A disturbing video posted on YouTube earlier this week depicted a group of motorcyclists attacking Alexian Lien and his wife and two-year-old daughter, while driving their SUV on the West Side Highway this past weekend in New York City. The video is getting national exposure and prompting public concerns. Individuals have also been arrested as a result of their actions against the Lien family during the incident. The Liens were out celebrating their one year wedding anniversary when dozens of motorcyclists swarmed their car, after an altercation in which Lien appeared to inadvertently bump a biker’s tire who pulled in front of him and stopped short. The incident, which quickly escalated, was captured in a six and a half minute video. It portrays a series of events that resulted in multiple injuries to both Lien and the bikers, property damage and significant endangerment to the community.
Tactical Considerations:
Given the American public’s affinity with automobiles and love of driving, the incident has raised numerous concerns as well as questions about how to handle such situations. Below are tactical considerations provided by MSA Security’s subject matter experts that offer a strategic approach to cope with similar types of road rage scenarios:
- First, always ensure the car door is locked after getting into an automobile to prevent someone from opening the door unexpectedly.
- Adjust mirrors for maximum visibility and to enhance situational awareness. This will allow for better response time when reacting to a reckless speeding car or large group of motorcyclists.
- If possible, proceed to the right side of the street to allow reckless drivers to pass or exit the roadway to avoid altogether.
- If on the road and swarmed by aggressive drivers, attempt to remove yourself from the situation. If this fails, do not make any sudden unexpected moves. Continue in intended direction of travel at a safe rate of speed and indicate intentions by using turn signals.
- Avoid prolonged eye contact and the use of hand gestures. Use the horn sparingly, and only if necessary. Be mindful that these specific actions have a tendency to provoke or escalate the situation.
- If these evasive actions fail to remedy the situation and the individual(s) are still pursuing then do not stop the vehicle. Continue at a safe speed, but keep the vehicle moving. Take note of the current location and travel direction. If unknown, then take note of landmarks and road signs or other items of significance in the area.
- Notify 911, and request the assistance of law enforcement. Where you are is of overriding importance. As assistance cannot arrive without a location. Also, provide pertinent information about the situation, such as a personal description and vehicle type.
NOTE: Use the speaker function on a phone if available to maintain control of steering wheel. Set the phone down and just talk aloud providing the germane information to the dispatcher.
- Also provide information about the aggressor, such as a physical description. Of equal importance is the make, model, color and the license plate number of the reckless automobile or motorcycle.
- Request verbal assistance from the 911 operator for the location of the nearest police facility.
- If the roadway is unobstructed with traffic, continue on the roadway at a safe rate of speed traveling toward a police or public facility. NEVER attempt to drive home while involved in this type of situation, so the aggressor cannot use the information at a later date for further harm.
- While continuing to drive, activate parking/hazard lights, turn on headlights and flash between normal and high beam continuously. Also honk the horn in an attempt to draw attention so that someone else can notify 911 as well. Continue to provide updates to the 911 dispatcher about the present location and any other relevant changes in the situation.
- After law enforcement has arrived and rendered the situation safe, give a statement that articulates the reasons behind the 911 call and the actions taken.
NOTE: The 911 phone call was recorded, serving as a record of activity up to the point of law enforcement intervention, which is then supplemented by the personal statement to justify actions.
To watch the video on YouTube click here.