My wife is very honky. She uses it way too much, always honking at someone. With the way people are nowadays I don’t horn at anyone anymore unless it’s absolutely necessary.
I was about 17 heading home after dropping off my girlfriend (now wife) at about 1am on a Thursday. Behind this newer tinted out Accord at a red light, turns green and they sit, so a gave a quick beep, nothing so I honk again and they finally go. They drove REALLY slow until the road split from a two lane to four. I passed it immediately and on my way by noticed it was full of “gangsta” looking guys. Well they started following me, every turn. Thinking of my good buddy who wound up in the hospital from the same types just a few months back riding his high end bike home at night had me really worried. No cell phone back then to phone the police. I was driving the family 92 Aerostar minivan and that new Accord had me out powered.
I lead them out of town (we’re on the western edge of Calgary) down this familiar country road I knew well, this road went down a good size hill and went from paved to gravel on the uphill. They were right behind me when I hit that gravel, I immediately cut the headlights (the DRL’s came on) and I just kept my foot in it. Not sure if they left the road or what but they quickly faded away. I knew this trick would work because just a few weeks prior my pals and I had a race down that exact road, Chevy Citation V6 4sp VS Ford Mustang 2.3’ 4sp, I was in the mustang that was losing to the Chevy, when that Chevy hit the gravel we were completely blinded by the dust. My friend driving launched that mustang right off the road into the ditch. We came away unharmed, but the mustang got some fancy barbed wire pin striping, a busted windshield, and some decent dents in the rockers.
I’ve honestly never been so scared in my life, I knew these guys were nothing but trouble and heard many stories of their violent ways. Was so happy to get that Aerostar back in the garage that night. Remember thinking I should’ve just drove to the police station and sat outside honking, but whatever. I’m still very cautious at honking at anyone.