How to deal with dangerous drivers on NC roads? What law enforcement says
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- North Carolina logged over 284,000 crashes in 2023. Speeding drove many fatalities.
- Give space to erratic drivers, change lanes or exit to avoid escalation.
- Report aggressive or impaired drivers to 911. Avoid brake checking or engagement.
You can be the safest driver on the road, but that doesn’t mean everyone around you is too.
In 2023 alone, North Carolina saw more than 284,000 traffic crashes, and speeding was a factor in nearly one in four fatal wrecks, according to the most recent data available from the N.C. Department of Transportation.
Those numbers show just how dangerous unsafe driving can be, from weaving through traffic to tailgating or driving under the influence.
Luckily, there are ways to spot risky drivers early and protect yourself before things escalate.
Here’s what you need to know.
How to deal with speeding drivers
If you notice a driver speeding near you, give them plenty of space, since they’re more likely to lose control of their vehicle, Master Trooper Christopher Casey of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol previously told The Charlotte Observer.
If you’re in the left lane and someone’s trying to pass, just move over and let them go by.
“Try to get away from that driver if you can,” Casey said. “Take the next exit, pull into a parking lot, or find another safe route. The main thing is, don’t engage with them.”
If someone’s following you or acting aggressively, call 911 right away.
How to deal with tailgaters
If someone’s tailgating you, don’t feed into it or make things worse, Casey said.
That means no brake checking, or hitting your brakes to scare the driver behind you. It’s not just dangerous; it’s also illegal in North Carolina and can be considered aggressive and reckless driving, the Observer previously reported.
“If a speeding driver is tailgating you or trying to pull you into risky behavior, use good judgment and get out of their way safely,” Casey said.
Tatum & Atkinson, a North Carolina law firm, also shared a few tips for handling tailgaters:
- Keep a steady speed to stay calm and reduce frustration.
- Change lanes or create space so they can pass.
- Use your turn signals so they can anticipate your moves.
- If things turn aggressive, report it to law enforcement.
How to deal with impaired drivers
Common signs of an impaired driver include tailgating, drifting between lanes, stopping suddenly, driving on the wrong side of the road and ignoring traffic signals, according to NC-based law firm Horton & Menendez.
If you spot a car swerving, braking suddenly or driving unpredictably, it’s best to give them plenty of space, the firm says. Back off a few car lengths so you have time to slow down or stop if they make a sudden move.
The firm also suggests keeping an eye on their signals. Impaired drivers sometimes turn the opposite way of what they indicate, so staying back gives you a chance to see what they’re actually doing before you react.
If you’re on the highway, switch off your cruise control so you can respond faster if things take a turn. And if the driver starts tailgating or drifting toward your lane, move over or take the next exit. When in doubt, it’s always safer to get some distance or report the situation to 911.
This story was originally published October 21, 2025 at 9:43 AM with the headline "How to deal with dangerous drivers on NC roads? What law enforcement says."
