There are many dangers drivers can face while on the road. For instance, drivers may need to be aware of weather conditions, construction and other road obstacles. However, drivers may also need to be watchful of other vehicles. Speeding, drunkenness, distractedness and tailgating are just a few dangers drivers may face. These types of dangers can lead to serious injuries and losses in a car accident.
One of the other types of dangers drivers may need to be aware of is brake checking. Here is what you should know:
What is brake checking?
Brake checking occurs when a driver either repeatedly taps or deliberately slams on their brakes while in front of another vehicle. This practice may cause the other driver to suddenly slow down, stop or change lanes. In many cases, however, brake checking leads to a driver impacting the other driver in a rear-end accident.
Why do people brake check?
There are a number of reasons why a driver would brake check another vehicle. In some cases, a driver may believe a vehicle is tailing too close to behind their vehicle. They may try brake checking to create some distance between them and the tailing driver.
Another reason a driver may practice brake checking is out of frustration or anger. They may believe that the vehicle cut them off and are intentionally putting them in an unsafe position.
Some drivers may brake check vehicles intentionally as a form of insurance fraud. A driver may claim they are a victim of tailgating and a rear-end collision even though they were acting recklessly. This often causes the real victim to suffer financial strain.
Is it legal to brake check in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, the practice of brake checking is illegal and may fall under reckless or aggressive driving. Brake checking can lead to the endangerment of others and serious injuries. Victims of brake checking or tailgating may need to explore their legal options to hold the other driver responsible and recover compensation.