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Road Rage
In the late 1980's, drivers in the U. S. , apparently frustrated by growing congestion on the highways, began fighting each other on a regular basis. The press termed this "Road Rage". "Road Rage" is any display of aggression by a driver, such as blowing the horn, yelling, obscene gestures, etc., but it is most usually used to describe extreme acts of aggression, including physical assault. There are thousands of incidents of "Road Rage" in the U.S. every year, hundreds resulting in death.
In some cases, "Road Rage" is the result of misunderstandings between drivers: signaling right and turning left, inattention, following too closely, etc. Often, the cause extends far beyond the incident itself. The angry driver may have had a bad day at work or has pressing personal problems.
Because there is no way to know the mental state of other drivers, here are a few tips that may help you avoid becoming a victim of "Road Rage":
Don't block the passing lane. Stay to the right except to pass. If someone wants to pass, let them.
Don't tailgate. Failing to maintain a safe distance between vehicles is a major cause of "Road Rage".
Use turn signals correctly. Make sure you don't cut someone off when you turn. Be sure your turn signal is off after you turn.
Never make obscene gestures. Raising a middle finger to another driver has resulted in people being shot, stabbed or beaten in every state.
Use your horn only when necessary. Scores of shootings began with a driver honking the horn.
Don't block the turning lane at a traffic light where making a right turn on red is allowed.
Don't take up more than one parking space and don't park in a handicapped parking space if you are not handicapped. Look before backing up and don't allow your door to hit an adjacent car.
Keep your headlights on low beam when driving in traffic. Make sure your headlights are not blinding other drivers.
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Unauthorized Bank Debits
VT Attorney General's Consumer Fraud Alert Calendar
Did you know that a stranger can take money out of your bank account using just your name and the numbers at the bottom of your checks?
It's true. Anyone who has that information can print up an unsigned check (a "demand draft"), or make an electronic funds transfer, that will result in hundreds of dollars or more being taken out of ("debited from") your bank account, without your consent or knowledge!
How can a stranger obtain your bank account information? You might be asked to read the numbers from your check to a telemarketer who says he just wants to "verify" your identity. Or you might innocently send a check-- with those same numbers-- to a company that mailed you a contest entry form. Either way, once the numbers are known, your account is at risk.
The solution is easy. First, guard your financial information closely. Second, review your bank statement carefully each month to ensure that you've authorized all of the checks and electronic bank transfers. If you find a charge that is not yours, go to your bank and ask for your account to be refunded.
The adult daughter of an elderly Vermont consumer learned that her mother's bank account had been charged for $398 without her mother's consent. The daughter contacted the VT Attorney General's office, which investigated. Other unauthorized debits and telemarketing fraud were uncovered, and the company that processed the bank charges agreed to pay refunds to any consumer who requested one, as well as to strictly screen charges in the future.
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News from the Suite Notes
Damaris Tyler, Director of the Suite Notes, our recorder group, has taken a year-long leave of absence. While she is away, Jennifer Yocom of Thetford will be the interim Director. We are very glad that the group has decided to continue and look forward to their next concert, which is scheduled for October 19th.
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