Dangerous driving is defined under traffic laws in the United States as driving that puts other road users at risk. The driver involved in dangerous driving violations is not following the traffic rules that have been provided by the state or the federal government.
It is worth understanding that careless driving falls under different categories in the country, attributed to the different traffic rules across the country. This means that fines are also likely to be significantly different.
Dangerous driving is a common aspect that is easily witnessed on American roads every other day. It has been highlighted as a leading cause of road accidents that is yet to be controlled by the concerned authorities. Some of the people who are likely to be involved in dangerous driving include:
- Inexperienced teenage drivers
- Racing drivers
- Drivers driving under the influence
- Driver running away from traffic police
Can I Report Dangerous Driving?
As a law-abiding citizen, you are obliged to report any person who is involved in dangerous driving. Such individuals can cause a severe road accident, and you could be injured in such situations. To protect yourself and other road users, you’re supposed to report it immediately so that the concerned authorities can neutralize the case before an accident happens.
However, studies show that most people are not bothered by dangerous driving on the road. The same research indicates that people are likely to report strangers who are driving dangerously rather than report their family members or friends who have been involved in careless driving. This is a dangerous trend and explains why it has been challenging to eliminate dangerous driving on the roads.
Reporting Dangerous Driving
If you notice that someone, regardless of relationship, is driving carelessly, reporting it to the police is the best cause of action. Some of the methods you can report dangerous driving are explained below.
Call 911
If you are on the roads and witness careless driving, calling 911 is the best course of action. Police are always on the roads looking for traffic offenders, and they will quickly neutralize the driver, thereby protecting the lives of many road users. You can also report the driver online and wait for the police to follow up on the matter and prosecute if necessary.
Use Dash Cam Footage
In the last two years, a considerable number of drivers have installed dashboard cameras, or dash cams, on their cars. This is an innovative method of reporting drivers who are driving dangerous.
The video recorded will be essential in court as it will be used as evidence. After recording the incident, you have to report it to the police and use the video to prove that an individual was carelessly driving.
What Constitutes Dangerous Driving?
Not every person understands what dangerous driving constitutes. As such, there have been situations where reporters have presented false, incriminating evidence. Reporting dangerous driving is a sensitive issue because you will be asked to be present in court.
Therefore, you need to understand the basics behind careless driving to avoid presenting false information. Some of the common aspects of dangerous driving include:
- Driving beyond the speed limit
- Missing traffic rights
- Missing road signs
- Using your mobile phone while driving
- Tailgating
Having Been Involved in a Dangerous Driving Accident?
Being quick to call a lawyer after a car accident increases the chances to receive compensation and other civil court damages. As such, the first thing you should do is to call your lawyer to the accident site to collect all the necessary information. With sufficient accident details, your lawyer will be in a position to present and sustain a comprehensive case leading to compensation.