Another en route story!
Last summer as I travelled down I-85 South from Greensboro to Salisbury, NC to serve subpoenas I got in a bit of a jam. My 23-year-old red Lincoln Town car merges into traffic. About 20 minutes later, I notice a group of about 3-4 vehicles with darkly tinted windows making themselves known that they are following me. Their scare tactics were noted. Conveniently they have stripped the identifying symbols off their car – no make, model or package or trim detail information. Some didn’t have license plates. They encircle my vehicle. My exit is coming up and on this particular stretch, there were at least 4-5 lanes of traffic. I began spatially calculating gaps in traffic, with estimation of acceleration/deceleration speeds of other vehicles in other lanes, and using a perfectly timed grouping of tractor trailers, I skillfully maneuvered my tank in between the trailers and off the exit ramp at the exact right time. My entourage braked violently but could not catch me as they were surrounded by the trailers and other traffic. No one was hurt or injured as a result of this. There was no traffic accident.
I keep saying, “It's all in the timing.”
This isn’t the first time this has happened while serving subpoenas. A much larger grouping of vehicles – same type of description, would encircle me, drop back, ride with, come in close – repeat and rinse. This was so exciting!! Then there was the tiny BMW sedan whom attempted to run me off the road, partially in my lane, presumably to clip the front of my vehicle that would have sent me into a tailspin. I saw him back in the distance, about 3 miles. His reckless driving didn't begin until he approached my vehicle. I knew to gradually slow down, and move to the right section of my lane. My intuition prompted me to immediately brake hard as he was passing me. Another rode my bumper for many miles down a long stretch of I-85. I find this childish behavior humorous. Apparently, I must have ticked someone off or scared them.
Is there where I insert the – “do not attempt this at home” – statement?
When in a position like this, it is best to slow down, and make your way off to the nearest exit. If they continue to follow you, call 9-1-1. Do not lead them to your home, your child's school or to your best friends house. Instead, go to a SAFE place, such as a fire or police station.
My new vehicle doesn't require all the mathematical calculations.
PC: Alex Schmidt
