What Does it Mean to Cut off Another Driver?
Your friend may be venting to you that they were upset when they recently got cut off by another driver. You may understand that cutting off someone is not nice behavior, but what exactly does it mean?
In driving, “cutting someone off” basically means cutting in front of someone. It’s a maneuver where a driver enters another vehicle’s lane, leaving them little room to slow down safely. That driver must then figure out how to slow down or brake suddenly to avoid a collision.
Cutting off someone often happens when a car is changing lanes or merging in front of another vehicle at a close distance. They do not use turn signals to signal their intentions, making the situation even more dangerous and unexpected. This can result in a lot of anger and frustration for the affected driver.
The lack of space to brake can cause a rear-end accident. In this case, the driver who rear-ended the vehicle who cut them off may not be at fault. They would have to prove that the vehicle cut them off and left them with no time to slow down.
Is Cutting Someone Off Illegal?
Cutting someone else is not necessarily illegal by itself, as there are no specific laws in place prohibiting it, even though it is negligent and unsafe. However, cutting someone off could be deemed an unsafe lane change, which could lead to a traffic violation. This might result in a ticket or citation from law enforcement.
Cutting someone off could also be considered reckless driving. This would depend on the driver’s actions as a whole. If the driver was speeding and driving erratically for quite some time (as opposed to it not being a one-time incident), then it’s possible that the driver could be cited for more serious charges, such as reckless driving.
If cutting someone else leads to an accident and the driver flees the accident scene, then that would be illegal as well. Regardless of how a crash happened, you need to stop and remain at the scene.
What Should I Do If Someone Cuts Me Off?
Someone could cut you off on the road. When this happens, don’t lose your cool. Stay level-headed and avoid getting upset. Instead, slow down your vehicle while closely monitoring the road situation.
If the driver who cut you off hit your car and caused an accident, follow the same procedures as usual. This means stopping the vehicles, exchanging information, and waiting for the police to arrive. Send the police report to your insurance company and they will advise you of the next steps.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Cutting off someone may be done intentionally or by accident. In any case, it can cause frustration and even road rage.
Stay alert on Texas’ roadways. Be aware that cutting off someone can lead to a crash. A Houston car accident attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC can help you understand the next steps. Schedule a consultation today to learn more. Call (281) 347-3247 or fill out the online form.
Source:
jdpower.com/cars/shopping-guides/what-is-cutting-someone-off-while-driving
