Dangerous Motorists and Tips to Stay Safe Around Them

Some motorists engage in more dangerous behaviors than others. Some of the dangerous behaviors are intentional, while others are unintentional. However, dangerous behaviors increase the risk of a crash, whether intentional or not. Below is an overview of such dangerous drivers and what you can do to stay safe around them.

Dangerous driving comes in various forms. Dangerous drivers can trigger different types of accidents. For example, dangerous drivers can force you off the road, crash into you, or lose control of their cars. Below are dangerous drivers to be aware of on the road.

An impaired driver has chemicals in their system that affects their ability to drive safely. For example, alcohol, prescription drugs, and hard drugs can:



• Impair a driver's vision
• Affect a driver's reaction time
• Interfere with a driver's hand-eye coordination

For example, an intoxicated driver might misjudge an oncoming car's speed and change lanes when it's dangerous to do so.

Driving distractions come in different forms. The distractions can be intentional or unintentional. Common examples include:



• Using the phone
• Playing with kids or pets
• Thinking about non-driving activities
• Eating
• Focusing on roadside activities

Driving distractions prevent motorists from focusing on the road or identifying dangers. For example, a distracted driver can drift out of their lane onto yours, hit a stalled car, or drive into a pothole.

Some drivers get angry and impatient if they don't get their way on the road. Some take it a step further and respond with aggression or violence. For example, an impatient driver might run you off the road if they feel you cut in front of them. Such a driver might cause you to lose control of your car, crash into you, or even force you to crash into other road users.

Teenage drivers are involved in more accidents than they should be if you consider their numbers on the road. The risk increases even further for male and recently licensed teenage drivers. The presence of teenage passengers also increases the risk. The enhanced risk makes sense due to teenage drivers' inexperience and risk inclination.

Safe driving requires gentle and deliberate movements. For example, drivers should accelerate, decelerate, change lanes, and execute turns gradually. However, a dangerous driver might overtake you only to slam the brakes, cut in front of you, and force you to brake or accelerate fast.

Every motorist has a role to play in road safety measures. The tips below may help you avoid dangerous situations.

Some dangerous drivers engage in criminal acts. For example, impaired driving is a criminal offense. Pull off the road to a safe place and inform the authorities if you suspect an intoxicated driver. That way, you get to protect yourself, the intoxicated driver, and other road users.

Keep away from dangerous drivers as much as possible. For example, you can change lanes if you notice another driver tailgating you. You can even slow down and let them overtake you. The idea is to leave a safe distance between you and the dangerous driver so that their mishaps don't affect you.

Some drivers engage in dangerous practices without knowing it. For example, a distracted driver might tailgate you without knowing. Alert such drivers, for example, by tapping lightly on your brakes.



You might get into a crash with a dangerous driver despite your best efforts to avoid them. Resist the temptation to confront such drivers because you might only escalate matters. Instead, handle the accident just like any other — preserve evidence and contact Borbi, Clancy & Patrizi, LLC. We will help you pursue the auto accident compensation you deserve.