Over half of all traffic fatalities are caused by aggressive drivers. On top of that, many people commit road rage at some point in their lives. As a responsible driver, it’s your job to keep an eye out for any driver negligence that can endanger you and your passengers.
Knowing what a negligent driver looks like will not only keep you safe, but it’ll help when determining liability after an accident. You want to be the one completely in the right, after all.
Here’s what makes for a negligent driver and how to spot one on the road.
What Makes Someone a Negligent Driver?
A negligent driver is someone that fails to drive responsibly and cautiously. They’re one of the top causes of car accidents, and they can be held at fault in certain states.
Some of the reasons people may drive poorly include:
- Texting or talking on the phone while driving
- Constantly checking their GPS
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Driving while angry or crying
- Not wearing their eyeglasses or contacts
- Lack of sleep
To identify one on the road, first look at the condition of their vehicle. Reckless drivers will often continue using a vehicle long after it has sustained too much damage. However, it’s much more important to look at their overall driving behavior.
Negligent Driver Behavior
A negligent driver may drive too fast on certain roads or weave in and out of traffic. They’ll have their phone in their hands even when driving on a busy road. Tailgating is another of the many irresponsible driving habits that can easily lead to different types of car accidents.
It’s your duty as a responsible driver to keep your distance from these negligent drivers. You never know when they’ll make some mistake and cause a major collision. Better that they only injure themselves rather than the people around them.
Determining Liability
So how do you determine fault after an accident? It doesn’t seem easy to prove that someone was driving while angry or looking at their phone. However, there are some telling factors.
For example, you can prove that someone was driving while intoxicated with various tests. Intentionally driving in that state of mind is considered driving recklessly.
In addition, the other vehicle may have been going well over the speed limit. You can often tell who was at fault in this case by looking at how each vehicle was damaged.
And of course, street cameras are ample proof of driver negligence.
Stay Safe on the Road
A negligent driver is dangerous to everyone on the road, but you can’t control their actions. The only thing you can control is yourself, so it’s best to identify dangerous drivers and steer clear of them. It’s also important to know the signs if you pursue a car accident lawsuit.
McDonald Worley specializes in personal injury, motor accidents, civil litigation, and more. We have offices across the country, such as in Las Vegas, Houston, and NYC. Contact us to learn more and see if we’re available near you.