Tips to spot reckless drivers

Defensive driving is one of the most reliable ways to protect ourselves while on the road. When thousands of people die in car accidents every day, we need to be sure we are doing everything in our power to stay safe. Preventing an accident is better than ever having to try and recover from one, and the best way to do that is by being able to identify a dangerous driver before they hit you. To help you stay safe, here are three common signs of a reckless driver:

Irregular speeds

When a driver allows themselves to be distracted behind the wheel, they may lose focus of how they are driving. One of the ways this can affect their driving is in their speed. When a driver is not paying attention, they may begin to slow down or speed up. When they notice the issue, they may overcorrect their mistake and cause an accident in the process.

Swerving

When a driver distracts themselves, they may go as far as taking their hands off the wheel. Drunk and distracted drivers have difficulties staying in their own lane and may drift into other lanes or off the road. This kind of reckless driving can quickly turn into an accident, so it is important to take these signs seriously.

Cell phone use

When a driver devotes their attention to answering a text, taking a call, or updating their GPS, it takes their eyes off the road. Even a few seconds of looking away from the road while driving is equivalent to driving blindfolded for hundreds of yards. If you see a driver on the road using their phone, there is a good chance they are not even aware of you.

Trust your instincts

If you see someone presenting these or any other signs of reckless driving, trust your instincts and keep your distance from them. Instead of speeding past them and risk startling them, allow a potentially dangerous driver to pull ahead of you so you can keep an eye on them from a safe distance.