Key Takeaways
- A Bay of Plenty mother, Rachel, was pursued for five kilometers and repeatedly rammed by another driver in a Christmas Day road rage attack.
- The incident occurred on the road between Te Puke and State Highway 2, leaving Rachel’s vehicle undriveable and her children terrified.
- The attack began at a roundabout in Te Puke, where the other driver failed to use the correct turning lane, nearly colliding with Rachel’s vehicle.
- The incident is being investigated by the police, who are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward.
Introduction to the Incident
The incident occurred on Christmas Day, at around 2:30 pm, when Rachel was driving with her two sons to a family Christmas lunch. The attack began at a roundabout on Jocelyn St in Te Puke, where a driver in a silver minivan drove up beside Rachel instead of using the correct turning lane, nearly colliding with her vehicle as the lanes merged. Rachel had to swerve to avoid being hit and tooted her horn to alert the other driver. However, instead of apologizing or driving away, the other driver allegedly waited at the intersection with King St before pursuing Rachel’s car.
The Pursuit and Ramming
The pursuit continued for five kilometers, with the other driver allegedly ramming Rachel’s car from behind multiple times. Rachel’s older son attempted to take photos while her youngest called 111 as the incident continued through Waitangi and onto the open road. Photos provided to the media show the vehicle following extremely closely behind Rachel’s car. Rachel stated that she feared for her life and the lives of her children, as the other driver was driving aggressively and erratically. The attack reached its peak as Rachel slowed to turn into the driveway of her destination, with the other driver swinging towards the center line and aiming directly at her door.
The Aftermath of the Incident
The incident left Rachel’s car undriveable, with significant rear damage including a smashed tail light, ripped bumper, and a tire torn off its rim. Rachel and her children were shaken but only mildly physically hurt in the incident. The police confirmed that they were called to a two-vehicle crash on Te Puke Highway, Paengaroa, about 2:30 pm on Christmas Day. The police stated that there did not appear to be any serious injuries, but inquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing. Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the police on 105.
The Investigation and Call for Witnesses
The police are investigating the incident and are calling for witnesses to come forward. The incident is a disturbing example of road rage and the dangers it poses to innocent drivers and passengers. Rachel’s experience is a traumatic one, and it highlights the need for drivers to remain calm and patient on the roads. The incident also raises questions about the effectiveness of road safety measures and the need for greater awareness and education about the dangers of road rage. As the investigation continues, it is hoped that the perpetrator will be brought to justice and that Rachel and her children will be able to recover from their traumatic experience.
Conclusion and Reflection
The incident is a sobering reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for drivers to remain calm and patient on the roads. It is also a testament to the bravery and quick thinking of Rachel, who was able to keep her children safe despite the terrifying circumstances. As the community comes together to support Rachel and her family, it is hoped that the incident will serve as a wake-up call for drivers to be more mindful of their behavior on the roads. The incident is a tragic reminder of the dangers of road rage and the need for greater awareness and education about the importance of road safety.
