What To Do When You See An Erratic Driver On Texas Roads

You are driving down a Texas road, interstate, or highway when you notice that a car near you is not acting normally. It might be drifting out of its lane, driving at inconsistent speeds, or running lights and breaking other rules of the road. It might be narrowly missing obstacles, braking suddenly, or driving on the wrong side of the road altogether. But whatever it is doing, you are sure that the driver is drunk, distracted, fatigued, or suffering from a medical emergency. What do you do?

1. Confirm that the driver is indeed a danger to others. Drifting out of one’s lane a single time isn’t good, but it also isn’t solid proof that there is a serious issue at hand. But if you see a driver make several erratic or dangerous movements, the only responsible thing for you to do is act.
2. Stay far out of the driver’s way. Be extra sure not to follow the driver too closely and do not try to pass them. Realize that they could cause an accident or make a surprising movement. Make sure your seat belt is buckled.
3. Call the police or 911. You are not overreacting by calling the police. A driver that is visibly driving erratically could strike a pedestrian, cause a car accident, and take lives. More than that, the driver himself might be in need of medical attention.
4. Do not attempt to take action yourself. Absolutely do not try to stop the car, pull over the car, or get the driver’s attention. You may actually increase the chances of an accident and injury to yourself.

By calling the police when you see a dangerous driver, you are not a tattletale and you are not getting into someone else’s personal business. You are simply taking a hazard off the road and possibly preventing serious injury and death.

Have you been injured by a driver that witnesses saw acting erratically or breaking traffic laws in the minutes before your crash? You could deserve compensation for your injuries and your other losses. Consult with a Houston car accident lawyer today to find out what your case is worth.

Want to read more about what to do after being injured in a Texas traffic accident caused by a negligent driver? Download our free report, The Insider's Guide to Winning Your Texas Car Accident Case.