A motorcycle rider has allegedly been attacked by a driver with a plank of wood and police are now seeking eye witnesses to the incident.
A 55-year-old man has been arrested and charged with one count each of going armed to cause fear and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.
He is expected to appear in the Redcliffe Magistrates Court on December 18.
Going armed in public carries a maximum penalty of two years in jail and dangerous operation has a three-year maximum jail term.
However, investigations are continuing, so more charges may be laid if witnesses come forward with more information.
The incident occurred about 7.45am yesterday (December 1, 2017) in the east-bound lanes of Anzac Avenue, in Kippa Ring, Brisbane.
Police have not provided any names or details of what caused the altercation.
Here is the police report:
During the incident, it will be alleged the driver of the Suzuki veered towards the red motorbike and then drove over a median strip towards the rider at speed in heavy traffic, nearly colliding with other vehicles.
Both the vehicle and motorbike came to a stop at the intersection of Anzac and Elizabeth avenues where the driver exited the Suzuki and walked towards the rider armed with a piece of timber.
The rider was forced to accelerate at speed to avoid being struck.
The driver got back in his vehicle and drove away.
Witnesses sought
Police are still investigating the matter and asking for witnesses to the incident or who have dash cam footage in the area.
“A check of the police file indicates that no witnesses have yet come forward, so hoping that may change today,” a police media spokesperson says.
“From what I can gather, the offender was allegedly driving erratically and for some reason simply became irritated at the motorcycle rider and directed his displeasure at him.”
Eye witnesses can contact Policelink on 131 444, fill out the online form 24hrs per day, or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au.
Road rage
Most riders have experienced aggressive, inconsiderate, rude, uneducated, distracted, dangerous and plain incompetent drivers on the road.
Click here to read which riders cop the most road rage.
Queensland Police Senior Sergeant Ian Park who created the #ridesafely4me Facebook site says he’s not sure if it’s perception or reality, but “our roads appear to be becoming angrier places”.
“Unfortunately, it seems to involve individuals from all road user groups as both the victims and the perpetrators. Motorcyclists and bicyclists are of course the most vulnerable due to the lack of physical protection around them. But the fundamentals of personal safety of the roads are no different to anywhere else,” he says.
Sgt Park and a group of ridersIAN’S TIPS TO AVOID ROAD RAGE
If you find yourself feeling unsafe as a result of the actions of another road user, the first priority is to remove yourself from the situation as safely as possible. Unfortunately far too often incidents of poor behaviour by one road user to another are only exacerbated when the ‘victim’ retaliates. If another party chooses to yell at you, beep their horn or flash their lights – so what? Let them get it out of their system and get on their way. Inflaming the situation by ‘biting back’ rarely assists, and often only makes the situation more unsafe for everyone.
However if the other party continues to behave in a manner that makes you feel unsafe, then consider your environment. Perhaps pull into a service station, licensed premises or shopping centre that is likely to be fitted with external CCTV. This will often discourage the aggressor from taking the matter further if they know their actions (and registration details) are going to be recorded.
If no such place is available continue to drive without reacting to the aggressor until a place of safety is available, avoid making eye contact and attempt to disengage from the situation as best and safely as you can.
If you feel that you are in imminent danger, pull over and call triple zero (000). Don’t forget that ‘000’ from a mobile phone doesn’t necessarily go to your nearest operator, so always be ready to say ‘I need police in (name of City/town or nearest regional centre)’.
When speaking with a 000 operator, pass on relevant information that could assist police to investigate the matter, for example, registration details, descriptions of the person/s in the vehicle, time, date, correct location (in case there are traffic monitoring cameras located nearby etc.), descriptions about any features of the vehicle that are not standard (i.e. post factory fitted wheels, decorations, accessories, damage).
If you carry any kind of video recording device, ensure the footage is set aside so that it doesn’t get recorded over before being provided to police. Make sure you don’t just secure the footage of the incident – also keep footage leading up to and beyond the incident to help clarify any potential counter claims by the other party that it was actually you that was the aggressor.
If the situation is over, but you are still of the belief that the matter warrants investigation with a view to action by police, you always have the right to report it. You can either attend your nearest open police station to speak to someone, contact the non-urgent police reporting number which is now 131 444 in almost all Australian Police Jurisdictions. Similarly most policing services across Australia also provide on-line reporting services. Just search the police service in your State or Territory to find their websites and follow the prompts.
Be mindful, however that any complaint of an incident involving one person upon another without any supporting evidence is often difficult to successfully prosecute. A successful prosecution requires sufficient evidence being presented to a court to determine that an offence was committed beyond reasonable doubt.
However, this should not prevent you from reporting the matter, but is something to keep in mind if police determine there is not sufficient evidence for a matter to proceed. It doesn’t necessarily mean police don’t believe you! If you provide police with a video recording you must be willing and able to give evidence.
