Overview of a frightening Christmas road rage incident
A Bay of Plenty family was targeted in a dangerous road rage incident on Christmas Day, pushing a routine trip into a terrifying ordeal. A mother, who asked to be identified only by her first name, described being pursued for five kilometres and repeatedly rammed by another driver. The attack left her vehicle undriveable and her children terrified for their safety.
What happened during the five-kilometre pursuit
According to the mother, the other driver began tailing her vehicle on a local stretch of road around midday. What started as a heated exchange quickly escalated as the driver attempted to force the family off the road. The pursuit span several minutes and covered roughly five kilometres, with the aggressor repeatedly colliding with the family’s car, rendering it unable to continue on its own power.
Witnesses in the area described a chaotic scene, with the pursued vehicle making evasive moves while trying to reach a safer area. The targeted family, including young children, reported enduring fear and confusion as the other driver continued to ram and harass them. The episode finally ended when the rammed car veered into a location where authorities could intervene or the vehicle could be stopped safely.
Impact on the family and ensuing concerns
The most immediate consequence was the physical damage to the family car, which became undriveable after multiple impacts. Beyond the vehicle, the emotional impact was significant: the children were understandably terrified, and the mother described a pervasive sense of vulnerability that can linger long after such an incident.
Community members expressed concern about road safety on busy holiday periods, when drivers may be more stressed or distracted. Local officials reminded drivers that road rage endangers everyone on the road and urged people to report aggressive driving or threatening behaviour to authorities immediately.
What authorities say and what comes next
Police investigations typically begin with gathering dash-cam or witness statements, reviewing traffic camera footage where available, and assessing any injuries or property damage. In cases like this, authorities stress the importance of documenting details such as registration numbers, a description of the aggressor’s vehicle, and the sequence of events.
While the immediate danger has passed for the family involved, the broader message is clear: Christmas Day should be about celebration and safety, not confrontation on the roads. Law enforcement agencies in the Bay of Plenty region have urged anyone who witnessed the incident or who has information to come forward and assist the inquiry.
Tips for staying safe on holiday road trips
- Keep a calm distance from aggressive drivers and avoid escalating confrontations.
- If you feel threatened, seek a safe location, call emergency services, and document what you can.
- Limit distractions while driving—especially when children are in the car—and plan routes with regular breaks.
- Report dangerous driving as soon as it is safe to do so, providing as many details as possible.
- Talk to your children after such events to reassure them and reassess seating and safety gear if needed.
This incident underscores the importance of road safety and the impact of road rage on families. While the road should be a place of caution and responsibility, it also serves as a reminder to all drivers to remain calm, patient, and respectful, especially during holidays when stress levels can be high.
