Weaving in and out of traffic is dangerous because you may be driving unsafe for road conditions. In heavy traffic conditions, though it may be tempting to pass by vehicles that are driving slower than you, weaving through traffic can cause additional congestion. Reckless and aggressive drivers often weave through traffic and put other motorists at risk of severe injury or death due to their negligence.
If the driver that hit you was weaving through traffic immediately prior to the collision, you may have the right to compensation for your suffering. Your dedicated South Carolina car accident lawyer from Shelly Leeke Law Firm can help you build a compelling case against the weaving driver. We will not let the liable weave their way out of compensating you fairly for your damages.
Weaving in and Out of Lanes During Heavy Traffic in South Carolina is Dangerous
It is not unusual for defendants to ask, “Is weaving through traffic illegal?”. However, just because there is no legal statute that states changing lanes is unlawful does not mean it is not dangerous. Dangerous driving is against the law.
Motorists who do not operate their vehicles in a safe manner can be cited for traffic violations under the Uniform Act Regulating Traffic on Highways. The weave meaning refers to motorists moving back and forth between lanes rapidly, usually while driving over the speed limit. They may create more dangerous traffic conditions by weaving on roads to pass slower drivers, squeezing into lanes that are already occupied, or fitting into lanes that were not designed for merging.
Why People Weave Through Traffic and Drive Dangerously
There are countless reasons why drivers will defend their dangerous driving behaviors. Many motorists will weave in and out of traffic because they believe it will save them time. However, some of the other reasons motorists might weave through traffic include:
- Being distracted by their cell phones or passengers
- Losing their temper and driving aggressively
- Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Experiencing intense emotions related to an impulsive personality
These are just a few examples of why motorists might weave through traffic. This may be considered a type of reckless driving. Motorists who are cited for reckless driving under S.C. Code §56-5-2920 can face a minimum $1,000 fine and up to 5 years incarceration if someone is injured or killed as a result of their negligence.
Risks of Weaving in and Out of Traffic
Inexperienced teen drivers and aggressive drivers may not realize how risky weaving through traffic can be. They may be so focused on getting to their intended location that they fail to use turn signals, switch lanes often and rapidly, and create confusion during dangerous traffic conditions. The risks of weaving in and out of traffic go beyond creating traffic congestion.
Blind Spots
Motorists who change lanes without using a turn signal are unlikely to check their blind spots before making these turns. This means they will not see motorcyclists or other vehicles. Failure to check blind spots is one of the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Rear-End Collisions
Drivers who weave through traffic may also be at increased risk of causing a rear-end collision. When drivers change lanes too quickly, they may need to slam on their brakes to avoid crashing into the driver in front of them. Without sufficient time to respond, the weaving driver may slam into the back of your car and cause devastating injuries.
You can file a lawsuit with the help of a rear-end collision lawyer in South Carolina.
What to Do When You See Other Drivers Weaving Through Traffic
Practicing defensive driving is one of the best ways to protect yourself when you see other drivers weaving in and out of traffic.
Give Plenty of Stopping of Distance
Do what you can to avoid driving near a weaving driver. You should give them plenty of space on the road and slow down to create more stopping distance. You should never confront an aggressive driver.
Maintain your current speed if they are tailgating you. Change lanes and move out of the aggressive driver’s way. This is the safest way for you to avoid a collision.
Report the Dangerous Driving to the South Carolina Highway Patrol
When slowing down and giving enough stopping distance is not enough, you may need to report the dangerous driver to the South Carolina Highway Patrol. Do not follow the reckless driver. Instead, call the SCHP by dialing *HP and provide them with the dangerous driver’s license plate number and a description of the vehicle.
You should also be prepared to report the weaving driver if they cause a collision. According to South Carolina Law §56-5-1270, car accidents must be reported if the accident damage reaches or exceeds $1,000 or if victims suffer injuries of any kind. If you are unsure whether to notify the police or file a crash report, it is better to err on the side of caution and get law enforcement officials involved.
Legal Options if You Are Hit by a Weaving Driver
If a weaving driver hits you, you may have several potential legal options. Generally, you have the right to file a claim against their auto insurance provider since insurance coverage is mandated by the South Carolina Department of Insurance. However, if they do not have insurance, you may need to go to court.
The weaving driver may also blame you. Since South Carolina follows modified comparative negligence laws with a 50% bar under the South Carolina Contribution Among Tortfeasors Act, sharing blame could reduce or prohibit you from recovering compensation. Your personal injury lawyer with Shelly Leeke Law Firm will be prepared to refute these claims with powerful supporting evidence.
Whether you file a claim with the insurance company or go to trial, you have the right to be repaid for every loss. You should be fully reimbursed for your medical bills, loss of income, pain and suffering, and other relevant damages. The driver who was weaving through traffic should be expected to compensate you for these losses so you can begin to move forward from this traumatic experience.
Hold Liable Drivers Accountable for Reckless Driving with the Help of an Aggressive Car Accident Lawyer
Drivers that weave through traffic are dangerous. While changing lanes to pass a slower-moving driver is legal, when motorists speed, drive distracted, or recklessly based on the traffic conditions, they can leave themselves open to liability in the event of a collision. You can hold aggressive drivers accountable for their actions by working with a powerful South Carolina car accident attorney from Shelly Leeke Law Firm.
Our team fights tirelessly to secure fair compensation for our client’s losses. Let us put our 10+ years of legal experience to work for you and your family. Complete our online contact form or call our office to schedule your no-cost, risk-free consultation.
