Keeping Georgia Roadways Safe: How to Report a Dangerous Driver
We see it nearly every time we get behind the wheel of our vehicle. A car swerving on the road, traveling at a dangerous speed, cutting people off, passing when it is not safe to do so, texting, and otherwise obliviously causing danger. Or, perhaps you have an elderly grandparent that you know still drives although you question the safety of it, or a physically incapacitated friend that thinks nothing of getting behind the wheel. Is there anything you can do? Yes. You do have the power to help get dangerous drivers off the roads and there are several avenues for you to do so. Keep reading to learn more!
Call 911
If you see someone driving in a reckless manner, including swerving, speeding, texting, or behaving aggressively, you should call 911. Remember only to call 911 if you feel the driver is posing a danger, as 911 is intended for truly urgent situations. It should not be used for simple motor vehicle violations, but rather can be used if the driver's behavior presents a danger to the public or places people in harm's way.
If you do call 911, be sure to pull over first so that you stay safe and do not become a danger to others. Tell the operator your location, a description of the vehicle, and their direction of travel. Do not attempt to follow the car or take cell phone pictures as these actions could increase the hazards of the situation. Be sure to exercise caution and maintain a safe following distance from the dangerous driver.
If you are able to safely record the license plate number, state of origin, and vehicle make, model and color, this will be useful for the police to locate the offender. Before the officer dispatched can take any action, he or she will need to either observe a violation or receive a witness report as to a violation, which can be your 911 call.
Unsafe Driver Investigations
If you know of a driver that you feel is medically or mentally unfit to drive, which will often be an elderly driver or one with physical disabilities, you can file a request to evaluate the driver. The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) accepts evaluation requests from relatives, physicians, caregivers, law enforcement officers, vision specialists, and others with personal knowledge of the individual's potential unfitness. To request a driver review, you must mail a form to the appropriate office. Anonymous reports are not accepted. However, you can request that your information be kept confidential.
Using Mobile Apps to Report a Dangerous Driver
Today, several apps for your mobile phone have also been created to report a dangerous driver. These tools allow you to anonymously report the driver. The apps vary in their capabilities, with many publicizing information as to the dangerous driver's location, license plate number, and more. Concerned citizens, fellow drivers, and police officers can then use the information to keep themselves and the public safe. However, we caution you not to use your cell phone or any other electronic device that would distract you from the road.
Montlick & Associates, P.C.: Award Winning Car Accident Attorneys
We hope these tips can assist in taking dangerous drivers off the roadways in Georgia and in the Southeast. In fact, the attorneys at Montlick and Associates are so committed to helping families prevent injuries that we have several community service programs dedicated to keeping drivers and passengers safe. If you have been injured in any type of car accident, the Atlanta Car Accident Attorneys at Montlick and Associates can help you receive the compensation you deserve. With over thirty years of experience, our firm will fight to see that you obtain a full recovery, including compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and much more.
Remember, your time to file a claim against the negligent driver responsible for your accident is limited. Do not delay.
Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.
Sources:
http://www.dmv.org/ga-georgia/safety-laws.php#Reporting-DrunkUnsafe-Drivers
http://www.reportdangerousdrivers.com/
http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/georgia-driving-laws-seniors-older-drivers.html
http://www.trafficsafetystore.com/blog/apps-to-report-reckless-driving