For one, you're not being rational if you consider illegally driving along the shoulder to be just as bad as blocking someone illegally driving along the shoulder.
Ask any normal person and you won't get that response.
Since the police interviewed the ICE agent and the facts are not under dispute, then we are getting both sides of the story.
Whenever there's something you don't want to believe, you fall back on the "we need both sides", which is totally unnecessary when it is something you want to believe.
These are what is considered as best practices and responses to some trying to pass on the shoulder, which can be very risky.
1. You Are Also Breaking the Law
When you move your vehicle onto the shoulder to block someone, you are typically committing the same or similar traffic violations as the person you are trying to stop. Common charges for "shoulder defenders" can include
- Improper Lane Use or Failure to Maintain Lane.
- Obstructing Traffic or Impeding the Shoulder, which is reserved for emergencies and emergency vehicles.
- Aggressive Driving or Reckless Driving, which can carry much stiffer penalties than a standard passing violation.
2. High Risk of Road Rage
Physically blocking another driver is a major trigger for
road rage. Escalating the situation can lead to:
- Intentional Collisions: The other driver may try to force their way past, causing a crash for which you could be held civilly or criminally liable.
- Physical Altercations: Blocking someone can lead to dangerous confrontations once vehicles stop.
3. Unknown Emergencies
You cannot know for certain why someone is using the shoulder. While most are likely just impatient, they could be experiencing a
genuine medical emergency or attempting to reach a hospital. Blocking them could delay life-saving help and leave you legally vulnerable if your actions cause harm.
4. Blocking Emergency Responders
If you and another driver are both on the shoulder—one trying to pass and one blocking—you are now creating a significant obstruction for
police, ambulances, or fire trucksthat may need that lane to reach an accident further ahead.
What You Should Do Instead
If you see someone driving dangerously on the shoulder:
- Do not engage: Maintain your lane and allow them to pass.
- Report them: Use a hands-free device to call #77 (or your local highway patrol) to report the vehicle’s license plate and description.
- Stay safe: Your priority is to avoid a collision, regardless of who is in the right.
As far me believing in innocent until proven guilty? Yes, I am that way, been that way my whole life. It is part of being an American. That you don’t like that way of thinking speaks volumes about you and your politics.