Signs of Reckless Drivers

Reckless driving kills thousands of people every year. Knowing how to spot the signs of this dangerous behavior can help all drivers avoid these fatal accidents.

Reckless driving is one of the most dangerous driving behaviors in which a person can engage. It kills thousands of people every year. Even when a person survives an accident that involved reckless driving, he or she likely suffered serious injuries. Although these accident victims can claim compensation for their injuries, the best-case scenario is to never be involved in this type of accident at all. Learning the signs of reckless driving can help you avoid these types of crashes altogether and keep you safer on the roads.

Distracted Driving

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving killed 3,166 people in 2017 alone. The agency defines distracted driving as any behavior that takes a person’s focus off the roads. Texting and using a phone are the main forms of distracted driving. However, people eating, grooming, or turning around to talk to passengers in the car are all considered distracted drivers, as well.

Distracted driving is sometimes hard to spot. When you do see another driver eating, texting, or otherwise not paying attention to the road, try to keep a safe distance from them. If you must pass them, do so quickly but carefully and remain prepared to move over safely, in case they veer from their lane.

Excessive Speeding

Driving at excessive speeds is a form of reckless driving. You may see someone pulling up behind you quickly on a highway or notice them passing several cars at one time ahead of you. Speeding like this is extremely dangerous. Drivers do not have enough time to react safely when they are traveling at excessive speeds, and the force of that speed will certainly increase the severity of injuries if the driver is in an accident.

The best thing to do when someone is speeding at such alarming rates is to pull over and allow them through. Pulling over keeps you out of harm’s way if the driver is behind you. You can proceed safely once they have passed. If the driver is in front of you, continue driving behind them, giving them plenty of space.

Tailgating

Tailgating occurs when one driver follows another vehicle too closely. This is extremely dangerous. If the driver in front slams on the brakes, the driver behind will not have time to stop. They will crash into the car in front of them, and serious injuries can result.

When a driver tailgates, they generally want to pass your vehicle. If you can, change lanes to allow them to do so. If you cannot change lanes, pull over if it is safe to do so. They will pass, and then you can safely proceed. If you cannot do either of these things, slow down, allowing them to pass you. Do not slam on the brakes, and do not allow the other driver to provoke you into driving aggressively.

Ignoring Traffic Rules

Stop signs, traffic lights, and other road signs are there for a reason. They direct traffic and help keep people safe. When they are ignored by drivers, the results are catastrophic. If you see someone ignoring stop signs or other traffic rules, pull over to stay out of their way. If you have a phone on you, call law enforcement so they can pull the driver over before they hurt someone.

Hurt by a Reckless Driver? Call Our Tennessee Accident Lawyers

Reckless driving is extremely dangerous and drivers engaging in the behavior can be held liable for any injuries they cause. If you have been hurt by a careless or reckless driver, contact our Manchester car accident attorneys at Burch, Morrison, & Stewart. We hold at-fault drivers and their insurance companies accountable for paying you the compensation you need to help with your injuries. Call us today at (931) 954-1066 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.