Spot a bad truck driver? File a complaint
If you drive very much at all, you’ve probably seen the signs on the back of a lot of commercial vehicles that say something like, “How is my driving?” They’re followed by a number you can call if you have comments or concerns.
It’s important for all drivers to make use of that option — and others — when they spot a bad driver behind the wheel of a truck. That’s one of the best ways to keep bad drivers off the road and ensure everyone’s safety — including your own.
What counts as a bad truck driver? It’s time to make a call if you spot any of the following:
- Texting while driving
- Reckless driving, including swerving into lanes or cutting off other drivers
- Aggressive driving, including tailgating
- Weaving, as if the driver is tired or intoxicated
- Excessive speed, including a failure to slow around bends
Try to be objective about the situation. Ask yourself if the truck driver’s actions are likely to cause an accident if they continue.
You can report a bad driver several different ways. If the issue seems to be an emergency, you can pull over and call 911. Tell the police the truck’s location, direction on the road and what you observed. That’s a good option to take if the driver seems to be impaired in some way and you suspect that he or she is intoxicated or falling asleep.
If the issue isn’t an emergency, see if there is a company phone number on the back of the truck and take note of the license plate or truck number and your location. Once you are no longer on the road yourself, you can call and report your concerns to the trucking company.
You can also report an issue directly to the Department of Transportation through their online process. That’s a great option if you don’t see a company number or feel like your message wasn’t being treated with appropriate concern by a company’s representative.
There will always be accidents on the road, but a lot of serious truck accidents might be prevented if everyone starts taking a proactive approach to road safety.