Jersey Shore Personal Injury and Employment Specialists

When should you call 911 to report a reckless driver?

On Behalf of | Sep 3, 2018 | Car Accidents |

You are on your way to work, driving your usual route through New Jersey’s busiest thoroughfares when you encounter a reckless driver. You notice that the driver appears to be speeding, dodging other vehicles as he or she quickly darts in and out of traffic. You hang back and try to decipher whether or not you are overreacting or if the driver is indeed posing a threat to other motorists. Should you call 911? Understanding when is appropriate to call 911 is important to protect yourself and others without creating an inconvenience for first responders.

Whenever you encounter a reckless driver, the worst thing you can do is to become engaged with them. This includes making eye contact with them, speeding to try and keep up with them or other behaviors that will take your eyes off of the road and distract you from driving safely. Rather, maintain a safe distance and continue to observe their behavior before making the decision to contact 911.

According to Consumer Reports, if you feel that the other driver is creating a dangerous situation and you have witnessed some close calls or near-accidents, it is the right decision to call 911. Try to gather small details such as the person’s license plate number, the make and model of the vehicle being driven and your location. Once you have a good idea of these pieces of information, pull over to the side of the road where you can safely make a phone call.

The information in this article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice.