Hypothetical question from a Newbie

[Carol]

From Carol

I'm sad to hear that invinceablevett's sister actually experienced an uncomfortable and potentially tragic situation, but I'm glad it turned out OK. Believe me, I will have a cell phone handy; in fact two of them -- a regular pocket one and an old-fashioned "bag phone". The latter plugs into the cigarette lighter and takes a couple of minutes to put together (attach the aerial) but we have found it to have only slightly more range than the little one.
If jerks ever do decide to pester me, my current strategy involving, as Jack puts it a "heaping helping of discretion", would be to keep on driving but slow down to a bit below speed limit so as to annoy them in hopes they pass and leave me alone. That way I could also see their licence plate (here we don't have front plates).
Do you think that would work?
Carol

 

[vettepilot]

I would say slow down to about 5MPH below the speed limit, this gives them a chance to pass. However, in areas that you have described, I don't think it would be wise to pull over and stop, a convertible offers no protection even with the top up. Better to continue driving at the posted speed if you do not feel comfortable with speeding off and losing them, or drop well below the posted speed limit and drive as far right as possible without going off the hardtop. After a short time if they see that they cannot rile you they will lose interest and go on their merry way. Should they escalate the situation such as, trying to bump you or run you off the road, at this point, you have the advantage by being in front, and acceleration is then your best bet dispite your reluctance to use it to lose them.
Drive to the nearest town where there might be law enforcement, a firestation, ambulance squad, or other official sites. Report the incident noting the type, color and year of the vehicle, number of occupants, and as much of their description as you can accurately recall. Chances are in the small town environments, somebody probably would know those kids.
Hyperthetically speaking.

Realistically speaking, I hope this never happens and you will just enjoy your Corvette to it's fullest.

vettepilot

 

[Carol]

From Carol

Dear vettepilot:
Thanks for taking the time to reply. I think yours is the most sensible and practical solution yet. I too hope it never happens.
Your electon blue Z06 is magnificent!!!
Carol

 

[74bigblock]

Take foot off gas and roll to a stop very slowly. If they try to pass you, block them and accelerate. Repeat. When they start getting ****ed, then brake test them. Once they have hit you in the rear, you can then sue them.

 

[Grizzly]

Two observations, one, I wouldn't slow down and let them pass, sheer speed is your greatest advantage. If you let them around, they could be across the road round the next bend.

Things that you can not or will not do almost guarantee that you will be a victim. No guns, no phone, no speed, of the three speed is what you always have at your disposal. If they are near and you do pull up short they will hit you. My advice to you is the same as to my wife, first order of business is to put distance between you and them and then seek help.

And by the way Oldgoat, being one my self, things are a lot more dangerous out there than they used to be. Never saw the need for a firearm in the car then, sure do now.

Here's to hoping it never happens.......................

 

[Mac]

Luckily, Carol lives in rural Canada and I don't expect she's ever going to face these "worst case scenario" situations. She's talking about dealing with teenaged yahoos not gangstaz or boyz from da hood.

Unfortunately, many people watch the daily dose of horrors the media feeds us under the guise of "news" and figure violent crime is on the rise in North America. They watch "Law & Order" or "CSI" and figure murders are a daily occurance. They go to the movies and watch death and dismemberment disguised as entertainment.

Folks, as soon as you start living in fear, you start losing your freedom. Don't let criminals, Hollywood and the media steal your lives.

(climbing off the soapbox)

-Mac

 

[Patrick]

I have to say, I'm with Mac on this one. I had to consult my atlas to discover exactly where Beaverlodge is located, and from that, it is clear to me that Carol's hometown is indeed a rural location.

Rural is key here: there is a different mindset between rural locations and urban locations, and this difference is significant. Having once lived in a rural area in California, I can tell you that the bulk of the yahoos who are likely to drive up and attempt to intimidate a Corvette owner are typically young kids who are simply looking for something to do. They will do this for one of two reasons: to get a closer look at what is probably a pretty unusual vehicle in those parts, or to see if they can get the Vette to bite and play a bit of "cat and mouse."

My advice would be to simply pay no attention. If that fails, wave at them and smile. And if they persist, find a convenient turn off and let them pass.

We can worry about the more serious situations the next time Carol plans a road trip to Edmonton. You know how those Oilers fans are... :gap

-Patrick

 

[Dave C. '04 Z06]

One thing you could try is just setting your cruise to about 5MPH under the speed limit. I know this drives me crazy and I just have to pass the person. Maybe they would get bored and pass you and be on thier way.

Or if you were me, you could just come to a stop in thier lane, grab your bat out from behind the seat, and proceed to bash them and thier freakin' truck to hell until they decide to leave.

Of course I don't always choose the most discrete way to handle problems.

-Dave C. '04 Z06