The Importance of Reporting Erratic Truck Driving
Reckless driving is always dangerous, regardless of the type or size of the vehicle. Erratic driving, however, is especially perilous for truck drivers simply due to the size of commercial trucks, which can weigh upwards of 80,000 pounds. Unfortunately, many truck accidents happen so fast that it just isn’t possible to report the driver’s erratic behavior in time. If, however, another motorist does notice such dangerous driving, he or she should strongly consider reporting it to help protect not only themselves, but other road users.
Examples of Erratic Driving
Erratic driving can include a wide range of behaviors, but most commonly includes:
- Swerving into and out of lanes;
- Sudden braking;
- Speeding;
- Changing lanes suddenly;
- Failing to use turn signals;
- Tailgating other vehicles; and
- Taking turns too sharply.
While always dangerous, these kinds of driving tactics are even riskier for truck drivers, as commercial vehicles are already harder to control than passenger cars. Other road users can help prevent accidents by:
- Calling 911, where the dispatcher will connect the caller with the proper resources;
- Contacting Florida Highway Patrol and notifying them of the reckless driver’s license plate number and location; and
- Calling the trucking company’s reporting number, which is often located on the back of the truck.
Although reporting erratic driving doesn’t guarantee that a truck driver won’t cause an accident, it can go a long way towards preventing collisions with other road users.
Reporting Reckless Driving Protects Other Road Users
Commercial vehicles have become a common sight on Florida’s major highways, which are also used by hundreds of thousands of other, more vulnerable road users. These individuals could all end up injured, perhaps even fatally, because a truck driver failed to use the requisite level of care. A motorist who recognizes dangerous driving can help prevent such accidents by reporting them to the authorities, who can then step in and prevent further risks. Besides issuing tickets to reckless truck drivers, law enforcement officers can also suspend their licenses if they are found to be under the influence or to lack the proper licensing.
Reporting Helps Hold Trucking Companies Accountable
Besides getting dangerous truck drivers off of the roads, reporting erratic driving can also create a record of a driver’s behavior that can then not be disputed by trucking companies down the road if that drive later causes a crash. A driver with a series of complaints can be suspended or demoted and knowing that their drivers are being watched will encourage trucking companies to use the proper procedures when hiring and training their employees.
Call Today for Legal Help
Unfortunately, it’s not possible to prevent all truck accidents, especially in Florida, whose roads are more congested than ever. If you or a loved one were injured in a truck accident because of a driver’s erratic behavior, you could be entitled to financial compensation for your medical bills, vehicle repair costs, lost wages, and more. Call 954-566-9919 and set up a meeting with one of the experienced Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyers at Boone & Davis to learn more.
Sources:
flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/medical-review/report-an-unsafe-driver/
flhsmv.gov/florida-highway-patrol/contact-fhp/
