Ever wish that those “How’s my driving?” signs you see on trucks were on cars? Then you could report all the awful etiquette and dangerous behavior you encounter on the road. If you could turn someone into their insurance company for risky driving, you could make reckless drivers literally pay for their bad behavior. Imagine being able to call up someone’s insurance company and report that you witnessed them tailgating or speeding or texting and driving. We all may be better drivers if that were the case!
Can you report a reckless driver to their insurance company?
The short answer is no.
Without a ticket or accident indicating unsafe driving, you can’t report or be reported to an insurer. Even reckless driving, like texting and driving or speeding, which are punishable by law in many states, can’t be used against a driver if reported by a civilian. For those dangerous acts to affect your insurance rates, you’d have to cause an accident or be issued a citation by the police for your recklessness to to affect your insurance.
Though you can’t be penalized for recklessness unless you get caught or cause an accident, risky driving is a serious danger to you and to others on the road.
Speeding
Speeding is the second leading cause of accidents in the US. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to get to where you need to go to avoid the temptation to speed. Going the speed limit and being mindful of driving conditions can help keep you and others on the road safe.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving, including texting and driving, is the number one cause of car accidents throughout the US. Distracted driving is so easy to prevent, yet it kills 9 people each day in the US, according to the CDC. Focusing on the road will get you where you need to go safely and won’t distress your fellow drivers.
What to do if you encounter a reckless driver
If you encounter a reckless driver on the roads, take steps to keep yourself safe and out of harm's way. Never confront a reckless driver, as that could put you in danger. Create distance between your car and theirs and take caution until you have gotten away from their risky behavior.
If a driver poses a real threat to the safety of others on the road, pull over when it is safe to do so and call 911. Reporting a dangerous driver to the authorities can help keep you and others safe. When calling, be sure to provide the license plate number, car make, model and color and the location where you witnessed reckless driving.
The Bottom Line
If driving had no risk, none of us would need auto insurance. Driving can be dangerous, especially when other drivers on the road decided to put us all in danger by speeding or willingly allowing themselves to get distracted. If you encounter a reckless driver, you can’t report them to their insurance company, but you can call the police to alert them.
Stay safe out there!
Auto insurance can help protect you financially from dangers on the road. Call us today at (844) 300-3364 to see how much we can help you save!
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Sources:
http://www.drivers.com/article/1173/
http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/southwest-valley/2014/07/10/h…