Reckless and Careless Driving
You can't control what anyone else is going to be doing on the road. But you can control what YOU are doing. Whatever type of driver you encounter on the roads, be prepared for them. Do not engage them but rather prioritize your safety and that of your passengers so that you arrive at your destination safely and alive.
Defensive Driving Strategies
Check out these best practices to protect yourself and your family from reckless drivers.
- Look far ahead for any signs of abnormal activities, lights, dust clouds, etc.
- Switch lanes. Get some space between you and the other driver.
- If you have a passenger, have them call the police to report the other driver.
- If the other driver is in a company or government car, get the other vehicle's information and report it to the employer.
- Be cautious when crossing an intersection. Wait three seconds after the light turns green. Never assume your right-of-way. Look to the left first, then to the right, and ahead of you, twice, before moving off.
- Never keep pace with a speeder, and let them pass if they are tailgating you.
- Increase your following distance if you are behind a reckless driver. If they crash, you will come up on them very quickly and possibly crash into them. A large distance between you and a reckless driver will give you time to react should the other driver not signal their intentions.
- If a reckless driver is acting aggressive, never meet the aggression with aggression. That will only escalate a bad situation.
- If you see reckless driving ahead, you may want to consider pulling off the road into a parking lot or, if on a highway, taking the next exit.
- Always be on the lookout for reckless drivers, especially on-coming traffic.
Real-Life Accidents
At 3:35 a.m. on June 18, 2021, an employee signed a load manifest for a recently delivered load of asphalt. The employee stood outside the lane enclosure area when a passing motor vehicle, traveling at a high rate of speed, struck the employee. The employee was killed by unspecified, multiple injuries associated with being run over by a motor vehicle.
At 8:03 p.m. on October 3, 2021, an employee was crossing a highway that runs between the hospital and associated medical buildings when he was struck by a passenger vehicle. A passing ambulance stopped at scene and transported the employee to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival from multiple blunt force trauma injuries.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-3. Which of the following is a good defensive practice before crossing an intersection after the light turns green?
You forgot to answer the question!