Erratic driving in Ohio takes many forms. There are erratic drivers who constantly veer from one side of the road to the middle. Others are distracted by texting, by their passengers’ activities or chatting or by fiddling with the dials on the dashboard. Some of them are impaired by alcohol or drugs. Maybe they are getting sleepy. Yet other erratic drivers might be having a sudden, uncontrollable medical crisis.
Whatever the cause of someone’s erratic driving, there is one overarching fact – these motorists create a dangerous situation for everyone else who is traveling near them.
You cannot alter their behavior. However, you can learn what to do to maintain your own and your passengers’ safety when you are operating your vehicle near them.
One step you can take is to report the other driver to law enforcement as soon as you can. Never confront the driver. Pull over to the side of the road or into a nearby parking lot and call police, providing as much information as you can about the other vehicle and its location or direction of travel.
How to literally steer clear of an erratic driver
Be informed about how to react in a safe manner long before you are in a hazardous situation with an erratic driver. Then, if you do find yourself in this predicament, you won’t have to guess what to do.
- Know the indications of a driver under the influence. They may be driving too sluggishly or excessively fast, continually moving from side to side or speeding, then going very slowly.
- Be a safe driver yourself. Rigorously observe the rules of the road at all times.
- Put as much distance as you can between your vehicle and theirs. Do it in the quickest way possible. You can pull over and let them go past you or just maintain plenty of room between them and you.
What if you are impacted by an erratic driver?
It could happen to you anytime or anywhere. If you are in a collision caused by an erratic motorist, know your rights.
