{"id":6335,"date":"2022-10-25T15:29:15","date_gmt":"2022-10-25T15:29:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lawpedic.com\/?p=6335"},"modified":"2022-11-20T22:50:26","modified_gmt":"2022-11-20T22:50:26","slug":"is-brake-checking-illegal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lawpedic.com\/is-brake-checking-illegal\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Brake Checking Illegal?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

I was delivering for Amazon in one of these little small towns outside the city and while driving down the main street some guy drove around me and decided to slam on his brakes in front of my van moving 45 mph. I was blown away, well if I’m being honest I was pissed. I wanted to do some sort of recourse but I didn’t know what I was able to do. Though it got me thinking, is brake checking some illegal?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes, it is illegal. Brake checking, also known as “brake slamming”, is considered a form of road rage and can lead to reckless driving charges. It not only puts the driver brake checking at risk for legal issues, but it endangers other drivers on the road as well.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s go ahead and look more into the nerve racking moments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Brake Checking?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the opening paragraph I mentioned how a guy tried to drive around me and pull in front and brake check me while I was out on delivery. Well, what is brake checking?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brake checking is when a driver intentionally slams on their brakes in front of another vehicle, often done out of anger or as revenge. Except some drivers do it more drastically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, let’s say someone cuts you off and nearly causes an accident. As retaliation, you decide to brake check them by suddenly slamming on your brakes in front of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Do People Brake Check?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I can’t speak for this guy personally but he did seem like a angry driver with how he was flipping me off in his rear view mirror and cussing at me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brake-checkers are the type of people who:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Get in the last word:<\/strong> they want to get back at the other driver for something they did.<\/li>
  2. Feel a sense of power or control over the situation:<\/strong> they may think that brake checking will teach the other driver a lesson.<\/li>
  3. Don’t know how to handle their anger properly:<\/strong> instead of calmly addressing the issue and handling it like an adult, they react like a child would in a negative and dangerous way.<\/li>
  4. Trying to get an insurance claim:<\/strong> <\/strong>some drivers may try to brake check in hope of causing an accident and receiving insurance money.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    I can imagine there are plentiful more reasons people justify themselves brake checking another driver though I don’t see any good reason to do it. Unless you’re wanting to potentially end your life over someone you’ve never met before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Can You Brake Check a Tailgater?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    No, you cannot but some may argue that brake checking a tailgater is warranted because they are driving too close to your vehicle and potentially putting you in danger. However, it is still considered illegal and dangerous behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Brake checking may feel satisfying in the moment, but it can lead to serious consequences and put yourself and others at risk. When faced with aggressive or reckless drivers on the road, remember to stay calm and follow safe driving practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How Do I Prove Brake Checking After an Accident?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    If you are involved in a car accident and suspect that the other driver brake checked, there are steps you can take to gather evidence. This includes taking photos of skid marks on the road, getting witness statements, and also contacting law enforcement for their perspective on the situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I would also recommend to get a dash cam, when I as delivering for amazon they would record everything in front of the vehicle as I have had people brake check me for whatever reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    How Do I Deal with Tailgaters?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    If you are being followed closely by another driver here are some steps to take:<\/p>\n\n\n\n