Imagine driving down the highway, glancing over at the car next to you and seeing the driver texting, turned around or driving with their knees. Even with laws in place to protect against distracted driving, many people continue to do so without thinking twice about the potential consequences.
If you spot a distracted driver, there are several steps you can take to maintain your safety. Do the following:
- Keep your distance: The closer you drive to this person, the greater chance there is that they’ll cause an accident. Even if it means slowing down considerably, it’s better than taking a risk with your safety.
- Don’t take matters into your own hands: As a defensive driver, you understand that it’s a big no-no to engage other drivers. Don’t beep, scream or attempt to tell the person what they are doing wrong. This can result in a road rage incident.
- Call 911: Depending on the circumstances, you may want to call 911 so that a local officer can be dispatched to the area. For instance, if the person clips another vehicle as a result of their distraction, you should call to report it.
Even though you do your best to spot distracted drivers so you can avoid trouble, you can’t expect yourself to always do so.
If a distracted driver makes a mistake that causes an accident, you should definitely call 911 to report the incident and request help. With a police report and knowledge of your legal rights, you can file an insurance claim and take other steps to obtain compensation for your damages.
