The road can be a scary and dangerous place when a driver isn’t following the normal rules of the road. Aggressive or driving erratically can lead to thousands of injury crashes every year. Some studies have shown that over 60 percent of all traffic accident deaths are caused by aggressive driving with male drivers between the ages of 19-39 at highest risk for this behavior.
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident caused by an erratic or aggressive driver, you have a right to a fair car accident settlement that compensates you for your losses and injuries. Contact a local car accident lawyer for a free consultation.
What is erratic driving?
Erratic driving behaviors, such as those exhibited by a driver in Bellingham, Washington last month, refer to unusual or unpredictable actions taken by a driver that can potentially endanger themselves and others on the road. These behaviors can vary in severity and may include:
- Excessive speeding
- Abrupt lane changes
- Tailgating
- Cutting off other drivers
- Swerving
- Ignoring traffic signs and signals
- Driving through barricades
- Driving into oncoming traffic on the wrong side of the road
- Drifting or straddling lanes
- Frequent or erratic braking or accelerating
- Excessive honking
- Engaging in road rage incidents
It is important to note that witnessing one or more of these behaviors does not necessarily mean the driver is impaired or intentionally reckless. However, if you observe any of these erratic driving behaviors, there are some things you can do to keep yourself and others safe.
What to do if You See a Car Driving Erratically
If you see a car driving erratically or into oncoming traffic, it is important to prioritize your safety and the safety of others on the road. Here’s what you can do:
- Maintain a safe distance. Keep a safe distance from the erratic driver, ensuring that there is enough space between your vehicle and theirs to avoid a collision.
- Do not engage or provoke. Avoid any actions that might aggravate the situation further. Do not honk excessively, flash your lights, or try to confront the driver.
- Alert the authorities. Call emergency services or the police immediately to report the situation. Provide them with accurate details about the location, description of the car, and its behavior.
- Stay calm and focused. It’s essential to remain calm and focused while observing the situation. Avoid distractions and concentrate on your driving, ensuring you’re ready to react if necessary.
- Follow traffic laws. Observe traffic laws and signals yourself to minimize the risk of a collision. Be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions.
- Warn other drivers. If it is safe to do so, you can try to warn other drivers about the erratic car by using your hazard lights or honking briefly. Be cautious while doing this to avoid causing confusion or panic among other drivers.
Remember, your safety should always come first. Leave it to the authorities to handle the situation and do not try to intervene or chase the vehicle yourself. If you are hit by an erratic driver, pull over and call the police. The erratic driver may be issued a ticket for a traffic violation, and this ticket, along with a police report of the accident will be helpful when insurance companies are determining who is at fault for the accident.
Seek the help of a car accident lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in a collision because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced car accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
