The best way to avoid an accident is to be a defensive driver. But that’s easier said than done. After all, it’s hard to know what to lookout for, especially when other drivers act in erratic and unpredictable ways. But defensive driving isn’t something that’s always instinctual. Most drivers have to learn what hazards to watch out for, and defensive driving skills can develop over time through thoughtful implementation and practice.
But if you don’t know where to start, you’re in the right place. In this post, we want to give you some telltale signs of reckless driving so that you can quickly spot them and act to avoid these dangerous drivers. We’ll also give some suggestions for what you can do to keep yourself safe out on the road.
Signs of a reckless driver
There are several indications that a driver is acting recklessly. You need to be able to spot these signs quickly to keep yourself safe. Here are some indicators that you should be on the lookout for while you’re out on the road:
- Weaving through traffic: A lot of reckless individuals drive too quickly, weaving in and out of lanes without signaling. As a result, a lot of these drivers fail to properly check their mirrors and take into account how traffic around them may maneuver. This increases the risk that they’ll slam into another vehicle. If you see someone driving like this, keep your distance.
- Tailgating: Another telltale sign of reckless driving is tailgating. When a driver follows too closely behind you, they put themselves in a position where they won’t be able to slow down and safely stop if you hit the brakes. In these circumstances, simply change lanes or pull over to allow the reckless driver to pass.
- Driving while distracted: Despite public safety initiatives and tougher laws, many drivers still text and drive and engage in other distracted driving behaviors. This takes their eyes off the road and reduces their ability to appropriately react to changed circumstances. If you see someone using their phone or otherwise engaging in distracting behavior, do your best to get away from them.
- Excessively braking: Hitting the brakes frequently is often a sign of tailgating, but it can also be a sign of inattention. If you see another driver hitting the brakes frequently, be sure to give yourself plenty of distance, especially if you’re following behind them. By increasing the space between your vehicle and theirs, you can reduce the risk of being involved in a rear-end collision.
- Speeding: Speeding is one of the most dangerous driving behaviors one can engage in while driving. Those who speed are oftentimes unable to appropriately react, thereby disallowing them from safely maneuvering their vehicle around traffic hazards. This can be the catalyst for a multi-vehicle accident, and the speed involved can increase the severity of the harm suffered in one of these wrecks. If you see a speeding driver headed your way, move over and let them pass to protect yourself.
What should you do after being injured in a car accident?
If you wind up injured in an accident involving a reckless driver, then you should consider taking legal action in an attempt to make yourself whole again. After all, the harm caused to you can be physical, emotional, psychological and financial in nature, and it can be quite severe. So, start thinking about what evidence you can use to build a persuasive personal injury case that position you to recover the compensation you need and secure the accountability you deserve.