If you have ever witnessed road rage or been the victim of it, you may not have known how to handle it, particularly if it’s not at all clear what triggered the anger. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry anymore, because Officer Graham Williamson is on the job.
Williamson, a police officer in Canada, was in the middle of an televised interview with national news channel CBC. The interview, conducted on a highway overpass, came to a halt when the reporter noticed an incidence of road rage taking place behind them.
Like a real-life version of this PSA, two men had gotten out of their cars at the shoulder of the highway, and were on the brink of a fistfight. Williamson, exasperated by their behavior, had the perfect response.
Like a father shaming his unruly offspring, he calls, “Get back in the car!,” over the edge of the overpass. The men initially obey, but then something sparks the conflict anew.
“Sit down,” shouts Williamson, “Or you’re gonna get arrested.” Finally, he ends the incident with this excellent and timeless put-down, “Both of you, grow up! Come on, boys, move it.” Both men, disgruntled but unharmed, get back in their cars and drive off.
‘Everybody’s a winner,” finishes the amiable policeman, “Don’t worry.” Like this punching bag for redirecting anger, Williamson’s strategy has the effect of halting the conflict before it really begins.
It’s the tidiest, most hands-off police work ever, and undeniably effective. I hope the have him leading traffic safety seminars!
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