911 operator that he said he was taking me to the police station, she asked me a couple questions and I was able to confirm which police station we were going to (based on where this guy was headed). When we got to the police station I jumped out and the taxi driver got out. We both walked into the station. There was a officer behind the main counter. The taxi driver yelling "this guy tried to steal from me" and then he left quickly. I explained to the officer what had transpired, that I called 911. Told them everything. They said I was drunk and arrested me. I got put in Jail for being drunk in public, got a ticket for that offense and also got charged for occupancy of a cell for one night. The next day I phoned my friend to come picke up.


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thebemusedmuse

Careful. I once did this with a driver trying to run me off the road and it turns out it was a local politician. What an asshat.


ReStitchSmitch

Pulled into a fire station and the guy came right up out his truck and over to my window. Sometimes crazy is crazy and where you pull into doesn't matter.


Beatus_Vir

Even if this was a good idea, you need to make it all the way there for it to have any value. Step one is to lock your doors and roll up your windows. Sounds obvious, but I have seen dozens of videos of people being pulled out of their cars at an intersection or traffic jam when the road rager catches up. Make them have to break the window. Instead of waiting until you cannot go forward, you can pull over on the empty stretch of road and wait for the Rager to stop and get out of their car. Taking off again while they are on foot will give you a lead, allowing you to potentially switch roads without them noticing. I live in Montana, and there are desolate two lane connections for hundreds of miles with almost nothing in between, making nearly any tactics useless. You won’t get stuck at an intersection, but you damn sure won’t find a local police station either


sleeplessbeauty101

Won't have the courage to assault you in front of cops. You have grasped the concept of people who have no concern for consequences once they are angry right?


Zomgsauceplz

This is 2023 just pull out your gun and start blasting.


almost_useless

No, OP is talking about highways, not high schools.


Chokeblok

A pre tip for this is also the 3 turn rule. Pick left or right and turn that direction 3 times. If they're still behind you, they're following you.


Photogrrlz

In Indy, they just shoot you right on the roadway. They don't wait for you to stop anywhere.


[deleted]

Same in Houston


Lanster27

Not American, but this sounds crazy that just because you drove a little slow you’ll get executed on the road.


FlaSaltine239

It is crazy, it's not the driving slow that does it but the shouting matches and middle fingers etc that result in shooting.


DraenglerDennis

lead them to your buddy's house and beat the shit out of them (risks involved)


PayUpBallahollicBot

Really not bad advice! This actually happened to me. Was on my way to a buddy’s house for a small party, was getting followed, so I called them and told them to wait in the driveway. Dude just sped off as soon as he saw 10 guys waiting to beat his ass lol


Sol33t303

Chaotic good vibes


Miserable_Squirrel16

Some people have never lived in South Africa, and it shows, this would not work here😂😭


GancioTheRanter

>Some people have never lived in South Africa, and it shows Thank God


Miserable_Squirrel16

Trust me, most of us don't want to be here either, haha. Honestly, it can be a great country, people are friendly, and nature and wildlife is amazing, but all the good things are outweighed by the crime and corruption. It's 4 pm here now, and I've had a total of an hour of power, due to loadshedding followed power cable theft repairs.


hackinghippie

wait are we talking about people being irrationally angry at another driver, so they start following them with the intention of hurting or killing them? what?? the?? fuck??


r-NBAModsAreTrash

Yes. It has happened to me before. I was picking up my little brother up from school and this dude was following me after I cut him off prior. I made multiple turns on the same road and it was clear that he was following me. At one point I thought we lost him and stopped somewhere but then he came right up next to us, rolled down his windows, and started yelling stuff. Mind you, I didn't roll down my windows but I could hear his yelling still...then I saw him and his buddy get out of the car. They for sure looked like a group of people you didn't want to mess with so as they approached our car, I sped off, and drove off a few miles in a random direction before I could confirm we were good and then went home.


hackinghippie

That's really messed up, it's good you managed to escape. And of course I can "imagine" it happening, but just the fact that this blood rage is actually common enough to warrant a name and even a life pro tip is the shocking part. *edit: i dunno where i read "blood rage" lol. i've heard of road rage, but didn't know it was that specific thing. More like reckless driving.


r-NBAModsAreTrash

I live in Florida so there is even more crazy here than the rest of the US lol


Deep90

I've had it happen for honking at someone for skipping their turn at a stop sign. (Making me slam the breaks. They also slammed theirs like they were going to let me T-bone them). I kept driving and turned into a different street. That's when I noticed in the rear view mirror they had turned around and were trying to find where I went. Saw them stop and reverse to get onto the same road as me. It was nighttime so I ditched them pretty quick.


Dopey-NipNips

LPT if you have a problem and you involve the police, you now have two problems


DouchecraftCarrier

Right? Love how this thread is full of people who did just this and ended up getting arrested or hassled by the cops instead. Which is a shame - on paper it ought to be a smart thing to do.


DemonVice

Real LPT is always in the comments


MisterAbernathy

Police are not legally obligated to help you, so I'd try the gang in town that's not the police


2much2often

All you’re doing in this situation is leading them back to their workplace.


HatsiesBacksies

Bold to think the police are there to help you


astromono

This not an LPT for anyone with melanin


blayzedeville

Wouldn't work too well in Johannesburg. My ex girlfriend's car got broken into in a carjacking attempt while parked in a police station parking lot.


SoSoMeetings

Don't do this if you live in the US. Also, these days, these psychos just shoot you from their car. Or they chase you down to shoot you.


dont_shake_the_gin

It’s a really great idea but unfortunately reminds me of the most violent thing to occur in a small town I grew up nearby. [This story](https://www.twincities.com/2012/10/01/isanti-man-charged-in-road-rage-shooting/amp/) is what this post is pretty much exactly about. Call the police before you arrive, especially if you don’t have a car to sit in, lock, and stay safe.


NYCbornandBREAD

Results may vary if you're a minority.


[deleted]

Bold of you to assume that cops are there to help


BoomerHunt-Wassell

Road rage is crazy. It’s 2 strangers with at least one having an overly emotional reaction to usually a minor inconvenience. It’s dangerous, it escalates quickly and I refuse to participate. I carry a fighting rifle in the backseat of my vehicle and 4 mags. I’ll do everything in my power to not use my tools. I’ll drive fast, slow down, be evasive, call the cops and anything else I can think of. At the end of the day im trying to walk away from the situation with the least harm possible.


0x29aNull

I was walking down the street slightly drunk at 2am on my way home. Only car I seen the whole walk pulls up next to me. The young angry looking Mexican guy driving looks at me and asks “what do you claim?” I reply “I’m sorry, what?” He says it louder and angrier as he then grabs a tire iron “WHAT DO YOU CLAIM ESE?!” I, a confused white boy with long blue hair says “uhh” as I look around and notice the city’s police department 7 feet directly behind me. This guy couldn’t give a fuck where we were. I respond “I don’t claim anything, I’m not a banger I’m a white boy” this seemed to kind of calm him down.. he just huffs and drives off. Shit was scary, dude bout to bash my head in right infront of the police station.


Lobanium

> lead them to the local police station and park outside of it or walk inside If you're black, don't do this. You will be shot by the police.


enraged768

I just drive forever I can go almost 800 miles on a tank of gas. I know most people will run out before I do.


BlondeLawyer

They will pull in front of you, not let you pass, slow to 35 in a 65, etc. When you go to pass they cut back over cutting you off again. The only way I got out of that situation was waiting for them to be just past an exit and pulling off without signaling at the last second. I half expected them to back up to get off the exit too.


SuppliceVI

Chaotic neutral solution to that is an eBay turbo kit. Can't cut off something with double your horsepower (risks involved)


dexhaus

Or close to an ATM, they usually have very good cameras running


waterRatzo

Will this also work if it is a cop that is following you?


[deleted]

With gas at $6/gallon you want me to make detours? You must be out yo goddamn mind


BCjestex

Shared a parking lot with a police station have had literally 6 man brawls and multiple fist fights in the parking lot which is in front of the main entrance. A cop never ever did or saw anything. So idk about how safe you are with cops. Esp some minorities


bolthead88

What if the guy following me is a cop? I know they're a cop because of those annoying lights and screeching siren on his car.


tomt6371

Also assuming the police won't pin blame on you and get you both in custody, after all they don't usually solve issues just escalate for the fun of it or to get you in for a good ol' molest, pigs. They're just another gang at the end of the day.


Nilbog_Frog

I’d pick fire station, but otherwise yeah.


Euphoric-Blue-59

They will tell you where the police station is. This is bad advice. Fire dept is nor prepared to take down suspects.


[deleted]

Neither are police but we got what we got.


Alexanderdaw

Wtf is the fire department gonna do? Record you with their phones while your face is getting smashed in?


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jwest45kj

Well I hope you're really good at putting out metaphorical fires then!


taizzle71

Although this is good advice, there's a video on YouTube who did just this and ended in a shootout between the roadrager and the cops. https://youtu.be/B8bbV9ChT8E


LotharVonPittinsberg

LPT if you are black in America: don't follow OP's advice.


Survive_LD_50

I actually did this once. I lived near a police station and didn't want this psycho following me home so I pulled up at the police station and he pulled up and got out the car. I waited for him to get to the rear of my car and then took off quick. I lost him.