Imagine you are in a traffic jam and you need to get into the next lane. You check, but you cannot see if there is oncoming traffic. The person next to you, understanding you need to get across, waves you in, showing that there is an opening. You turn, but end up colliding with a car you could not see.
Following beckoning drivers, or drivers who wave you through traffic, can be a risky scenario. It is not about trust – it’s about liability. Many times, these drivers think they are doing the right thing. They sense that you want to get across and want to help. However, in the same way you would not necessarily trust a complete stranger with your safety outside of the car, you should also be wary while driving.
When you are turning into a new lane or otherwise, you should be able to visually verify that there are no other cars coming. The responsibility is on you to be able to follow traffic laws safely. If you are unsure or unable to see oncoming traffic, defensive and reserved driving should always help you remain safe and accident free.
Instead, you can thank the beckoning driver for their courtesy, but wave them forward on their current path. Hopefully, they will understand and continue on their way, while you wait for a safer opportunity to make the traffic move you need to make.
When driving, it is always important to be sure of your actions and drive defensively. It keeps you and other motorists on the road safer. If you ever do find yourself in an auto accident, please call George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers for a free consultation. Our staff can help you sort out the situation and direct you toward the proper course of action. We can meet you in Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, or anywhere else in the state of South Carolina for a free case review.