Four road rage in Richmond during Monday’s (March 31) morning rush hour have police urging the public to not engage with angry drivers.
Two of the incidents included the alleged use of weapons, resulting in Richmond RCMP issuing warnings to drivers and confiscating a bear spray can and an airsoft gun.
Richmond RCMP media spokesperson Cpl. Adriana O’Malley said police are seeing an increase in traffic after spring break, but it’s “unusual” to receive this many reports of road rage during a single rush hour period.
“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,” she said. “These incidents will be fully investigated and, where applicable, criminal charges will be pursued.”
One incident occurred at 8 a.m., when a male driver said he’d been cut off by a driver in a red Nissan Pathfinder. The two drivers met at the next intersection, and the first driver challenged the other to a fight.
The Pathfinder driver got out of his car holding a canister of bear spray “by his side,” RCMP said, at which point he went back to his car and called police.
Richmond RCMP found the driver of the Pathfinder, who admitted to leaving his vehicle with the bear spray, saying he did so because of a challenge to a fight.
The driver was remorseful and admitted this was a poor judgment on his behalf, O’Malley said.
The bear spray was seized by police, and both drivers were provided verbal warnings regarding their behaviour.
The second incident happened shortly after 9 a.m. when 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 found 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.
Tips for drivers during road rage incidents
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 police.
- 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 dashcam footage of a road incident, make sure you keep it and provide it to police.
- To help avoid frustration, Richmond RCMP recommends planning ahead and allotting yourself extra time for your daily commute.
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