Calls for tougher road rage laws after frightening chainsaw attack

There are calls for tougher laws on road rage attackers after a man pulled out a chainsaw during a brawl in Sydney on Tuesday.

Police have charged a man after dash-cam footage emerged of a shirtless man getting out of his car and running to punch another driver, before going back for a chainsaw.

Vision from Dash Cam Owners Australia’s Facebook page, shows a white jeep blocking traffic while trying to cross three lanes. Within moments, a shirtless man is seen sprinting down the road to confront the Jeep driver.

He then appeared to punch the man through the window before the two began brawling on the busy Fairfield road. A third man in high-vis joined the fight, which eventually ended with the shirtless man being pinned to the road by the other two men.

The attacker then walked back to his car, where he pulled out a chainsaw, however, the Jeep had already driven away.

“Officers from Fairfield City Police Area Command attended and commenced an investigation,” NSW police said.

“Following inquires, police arrested a 25-year-old man at Fairfield Police Station about 8.30pm yesterday (Wednesday 11 April 2018),” they added.

He was charged with affray, and being armed with intent to commit an indictable offence. The attacker was granted conditional bail and is due to appear at Fairfield Local Court on May 7.

The incident follows a horrific road rage attack on the Gold Coast in February that left a man fighting for his life, and raises the question: do we need to introduce tougher road rage laws?

Plenty of Aussies took to social media on Thursday, calling for something to be done.

One user wrote: “Weak laws Weak Country.”

https://twitter.com/Janetpage123/status/984176520968093696

While another added: “Why does the judicial system keep giving criminals excuses and reasons not to change their behaviour!”

https://twitter.com/Tom07343190/status/984239341001031681

A third wrote: “No guns in Australia, but still volumes more of mental health issues that need attention. Government bury their heads and police target parking violations … whilst non-profit organizations are strained.”

No guns in Australia, but still volumes more of mental health issues that need attention.

Government bury their heads and police target parking violations … whilst non-profit organizations are strained

— MaXi PaddX (@OppyNated) April 11, 2018

The Queensland Police Service told Starts at 60 if you ever feel threatened by the behaviour of another motorist, you should head for the nearest police station. “Distance yourself from the vehicle and drive to the nearest police station,” a QPS spokesman said. “You can also stop at a place that you feel safe, such as a well-lit area or an area with other people and keep yours doors locked and windows closed.”

If you have a passenger in the car with you who’s able to make a call, you can contact Policelink on 131 444 to report aggressive driving behaviour, or Triple Zero (000) if you feel the matter is life threatening.

What do you think? Do we need tougher road rage laws?