Now that summer is in full swing, the people of Alberta have taken to the roads in search of adventure and fun in the sun. Unfortunately, the heightened summer traffic comes with an increase in aggressive and dangerous drivers sharing our roads. This inconsiderate bunch puts everyone at risk with their reckless actions by speeding, tailgating, refusing to yield, disobeying speed limits, and weaving in and out of traffic.
As personal injury lawyers, we here at Litco Law know that a huge percentage of accidents and injuries in Alberta are caused by unsafe driving – but what can any of us do to minimize the risk? Well, you may not be able to control how other people act, but what you can do is control how you react. In this post, we’ll be outlining 3 safety tips for protecting yourself and your family from dangerous drivers this summer.
1. Don’t stoop to their level.
While it may be tempting to lose your cool in the face of dangerous drivers, doing so can actually cause more harm than good. If you’re busy fuming about the person who cut you off, you’re more likely to make mistakes that in turn can cause an auto accident. Take a deep breath and resist your urge to brake check, speed, or cut off the dangerous driver – otherwise, you could be the one who’s risking the lives of other motorists. Still having trouble keeping calm? Check out this list of pointers on how to avoid succumbing to road rage.
2. Travel during less risky times.
It makes sense that the more drivers that are on the road, the more likely it is that some will drive dangerously. When possible, you should avoid driving during peak times, and that means planning ahead. Know when roads are most congested and take your trips and drives outside of that window. If you must travel when it’s busy, set an example for others by driving courteously and sharing the road. For travel conditions anywhere in Alberta, visit this resource.
3. Call the police.
If you see someone driving aggressively and causing danger to others, don’t be afraid to notify the police rather than take on the situation yourself. You might want to give the driver a piece of your mind, but it’s not your duty to educate or discipline dangerous drivers; in fact, you could end up in a dangerous confrontation. Police are trained to deal with aggressive drivers, so it’s best to leave it to them. Memorize the license plate number of the offending car, come to a safe stop, and call the police. You just might save a life.
We’re here to help.
Even when you do everything right, dangerous drivers can still present a risk. Should the unthinkable happen, and you (or someone you love) suffer an injury in an accident with a dangerous driver, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to take care of the legal aspects of your accident, so you can focus on healing. Have a safe summer!