How To Report Dangerous Driving?

The situation on the road can get quite hectic due to congestion, multiple lanes on the road, and various other small things like work, important meetings, and emergencies. It tends to result in extremely dangerous driving, with some drivers ignoring traffic regulations and putting other motorists in danger.

So, if you want to be a good samaritan or a responsible citizen, it’s a good idea to report such a driver, and this article can outline the whole process. 

How To Spot A Reckless Driver

Reckless driving is a significant cause of accidents worldwide. There are various ways to determine if someone is dangerous to others on the road. Some quick signs to detect reckless road behaviors are:

• Road rage. If the driver repeatedly honks while getting close to vehicles, shouts at other motorists, and disregards traffic laws, it’s a sure sign of road rage, and you should call the police.
• Driving without headlights. Driving without headlights, especially during nighttime, can lead to severe accidents, as it would be impossible to spot the car in the dark. 
• Abrupt stoppage. Drivers that stop haphazardly and disrupt the traffic could also be reported.
• Speeding. If you see someone speeding beyond the speed limit or driving too slow to disrupt the rest of the traffic, you should report the incident. 
• Weaving. If you see someone struggling to stay in their lane, the driver may be under the influence of alcohol or other substances, so it’s a good idea to report.
• Slow response. Just as with weaving, drivers may react slowly if under the influence. So, if you feel a potential road accident is on the horizon, don’t hesitate to report it.

Reporting Dangerous Driving

To report dangerous driving, you must call 911 and provide as much information as possible. However, you must do so only if you feel that such driving behavior could lead to a road accident and the loss of someone’s life.

But before you do the reporting, keep these things in mind:

• Note down vehicle information and characteristics. You need to gather as much information about the car as possible: license plate number, window tint (if any), bumper stickers, and things like the number of passengers and driver description. If you have a dashcam, you could also provide a video to the police. However, you must ensure that it’s safe to report all this information, as you can’t concentrate on the conversation with the police and driving. 
• Avoid following the car or tailgating. The driver may be unwell and under the influence of alcohol or other substances if he’s driving recklessly. So, if you notice such behavior, please make sure not to follow the car or come in its way. Ensure you are safe first and are in no immediate danger by pulling over to the road shoulder and only then giving the police a call. 
• Report the incident from home. You can file a report against the vehicle on the national database if you remember the license plate. You can lodge your complaint on apps like Bad Driver or even report this person to the DMV if you think they are a reckless driver. But be aware you will probably have to fill out a form for this. 
• Report a government vehicle. If you catch a government vehicle engaging in dangerous driving, you can also report it. However, to do so, you need to be able to recognize government vehicles with ease. In the US, any license plate number beginning with G belongs to the government. To report this reckless driver, you can send an email to [email protected]. 

Summary

Reporting dangerous driving is straightforward: you call 911, reach a police officer, and provide a thorough description of the car and the driver. The more details you provide, the higher the chance the vehicle will be found, and the motorist will be punished accordingly. 

However, as it’s doubly important to be safe when reporting, try to park on a shoulder on the road and don’t attempt to follow or tailgate the vehicle. It’s to try your best to remember the details and report from the safety of your house. After all, you don’t want to follow the example of the reckless driver and cause a potential road hazard yourself. 

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