What is dangerous driving?
Many driving behaviors are considered dangerous. These include driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, speeding, driving in an unsafe vehicle, ignoring road signs, or driving in any way that’s deemed ‘reckless’. After it was revealed that 2021 was one of the worst on record for fatal road collisions, a spokesman for the Department of Transportation stated that the figures indicated that speeding and reckless driving played a role in these accidents and subsequent deaths.
The risks
The founder of Mothers Against Drunk Driving sadly is a prime example of why dangerous driving needs to be stamped out. Candace Lightner’s 13-year-old daughter was fatally injured by a drunk driver in Fair Oaks, California. Drunk driving is particularly a problem in Austin, Texas as road users are more likely to die in a drunk-driving accident on the I-35 in Austin than on the deadliest road in Texas (I-20). It’s common for a car accident attorney to get involved in these local accidents as serious injuries are usually sustained. These can include fractures, spinal injuries, internal bleeding, and loss of limbs. Compensation is often awarded to individuals who are harmed by a dangerous driver.
Speaking up
Lightner states that the main reason why people don’t speak up when they’re in a vehicle with a dangerous driver is because they don’t know how to deal with the situation. But there are signs that teens, in particular, are doing the right thing. A study from Liberty Mutual Group found 60% of teenagers had asked they’re parents to stop driving in a dangerous way. If you’re in a car with a dangerous driver, you need to speak to them and encourage them to drive safely or pull over. If they refuse, ask to get out of the vehicle, so you’re safe. When you know someone is unfit to drive, don’t get in the car with them and try to persuade them to hand their keys over to you.
Dangerous drivers put so many people at risk, so it’s important they are stopped. It can be daunting for, but it could mean the difference between life and death.
