Weaving in and out of traffic is a dangerous act that could put your life or the lives of those around you at risk. That’s why many drivers avoid these driving habits as much as possible. The goal is to avoid causing near-misses, crashes, injuries and deaths, so driving within your lane and paying close attention to the road is a must.
Weaving is known as a kind of aggressive driving tactic. Aggressive drivers may weave because they’re tired of being stuck behind slower drivers. They might weave because they’re speeding and need to quickly maneuver around people.
Whatever the reason may be, weaving increases the risk of crashing. It can lead to cutting off other drivers, tailgating and other behaviors that could lead to serious or fatal collisions.
What should you do if you see another driver weaving?
If you see another driver is weaving around you, one of the best things you can do is start to slow down to allow them to pass. If you can get their license plate number and a description of the vehicle, then it is reasonable to pull over to the side of the road and call the police, especially if the driver nearly hit you or has caused other drivers to take evasive action.
If the driver is zigzagging within their lane, another possible issue could be that they’re driving while drunk or impaired. Studies have shown that there is a 60% likelihood of a driver being under the influence of drugs or alcohol when they’re weaving or zigzagging, so it’s appropriate to call 911 or the police for support.
What should you do if you’re hit by a driver who was weaving?
In an emergency, the first thing to do is always to call 911 to inform the emergency services about the crash. If you can get your vehicle to the side of the road, do so to help reduce the likelihood of a pileup collision.
Report the behavior. Explain that they cut you off or were driving aggressively. Then, get any medical care you need and focus on putting together a case. With the right information, you should be able to hold them accountable and seek fair compensation for the injuries and damages they’ve caused.