A road rage incident involving a suit-wearing motorist and a tractor driver occurred on a narrow country lane in Weston-super-Mare on Monday morning. The dispute, which lasted approximately ten minutes, began over which vehicle should reverse to allow the other to pass.
A video filmed by a bystander captured a man in a suit arguing with the tractor driver. The man reportedly climbed towards the tractor's driver's seat before descending and slamming the door. The tractor then attempted to drive away, with the motorist allegedly being dragged along.
The bystander, who asked to remain anonymous, stated that the car driver was uncooperative and refused to reverse into a lay-by, preventing the tractor from passing. She noted that reversing would have been difficult for the tractor due to its size and equipment, but claimed the car driver was not yielding.
According to the bystander, the motorist then turned his attention to her when she began filming. She alleged that he approached her car and pushed her phone into her face, causing it to fall. The man reportedly told the witness he was on his way back from his father's funeral.
After the bystander finished filming, she exchanged numbers with the tractor driver. She later learned from the tractor driver's family that the altercation allegedly continued after she left. The tractor driver reportedly claimed the motorist followed him, leading to a further altercation where the tractor driver was allegedly assaulted, suffering marks around his neck and scratches to his arm, though these claims have not been verified.
The bystander defended the tractor driver, stating she regularly uses the road and has not had prior issues with tractors. She emphasized that tractors require more space to maneuver and that drivers should be more respectful. She expressed concern, believing the tractor driver was younger than the motorist and worried about potential harm.
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed they are investigating the incident, which was reported as an assault. The force is appealing for witnesses to contact them online, by calling 101, or by visiting an inquiry office, referencing case number 5226235125.