How should you deal with unsafe drivers? What NC law enforcement recommends
North Carolina is famous for the Blue Ridge Parkway, barbecue and college basketball — and infamous for bad drivers.
Forbes ranked Charlotte at No. 15 on its list of cities with the worst drivers, The Charlotte Observer previously reported. Another study found that Winston-Salem is the deadliest in the nation for rush hour driving.
Unfortunately, traffic data back those claims up.
Nearly 1,700 people were killed and more than 115,000 injuries occurred in the state as a result of traffic accidents in 2023, according to the most recent data from the NC Department of Transportation. A fourth of those fatalities were related to speeding.
The Charlotte Observer asked Master Trooper Christopher Casey of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol how to deal with unsafe drivers on the road.
How to deal with a speeding driver
If a driver is speeding near you, you should give them plenty of space, since they could lose control of their vehicle more easily, Casey told the Observer, adding that if you are in the left lane and someone wants to pass, you should move over and let them by.
“Get away from the driver if possible,” Casey said. “Exit the interstate, pull into a parking lot, or take another safe route. Most importantly, do not engage with the driver.”
If a driver is following or harassing you, you should dial 911.
How to deal with tailgaters
If someone is tailgating you, don’t encourage the behavior or escalate the situation.
That includes brake checking, or intentionally slamming on your brakes in order to scare the driver behind you and make them slow down, which is illegal in North Carolina. Brake checking falls under the category of aggressive and reckless driving, according to Charlotte-based Wilder Pantazis Law Group.
“If a speeding driver is tailgating you or attempting to engage you in risky behavior, use good judgment to safely steer your vehicle out of the way,” Casey said.
Here are some other tips on how to handle tailgaters, according to Tatum & Atkinson, a North Carolina-based firm:
Maintain a consistent speed to reduce frustration for you and the tailgater.
Create space and change lanes to let the tailgater pass.
Use your turn signals to allow the tailgater to anticipate your moves.
Report aggressive driving to law enforcement.
How to stay safe driving in NC
Here are some other tips from the NC Department of Public Safety on how to stay safe on the road:
Secure loose items and pets to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles in a crash.
Avoid driving through flooded roads. Even shallow water can cause loss of control or sweep a vehicle away.
Always wear a seat belt. It’s legally required and works with airbags to prevent serious injuries.
Adjust head restraints properly to reduce the risk of neck injuries.
Don’t drive while drowsy. Get adequate rest and take breaks to stay alert.
Watch for signs of drunk drivers such as erratic or unsafe driving behaviors.
Use hands-free technology to avoid distractions and follow state laws on phone use while driving.
Avoid rubbernecking at accident scenes and stay focused on the road for safety.
This story was originally published April 29, 2025 at 1:33 PM with the headline "How should you deal with unsafe drivers? What NC law enforcement recommends."
