Anyone been assaulted at work?

[Billhook]

On 13/12/2022 at 17:37, Doug Tait said:

I've had a lot of abuse from the general public over recent weeks while doing traffic management for roadside work, several threats of violence, a couple of people even got out their vehicle to "do me in", all in the name of being delayed for a few minutes by a traffic light.

 

Today we were working over a busy junction so 4 way lights operating, unfortunately someone posted on Facebook last week the lights are broken which has led to a substantial amount of drivers ignoring red lights, it was mayhem. When this happens I'll stop them and explain what's happening and how it is for their and our safety. A guy in a Navara took exception to being delayed and when I tried the polite explanation he totally lost it, came out his window punching me before trying to drag me by the collar alongside his truck! I dissuaded him at that point by gently squeezing his windpipe until he let go, then a lady got out her car filming him and asked if I wanted the police which calmed him down and he apologised.

 

I know as a driver myself how frustrating it is to be delayed but what gets in to people to behave like this over a couple of minutes at a traffic light?

 

Anyone else been assaulted at work?

Less likely I would have thought if you were holding an idling chainsaw in one hand!

[Doug Tait]

5 minutes ago, Billhook said:

Less likely I would have thought if you were holding an idling chainsaw in one hand!

 

The way that job went for me, it's likely if I tried it I'd just get abused for the one handing element!

[difflock]

My perspective, way before TM was invented, starting from about 1976 when "under pressure" collecting barley straw and being needlessly  held up by a non-working Water Service crew needlessly blocking a busyish road with an abandoned vehicle(with drivers door left wide open)  and attatched plant trailer, while the steering wheel attendant talked football(or possibly politics) with his mates.

Yer man the SWA was fully aware of Dad sitting waiting, but ignored him, and continuied to ignore him, until Dad started bumping the trailer with the front wheel of the tractor, which started the trailer nodding which moved the attatched vehicle. Yer man got the message and pissed off.

Any then too too many years working with a thicko but connected chargehand who appeared to delight in blocking off streets, or street side parking for no good reason and for needlessly extended periods. I suspect it made him feel powerful and important.

I also provided TM for the local tree surgeon felling ADB afflicted trees this past spring, though only on a surprising busy quiet country road(bloody RR driving school rum Mums!)

And as a driver for 40+ years too many times being held up at hopelessly out of sync double red lights  25 to 50m apart on a clear straight road. Etc etc etc.

I do appreciate that TM on 3 or 4 way junctions is a total bollocks, but on a short straight stretch of road, not so much.

But despite my frustrations I never felt the least inclined to resort to violence.

And I even wait at TM red lights when out on the bicycle!

Edited December 25, 2022 by difflock

[Doug Tait]

10 minutes ago, difflock said:

My perspective, way before TM was invented, starting from about 1976 when "under pressure" collecting barley straw and being needlessly  held up by a non-working Water Service crew needlessly blocking a busyish road with an abandoned vehicle(with drivers door left wide open)  and attatched plant trailer, while the steering wheel attendant talked football(or possibly politics) with his mates.

Yer man the SWA was fully aware of Dad sitting waiting, but ignored him, and continuied to ignore him, until Dad started bumping the trailer with the front wheel of the tractor, which started the trailer nodding which moved the attatched vehicle. Yer man got the message and pissed off.

Any then too too many years working with a thicko but connected chargehand who appeared to delight in blocking off streets, or street side parking for no good reason and for needlessly extended periods. I suspect it made him feel powerful and important.

I also provided TM for the local tree surgeon felling ADB afflicted trees this past spring, though only on a surprising busy quiet country road(bloody RR driving school rum Mums!)

And as a driver for 40+ years too many times being held up at hopelessly out of sync double red lights  25 to 50m apart on a clear straight road. Etc etc etc.

I do appreciate that TM on 3 or 4 way junctions is a total bollocks, but on a short straight stretch of road, not so much.

But despite my frustrations I never felt the least inclined to resort to violence.

And I even wait at TM red lights when out on the bicycle!

 

You're a gentleman on 2 wheels Marcus! Certainly the majority of cyclists through our works think the appropriate way is nip past red, into the work lane, shoogle past the chipper and under the mewp whilst pretending not to have noticed any of it!

Seasons greetings to you...

[Billhook]

My uncle came across a van blocking a narrow lane near his farm in Norfolk.  So he parked his car in front of it and sat there reading the paper.  The van driver then opened the door of the van and took out his little dog and went for a walk up the lane.  A battle of two strong wills!  Uncle said I knew I would win as I had a whole book to read and I had all day!

[difflock]

2 hours ago, difflock said:

 

 

Edited December 25, 2022 by difflock

[difflock]

2 hours ago, Doug Tait said:

 

You're a gentleman on 2 wheels Marcus! Certainly the majority of cyclists through our works think the appropriate way is nip past red, into the work lane, shoogle past the chipper and under the mewp whilst pretending not to have noticed any of it!

Seasons greetings to you...

Erm,

Generally glad of the excuse for a breather!