One of the things that people can do to make the roads safer is to report dangerous or reckless drivers. You may see people who are weaving in and out of traffic, speeding recklessly or slamming on their brakes; These people are putting themselves and others at risk.
While you may want to report them, you might also not be sure when it’s appropriate. In most cases, if you see a vehicle moving oddly, it’s best to report it and to allow the police to stop the driver to check on them.
There are some specific instances that stand out as times when you should report a dangerous driver. These include:
- If a driver goes off the road and onto a rumble strip
- If a driver is speeding recklessly
- If a driver is weaving in and out of traffic
- If a driver is tailgating aggressively
- When a driver brake checks others
- If you see a driver falling asleep at the wheel
- If a driver is texting or performing other tasks behind the wheel
While people may be made to feel like this is “tattling” to call the police, the truth is that distracted driving puts everyone at risk — including the distracted driver! In some cases, a driver could be sick or suffering from a medical emergency, so calling 911 and having the police arrive may be the right choice and the best way to get them off the road.
If you see a dangerous or reckless driver, don’t be scared to let the police know. Your report could help save lives. If you end up injured by one, make sure that you understand your legal rights in the situation.
