Interesting change in attitude.

[Sara_H]

The other evening on the way home from work I was subjected to an extremely dangerous close pass. So close in fact that I screamed, wobbles and struggled to stay upright.
The driver involved then pulled over - I thought to apologise so stopped by his car, which I wouldn't usually do. Anyway I was wrong, he was just pulling over (having risked my life he literally parked up a few seconds later).
So as you might expect, he was quite aggressive - not so aggressive that he frightened me, but was really arsey, claimed he was miles away, no where near me blah blah blah. I then pointed out that I had a camera (don't know why, never had a confrontation like this before, think I was pointing out to him that I could demonstrate how close he was) and he instantly changed his tune, became very apologetic, listened to my explanations of how much room he should give, apologised some more, thanked me for teaching him something new. It was a complete 360°.
I've always thought covert cameras were best incase someone splatted me and then stole the cameras, but this has made me wonder if I should have massive signs on the bike saying I've got camera's on if this is the difference in attitude it can make.

 

[Lonestar]

No,I don't think that's a good idea,may intimidate a few.They may go for the challenge plus there are a few thugs/criminals and people who couldn't care less.At least that's the impression I get.IMHO.

 

[steve50]

Cycle jersey with "CCTV in operation" emblazoned across the back of it???
I would imagine the sudden change in attitude from the motorist came about due to fear of public embarrassment (youtube) / possible motoring offence charge or similar .........................or perhaps it was just his realization that he very nearly forced a lady cyclist of the road, at least you had a nice outcome from the event.

 

[ozboz]

Ms ozboz got hit bu a Beamer's wing mirror last week , it sent her wobbling but she managed to control herself otherwise she may have gone under the wheels of the next vehicle , the driver must have known they'd hit her , I think I may get her a camera, I hope the mirror was knackered so at least he would have paid in some way

 

[newfhouse]

I then pointed out that I had a camera (don't know why, never had a confrontation like this before, think I was pointing out to him that I could demonstrate how close he was) and he instantly changed his tune, became very apologetic, listened to my explanations of how much room he should give, apologised some more, thanked me for teaching him something new. It was a complete 360°.

Uninsured or disqualified, worried you'll report him.

 

[Sara_H]

Uninsured or disqualified, worried you'll report him.

I did wonder that myself.

 

[ufkacbln]

Obvious cameras are a good deterrent

A classic case....

I had a car pull alongside me ... indicator flashing to turn left and an obvious left hook coming up

Smile point out camera on helmet and wink

For some reason the indicator went off, he pulled in behind me and waited

It is amazing how often pointing out the camera results in a change of the driver's plans

 

[Drago]

Problem is, the real sheets, the really nasty ones, the ones that'd punch you as soon a look at you, wouldn't give a monkeys that you had a camera. It's only the otherwise 'decent' citizen who's behaving like a bit of a tit that's liable to suddenly pull up short. The real Grant Mitchell's of this world aren't wired up like you or I, and theres no room for logic in their tiny brains when their bloods up.

 

[steveindenmark]

I used to hate cameras on bikes. But just recently they seem to be being used for the right purpose and not for wanna bee police officers.

 

[Drago]

And what is the correct purpose? It served to give our OP the moral higher ground, but it did nothing to wind back time and undo the dangerous pass.

 

[steve50]

I have a very discreet camera mounted on the left hand side of my helmet, it's only there in case I am involved in an incident, what can't speak can't lie.

 

[ufkacbln]

Problem is, the real sheets, the really nasty ones, the ones that'd punch you as soon a look at you, wouldn't give a monkeys that you had a camera. It's only the otherwise 'decent' citizen who's behaving like a bit of a tit that's liable to suddenly pull up short. The real Grant Mitchell's of this world aren't wired up like you or I, and theres no room for logic in their tiny brains when their bloods up.

Which works well

Look at the cases where these rants and aggressive acts have ended up in the national press.

This guy Jason Wells was affected both personally and financially when people decided his actions were unacceptable and boycotted his chain of coffee shops, aslo posting reviews of his behaviour on TripAdvisor and others

And of course the flying driver:

... and no list would be complete without:

Ronnie Pickering:

 

[Drago]

Ah, the flying driver. Don't forget the chickensheet cyclist pedalling for all he's worth with poo dribbling down his legs, or does that get conveniently overlooked in the camera narrative?

In any case, did the camera stop any of these twots from being dangerous idiots? Nope. Being camera wise after the event is no consolation when you're teeth are down your throat.

 

[KneesUp]

Who is Ronnie Pickering?

 

[ufkacbln]

Ah, the flying driver. Don't forget the chickensheet cyclist pedalling for all he's worth with poo dribbling down his legs, or does that get conveniently overlooked in the camera narrative?

To quote Sun Tzu:

He who knows when he can fight and when he cannot will be victorious.

What would be gained by stooping to the muppet's level? The cyclist has had far more effect than resorting to a slugging match. COmmon sense and reason to avoid. Resorting to insults is really a rather sad response

In any case, did the camera stop any of these twots from being dangerous idiots? Nope. Being camera wise after the event is no consolation when you're teeth are down your throat.

Nor would not wearing a camera

The difference is that there is a consequence for these muppets who will now think twice before repeating their stupidity