# I just scratched the hell out of an SUV's paint job about two hours ago **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [January 20, 2004, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-scratched-the-hell-out-of-an-suvs-paint-job-about-two-hours-ago/225331 "2004-01-20T15:53:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 15\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2004, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-scratched-the-hell-out-of-an-suvs-paint-job-about-two-hours-ago/225331/81 "2004-01-23T19:15:02Z")
**S:** _To which I might add: Who among us here HASN’T been careless a time or two while driving? The only deal here is most of the time when we have our moments, we ethier catch ourselves to save us from impending doom or we get lucky. This guy just so happened to have HIS moment at the wrong time. (so to speak)_ And got off awfully lightly for it, all things considered. Living in India has given me a somewhat different perspective on finding excuses for the “carelessness” of drivers. Around here, if a driver hits a pedestrian, he very often gets hauled from his vehicle by outraged bystanders and beaten up. It is not rare for a driver who accidentally kills a pedestrian to be murdered outright. The prospects for somebody who nearly hit a sick old lady and caused her and her companion to land under his bumper—and then **yelled** at them for scratching his paint job as they lay there in the dirt—would probably not look very bright from the point of view of his health insurers. I totally condemn “vigilante justice” and I don’t approve of such assaults in any way. But they do bring home the fact that the natural response when a person in a big dangerous machine runs down a defenseless pedestrian is outrage. Trying to shrug it off as an inevitable moment of carelessness, or complaining that the pedestrian wasn’t alert enough, looks kind of bizarre from where I’m sitting. ---
**Author:** ![alice\_in\_wonderland](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alice_in_wonderland/32/176_2.png) [@alice\_in\_wonderland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alice_in_wonderland)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2004, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-scratched-the-hell-out-of-an-suvs-paint-job-about-two-hours-ago/225331/82 "2004-01-23T19:46:50Z")
> [@SHAKES](#): > > Oh and since we’re adding color to our posts now; Fuck you- you- donkydicksucking-ballsweat-licking- monky-vomit-smelling-“NO DADDY STOP! I TOLD YOU IT HURTS WHEN YOU PEE IN ME!”-sickoid-motherfucker. Wow. That was offensive on many levels. My estimation of you has just dropped about 10 noches. ---
**Author:** ![Larry\_Mudd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f14d63/32.png) [@Larry\_Mudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Mudd)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2004, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-scratched-the-hell-out-of-an-suvs-paint-job-about-two-hours-ago/225331/83 "2004-01-23T20:11:10Z")
> [@](#): > > **SHAKES** :And exactly What position have I taken that constitutes me being an ass? You are making an ass of yourself by accusing the OP of dishonesty, when your doubt of the truth of her report stems from your ignorance. You’re making a _spectacular_ ass of yourself by continuing to make blind assertions which you have made no reasonable attempt to support. You’re making the same stupid mistake that the driver was, in failing to to comprehend the meaning of “reckless” in this context, even after it has been repeatedly explained to you. > [@](#): > > I don’t know call me a stickler for words but if the cop told ME I was being “reckless” then he might get an arguement out of me as well. To me there’s a BIG difference between being reckless and a moment of carelessness. That’s just it. Even if we were just using the words in their general sense, “reckless” and “careless” are synonyms. We’re not, though, and neither was the cop. The duration of recklessness doesn’t enter into it. If you take your dick out in public, you can’t argue “It wasn’t indecent exposure, I only had it out for a minute.” That “moment of carelessness” had a literal impact on two people-- you can’t just dismiss it. A “stickler for words”? Do you even use a dictionary so you can reach the dinner table? What do you think “reckless” means, exactly? It doesn’t mean “weaving in and out of traffic at speeds in excess of 100mph,” although it can be applied that way. Did the driver “operates a motor vehicle at in a manner so as to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person on the premises of an establishment providing parking space for customers, patrons, or employees”? Yes or no? (“Just for a moment” is not an acceptable answer.) If the answer is “Yes,” he is guilty of “reckless driving.” If he behaved reasonably after that, he could have taken his ticket/summons/whatever and that would have been that. Instead he chose to take the position that he did _nothing wrong_, going so far as to say that it wasn’t his fault _because he didn’t adjust the mirrors before driving_, which is an admission that he drove to the store without working rear-view mirrors. That’s not an excuse, that’s _another count of reckless driving_, even if he stopped for every light and obeyed the speed limit. Yes, accidents can happen to anyone, but they are _bound_ to happen to people who consistently neglect to take common-sense (and legally mandated) precautions, without reckoning the possible consequences. Any casual observer would mark the character in the OP as just such a specimen, and those in a position to come down hard on him for it _would_. Feel free to argue against the law if you find yourself in a similar position, but don’t be surprised when you find that a minor inconvenience turns into a serious fuck up. ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2004, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-scratched-the-hell-out-of-an-suvs-paint-job-about-two-hours-ago/225331/84 "2004-01-23T20:14:51Z")
> [@Left Hand of Dorkness](#): > > Wow. Someone calls you an ass for basically behaving like an ass, and so you respond by jokingly telling them they rape their children? > > That doesn’t tell us anything about **Larry** , but it speaks all kinds of awful about you. Talk about jerky behavior! > > Daniel Well, first off I wasn’t implying that he rapes his children. (because that would be wrong) I was _implying_ that he _gets raped_ by his daddy. secondly, I don’t fire unless FIRED upon and in this case I let his jabs go by twice before I fired back. Thridly, I still don’t see why I’m such an ass for stating this guy did nothing that warented him going to jail. I think some of you all are extrapolating more from that statement than you should. ---
**Author:** ![Larry\_Mudd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f14d63/32.png) [@Larry\_Mudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Mudd)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2004, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-scratched-the-hell-out-of-an-suvs-paint-job-about-two-hours-ago/225331/85 "2004-01-23T22:24:30Z")
Whatever, dude. So we’re even: You really _are_ an ass and a moron, and I really _was_ [molested by my (step)daddy](http://free.inkfrog.com/pix/larrymudd/ken_the_prick.jpg). The difference is, I got over it. Good luck with _your_ whole deal. ---
**Author:** ![alice\_in\_wonderland](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alice_in_wonderland/32/176_2.png) [@alice\_in\_wonderland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alice_in_wonderland)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2004, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-scratched-the-hell-out-of-an-suvs-paint-job-about-two-hours-ago/225331/86 "2004-01-23T22:24:36Z")
> [@SHAKES](#): > > Well, first off I wasn’t implying that he rapes his children. (because that would be wrong) I was _implying_ that he _gets raped_ by his daddy. > > secondly, I don’t fire unless FIRED upon and in this case I let his jabs go by twice before I fired back. > > Thridly, I still don’t see why I’m such an ass for stating this guy did nothing that warented him going to jail. I think some of you all are extrapolating more from that statement than you should. Good lord. You’re really suggesting that you can’t see the difference between calling someone an “ass” vs. calling them either a “child rapist” or “victim of childhood sexual abuse” (the jury is still out on that one as far as I’m concerned). That’s pretty weak. ---
**Author:** ![Lynn\_Bodoni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47c2d/32.png) [@Lynn\_Bodoni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynn_Bodoni)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2004, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-scratched-the-hell-out-of-an-suvs-paint-job-about-two-hours-ago/225331/87 "2004-01-23T22:55:22Z")
> [@SHAKES](#): > > Oh and since we’re adding color to our posts now; Fuck you- you- donkydicksucking-ballsweat-licking- monky-vomit-smelling-“NO DADDY STOP! I TOLD YOU IT HURTS WHEN YOU PEE IN ME!”-sickoid-motherfucker. That is totally unacceptable and over the line. Do NOT post such extreme language again. Lynn For the Straight Dope ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2004, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-scratched-the-hell-out-of-an-suvs-paint-job-about-two-hours-ago/225331/88 "2004-01-23T22:55:54Z")
Oh God, **Larry**. He’s even worse than I thought. Will you accept an apology from me on his behalf, seeing as how we’re both members of the groups of humans who aren’t you, and you’re not likely to get an apology from him? He makes me wish I wasn’t a member of the group. Why couldn’t I be a marmoset? They never do shit like that. Daniel ---
**Author:** ![alice\_in\_wonderland](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alice_in_wonderland/32/176_2.png) [@alice\_in\_wonderland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alice_in_wonderland)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2004, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-scratched-the-hell-out-of-an-suvs-paint-job-about-two-hours-ago/225331/89 "2004-01-23T23:46:37Z")
> [@Left Hand of Dorkness](#): > > He makes me wish I wasn’t a member of the group. Why couldn’t I be a marmoset? They never do shit like that. > > Daniel Bonobos are usually above that sort of behaviour as well. ---
**Author:** ![World\_Eater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@World\_Eater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/World_Eater)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2004, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-scratched-the-hell-out-of-an-suvs-paint-job-about-two-hours-ago/225331/90 "2004-01-24T00:11:03Z")
Boy, I’m glad I got out of this thread. **Shakes** , take a walk around the block a few times, cool off man. ---
**Author:** ![Tremmie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/5fc32e/32.png) [@Tremmie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tremmie)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2004, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-scratched-the-hell-out-of-an-suvs-paint-job-about-two-hours-ago/225331/91 "2004-01-24T00:44:56Z")
Hate to agree with someone acting like such a total asshole, but SHAKES does have a point. > [@](#): > > The SUV slammed on the breaks and didn’t actually hit us Did you all read that part? almost hitting someone is not an accident. I’m not saying it was the old ladies fault that a SUV almost backed into her, but it sure ain’t the drivers fault that she slipped on ice and fell. Almost causing an accident is no reason to get arrested, losing your lisence, or any of the other retarded sugestions people where throwing around. At most the guy deserved getting flipped off, but thats it. Hell having the shit scratched out of your car is way more than enough punishment. Get a grip people, its terribly sad that an old lady slipped and fell, and thankfully shes ok, but that could have happened just as easily without the SUV being involved. THE GUY DIDN’T HIT ANYONE. ---
**Author:** ![EddyTeddyFreddy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eddyteddyfreddy/32/18796_2.png) [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2004, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-scratched-the-hell-out-of-an-suvs-paint-job-about-two-hours-ago/225331/92 "2004-01-24T01:12:48Z")
**Tremmie** , did you miss this part in the OP? > [@](#): > > We were squarely behind the car in slot #2 when it suddenly started backing into us. > I yelled “stop” as loudly as I could, and lashed out with my right arm – the idea being to thump on the back of the car to get the attention of the oblivious idiot who clearly hadn’t bothered to look in the mirrors before backing up. Meanwhile my neighbor was scared and tried to hurry, which resulted in her ‘good’ leg sliding on a bit of ice and she fell to the ground, pulling me with her. The 87-year-old woman wouldn’t have been panicked into trying to hurry; she wouldn’t have slipped on the ice; she wouldn’t have pulled down the OP; if the jerk hadn’t suddenly begun backing into them. That he stopped just shy of running over the two people he’d caused to fall doesn’t change that. ---
**Author:** ![Ilsa\_Lund](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/a6a055/32.png) [@Ilsa\_Lund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ilsa_Lund)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2004, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-scratched-the-hell-out-of-an-suvs-paint-job-about-two-hours-ago/225331/93 "2004-01-24T01:39:47Z")
> [@Larry Mudd](#): > > Whatever, dude. > > So we’re even: You really _are_ an ass and a moron, and I really _was_ [molested by my (step)daddy](http://free.inkfrog.com/pix/larrymudd/ken_the_prick.jpg). > > The difference is, I got over it. Good luck with _your_ whole deal. Uh, **Larry** , what the fuck is that man? ---
**Author:** ![Rick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9f8e36/32.png) [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2004, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-scratched-the-hell-out-of-an-suvs-paint-job-about-two-hours-ago/225331/94 "2004-01-24T21:07:59Z")
> [@Tremmie](#): > > Hate to agree with someone acting like such a total asshole, but SHAKES does have a point. > > Did you all read that part? almost hitting someone is not an accident. I’m not saying it was the old ladies fault that a SUV almost backed into her, but it sure ain’t the drivers fault that she slipped on ice and fell. Almost causing an accident is no reason to get arrested, losing your lisence, or any of the other retarded sugestions people where throwing around. At most the guy deserved getting flipped off, but thats it. Hell having the shit scratched out of your car is way more than enough punishment. Get a grip people, its terribly sad that an old lady slipped and fell, and thankfully shes ok, but that could have happened just as easily without the SUV being involved. THE GUY DIDN’T HIT ANYONE. It is not necessary to hit someone to be guilty of Reckless driving. Did you see what I posted above? > [@](#): > > As far as the reckless charge goes, as was explained to me by a very nice CHP officer many years ago, if your reckless driving causes an accident even though you were not involved you can be charged with reckless driving. If someone was injured in said accident then the charge becomes a felony. So causing an 85 year old lady to fall down trying to avoid be run over by your car would seen to qualify under the way the law was explained to me. Or perhaps this from the State of Virgina might explain it (from **Larry Mudd** ’s link) > [@](#): > > § 46.2-864. Reckless driving on parking lots, etc. > A person shall be guilty of reckless driving who operates any motor vehicle at a speed or in a manner so as to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person: > > 1. On any driveway or premises of a church, school, recreational facility, or business property open to the public; or > 2. On the premises of any industrial establishment providing parking space for customers, patrons, or employees; or > 3. On any highway under construction or not yet open to the public. You will note that no where in the statute does it mention contact with a person/other vehicle as a requirement for reckless driving. Driving 100 miles per hour through a school zone would get you a reckless arrest even if you didn’t hit any kids. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/9fc348/32.png) [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2004, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-scratched-the-hell-out-of-an-suvs-paint-job-about-two-hours-ago/225331/95 "2004-01-24T22:40:31Z")
I have a question. How far did the vehicle actually move? My general procedure when backing up in a situation like that is to put the transmission in reverse, back off on the brake for a split second to ensure that I’m actually in reverse and then do a thorough look around. The vehicle usually moves a couple of inches, and it is impossible to harm anyone unless they overreact. Not saying that happened here but I think this point worth exploring. Secondly, I don’t trust anyone in a vehicle. I look for occupants in parked vehicles who may swing open their door as I bicycle or drive by. I make eye contact with a driver if I walk in front of his vehicle. I would never ever walk directly behind an occupied running vehicle unless I had previous eye contact. Sorry, but that is just plain foolish, and I’m sure the OP will never ever do that again. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-just-scratched-the-hell-out-of-an-suvs-paint-job-about-two-hours-ago/225331.md?page=4)