Keeping it Holly Jolly – Advice to Avoid Reckless Drivers

Reckless driving accidents and deaths have increasingly become common occurrences in the Milwaukee area. It is a situation in our area that most people are getting quite fed up with reckless driving. Statistics show that nationwide, reckless driving causes 33% of all deaths involving major car accidents. Each time you get in your vehicle, you are at risk of encountering a reckless driver. 

In July of this year, Milwaukee was introduced to the “Take It EZ” pilot campaign. This campaign, although new to our area, has had great success in the South. By deploying additional resources, its goal is to focus on reckless driving at four key intersections in the city: 60th Street and Capitol Drive, 27th Street and Center Street/Fond du Lac Avenue, Cesar Chavez Drive and Greenfield Avenue/Muskego Avenue and 35th Street and National Avenue. Hupy and Abraham, S.C. is proud to be involved with and support this campaign.

Although you cannot prevent others from driving recklessly, there are precautions you can take to avoid getting into an accident with those that choose to put themselves and others in danger.

1. Check Intersections. Distracted or impaired drivers often do not notice that their light has turned red. If entering an intersection as soon as the light turns green, you are likely to be directly in their path. Quickly check oncoming traffic before entering any intersection.
2. Buckle Up. Always buckle your safety belt and make sure your passengers do too. A properly fastened seat belt increases your chance of avoiding death and injury by up to 50%.
3. Give Reckless Drivers Space. Maintaining a safe following distance when driving is, by far, one of the simplest and most effective rules of defensive driving. It is also the most commonly broken rule. If you encounter an unsafe driver, the more space between you and them, the better. Get out of their way, slow down or let them pass. This is one of the best things you can do to avoid a collision with an unsafe and reckless driver.
4. Assume You Are Not Seen. Never assume other vehicles on the road can see you. Making assumptions that other drivers see you in their blind spots or when turning is a huge mistake. It is up to you to stay aware and avoid them. It is far more safe, particularly with reckless drivers, to plan your movements in anticipation of the worst-case scenario on the road.
5. Report the Behavior. If you notice a vehicle driving recklessly, you can call 911 to report it. When you make the call, give an accurate vehicle description, license plate number and the location. It is very possible your call can prevent a tragedy from happening.

If for any reason, you or a loved one is injured due to the negligence of a reckless driver, contact the experienced attorneys of Hupy and Abraham. Call 800-800-5678 for a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation, or start a live chat with us anytime at Hupy.com.