Driving defensively is critical to staying safe when sharing the road with other travelers. This is because, most of the time, the greatest threat to your safety isn’t your actions behind the wheel—it’s the behavior of other drivers.
Reckless driving has soared in recent years and Connecticut is seeing the negative effects of this. Reckless driving can lead to devastating accidents and is now leading to increased car insurance premiums and concerned business owners on busier streets across the state. Recognizing the signs of a reckless driver can help you take preventive measures should you encounter one.
Excessive speeding
One telltale sign of reckless driving that you should not overlook is excessive speeding. While many drivers exceed speed limits slightly, reckless drivers often disregard speed limits entirely, driving at dangerously high speeds. This can make them unpredictable, especially if they weave through traffic at a high velocity.
If you notice a driver speeding significantly faster than the flow of traffic, it’s important to keep your distance. Stay out of their lane if possible, and if they’re tailgating you, move over and allow them to pass. Trying to keep up with a speeding driver or challenging them can result in a collision. Letting them go ahead of you is the safer option.
Frequent and sudden lane changes
Another group of drivers to keep your distance from is the kind that makes frequent and sudden lane changes without signaling. Drivers who weave in and out of lanes, often at high speeds, can create a hazardous environment and get you involved in an accident. This behavior greatly increases the risk of a side-swipe or rear-end collision. If you observe a driver making erratic lane changes, increase your following distance or safely change lanes to distance yourself from them.
Aggressive driving and tailgating
Aggressive driving can manifest in various ways, including:
- Following the leading vehicle too closely (Tailgating)
- Excessive honking to get people’s attention
- Dangerous passing maneuvers to get ahead of traffic
Tailgating, in particular, puts you at risk because you have less time to react if the driver in front of you stops suddenly. If an aggressive driver is trying to pressure you into moving faster or switching lanes, resist the urge to speed up. Instead, calmly and safely change lanes, when possible, to allow them to pass.
Suppose you end up in a collision due to an aggressive driver’s behavior; you may wonder how to pay for your out-of-pocket medical expenses. With appropriate legal guidance, you can pursue compensation for your injuries from the at-fault party.
