What to Do If You Are a Victim of Brake Checking
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Brake checking is a type of aggressive driving where a motorist intentionally applies multiple brake taps or applies a forceful pedal smash when passing another car. The goal is to cause the following driver to brake hard or evade the situation.
Though some drivers also brake-check to signal to the person behind them to stop tailgating, it frequently occurs during episodes of road rage.
Checking your brakes can be extremely risky and stressful, particularly if you’re unprepared. It may result in you losing control of the automobile, swerving into other lanes, colliding with other vehicles, or even crashing into objects. It may also harm your car’s suspension, tires, brakes, and other components.
Here are some actions you should do to safeguard your vehicle and yourself if you become a victim of brake checking:
Remain composed and aware.
Remaining composed and aware should be your first priority. Avoid panicking or overreacting. Most often, someone who is upset or frustrated with you will check your brakes. They might not be aware of the extent to which they are endangering you.
Consider your options and try to determine whether brake checking may be minimized or avoided. For instance, attempt to maintain a safe distance and slow down gradually if there is enough room between you and the automobile in front of you. If you are not separated by any space
How to remain composed and focused
- Always keep your hands on the wheel.
- Avoid touching anything that can divert your attention from the road.
- Avoid making any abrupt moves that can cause them to inspect your brakes.
- Avoid giving them any attention or acknowledgment at all.
- React calmly if they brake check you again after passing.
- Don’t freak out if they pass you more than once and then brake check.
- Don’t hesitate to intervene if they brake check again after repeatedly passing by you.
- Don’t be alarmed if they brake check again after aggressively passing by you multiple times.
- Don’t remain silent if they perform a brake check again after forcefully and dangerously passing by your car multiple times.
- Don’t be passive if they brake check again after forcefully and recklessly passing by you more than once and getting too close to your car without any regard for your safety or the safety of others.
Observe traffic laws.
Following driving laws should be your next course of action. Avoid trying to brake check back or honk at them in retaliation. This will simply exacerbate the issue and make it worse. Instead, heed this advice:
- Express your goals in a kind and transparent manner.
- Keep your speed constant and steer clear of abrupt changes.
- Observe traffic signs and the speed limit.
- Please give other drivers the benefit of the doubt.
- Make sure you properly use your headlights and taillights.
- Refrain from being distracted by things like music, texting, phone calls, etc
benefits of adhering to traffic laws
The likelihood of mishaps and injuries will decrease.
Penalties, fines, litigation, and criminal charges are not going to befall you.
You will treat other drivers with decency and understanding.
Other drivers will look up to you as an example.
As a driver, you’ll experience more self-assurance and ease.
Report them.
You should report them as the very last resort. It is unethical, careless, and unlawful to check brakes. Both you and other drivers may be put in danger. Litigation, fines, penalties, and even criminal charges may result from it.
As soon as you observe them checking their brakes, you should report them. If it’s feasible, use the voice recorder or camera apps on your phone. In the event of an emergency, such as an accident or injury, you can also dial 911.
How to file a report on them
Give as much detail as you can on the make, model, and color of their car; the location (name of the road); the direction (left turn); the speed (high); the duration (long); the frequency (repeated); the intensity (aggressive); and so on.
Give as much information as you can about your name, location, direction, speed, distance traveled, length of stay, frequency, and intensity. You should also include the name of the road, your phone number, and your contact information.
Include any supporting documentation, such as images, videos, witness accounts, etc., for your allegation.
Why would you report them?
By reporting them, you can assist law enforcement in apprehending and prosecuting them for their crimes.
By reporting them, you may help stop brake checking occurrences in the future and increase everyone’s safety on the roads.
If you report them, you may be able to receive reimbursement for any harm or losses brought on by their brake inspection.
You’ll feel more in control of the issue and more empowered if you report them.
Look after yourself.
There are detrimental effects of brake checks on one’s physical and emotional well-being. Depending on how hard they hit your automobile, it could result in fractures, cuts, bruises, whiplash, and other injuries.
Depending on how traumatic it was for you, it may also result in psychological stress such as worry, rage, fear, depression, etc.
You should therefore look after yourself if you have been the victim of brake checks. Here are some pointers:
How to look after your physical well-being
Inspect both you and your passengers for injuries, and obtain medical assistance if necessary.
Examine your vehicle for any damage, and have it fixed if necessary.
Any hospital bills, repair bills, or other costs associated with the brake checking incident should be kept on file.
If necessary, get in touch with your insurance provider and submit a claim.
Should you wish to take legal action against the brake checker, speak with a lawyer.
How to look after your psychological well-being
Discuss your feelings and what happened with a trusted person.
If you suffer from any symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance, etc., get professional assistance.
Engage in relaxing activities like yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises.
Take part in enjoyable things that provide you joy, such as sports, music, hobbies, etc.
Join an online community or support group for people who have gone through similar experiences.
In summary
Anyone operating a vehicle might be impacted by the significant issue of brake checks. It can hurt the victim as well as the brake checker physically and psychologically. It may also make the situation unpleasant and dangerous for other drivers.
In order to protect yourself and your vehicle from brake testing, you should implement the precautions listed in this blog article, report the incident to the police, and attend to your health.
Remind yourself that you are not alone or at fault. It is your right to drive in a calm and safe manner. Don’t allow brake checks to make your life or day miserable.
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