by Road Rage: Driver Runs Over Cyclists
Road rage is, without a doubt, one of the most senseless things you can engage in. Often, the consequences are limited to high blood pressure and a wounded ego. However, in this case, the driver of a Honda Pilot ended up behind bars, facing a series of serious charges. The incident also showed that the cyclists he was likely angry at acted almost as recklessly.
Details of the Incident in Cherokee County
According to WSBTV, authorities in Cherokee County, Georgia, claim that 72-year-old Jerry Ross of Woodstock approached a group of 10 cyclists on Sugar Pike Road, began honking, and then aggressively passed them in his Honda Pilot, despite an open oncoming lane. Instead of leaving the legally required distance, according to the sheriff, he struck two cyclists and fled the scene.
Testimony and Evidence
One of the cyclists, Scott Hager, summed up the situation briefly:
This guy was angry.
Video captured on a cell phone recorded the moment the Pilot made contact with at least one of the cyclists. More importantly for the investigation, the SUV’s license plate was also visible in the video.
Arrest and Charges
Using this information, sheriff’s deputies tracked Ross to his home, where they reportedly found damage on the passenger side of the vehicle consistent with the accident circumstances. When offered to view the video, he allegedly replied that he didn’t need to because he knew he hadn’t done anything wrong.
However, the law sees it differently. In Georgia, cyclists have the same right to use the road as motorists, and drivers are required to leave at least three feet (about 90 cm) of distance when passing. Nevertheless, this entire situation looks like almost everyone involved made the wrong choice.
Reddit Video
Comparison with Other Cases
A few weeks ago, two professional cyclists in California encountered aggressive drivers. The main difference was that they tried to stay out of harm’s way as much as possible. In this case, however, it seems the cyclists either relied on their numbers or simply lacked proper situational awareness.
Having ridden hundreds, if not thousands, of miles in traffic myself, I can say: when a car is that close, moving away from it isn’t that hard, even if other riders are nearby. However, none of this justifies Ross’s behavior. Hopefully, all parties involved in this story have learned a valuable lesson. Road rage is for fools.
Photo: Scott Hager
This incident once again highlights the issue of cyclist safety on the roads and the need for mutual respect among all road users. While the driver’s actions are inexcusable and criminally punishable, the incident also serves as a reminder of the importance of caution and anticipation for cyclists themselves, especially during group rides. The laws of many states, including Georgia, clearly regulate cyclists’ rights, but in practice, compliance with these rules often leaves much to be desired, leading to tragic or, as in this case, criminal consequences.
