This is what driving has become. Modern roadways are full of oversized cars and SUVs that envelop drivers in steel and glass cocoons imparting a sense of superiority to anyone who shares the road with them. Powerful engines, numb steering, and the techno-wizardry of “driver aids” do more than make drivers comfortable; it makes them feel invincible. That’s the point where empathy disappears like a speck in the rearview mirror.
Case in point, a recent road rage incident in Newport Beach. A driver in his blue BMW M3 with a buddy riding shotgun, and a couple of cyclists in the bike lane got into it. What exactly transpired to trigger the conflict is unclear; maybe the cyclist unknowingly drifted out of his lane? We do know that some nasty words were exchanged, and the cyclist squirted his water bottle onto the BMW. Criminal driver Samir Sweiss then drove in the bike lane, inching towards the cyclist Luke Fetzer in retaliation. More than just intimidation, the Beemer got so close to the back tire of the bike, he could easily have run the guy over.
As anyone from the snow belt will tell you, Southern California is literally heaven on Earth. Just imagine the joy of cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway in a BMW M3 coupe; the ‘Ultimate Driving Machine’ as the adverts used to call them. The driver in question, Samir Sweiss, couldn’t just share the road and enjoy the drive. He’s the type of driver who views other on the road as inconveniences, sees cyclist as obstacles, and perceives pedestrians as a delay.
Once the video went viral, with the BMW’s license plate clearly visible, cops rushed out of the donut shops and arrested Sweiss, impounding his vehicle, and slapping him with charges for obstruction and assault with a deadly weapon. A good start. But let’s not pretend this is shocking. It’s routine now. Roads have become arenas for petty dominance, where inconvenience is treated as provocation and retaliation is just a throttle input away. Sure, the video went viral and the symptom was treated. But the disease still exists everywhere.
Just when you think you’ve seen it all ….. just wait, tomorrow someone will exceed your expectations.
Not to defend the car driver, but…
Bicyclists can be a-holes, too.
I saw it firsthand, years ago, where a horde of them were annoyed they had to share a mountain road with a bunch of classic sports car drivers who were in their way and they literally pounded on one car as they finally managed to pass us.
Everyone needs to be sane and sober on the road. EVERYONE.
What blew me away was the disproportionate damage the bicyclists faced if they triggered one of the drivers, and they were still recklessly d*ckish.
The older I get, the slower I drive, and the more astounded I am by the antics I witness on the road.