What is brake checking?

Brake checking is a dangerous and illegal driving maneuver where a driver deliberately slams on their brakes in front of another vehicle, with the intention of causing the following driver to brake hard or even collide. It is a form of road rage and can have serious consequences.

Here's what you need to know about brake checking:

• Definition: Forcefully applying the brakes in front of another vehicle in order to startle or intimidate the driver behind.

• Dangers:

  • Rear-end collisions: The most obvious risk is causing the following vehicle to crash into the back of the brake checker.
  • Loss of control: Sudden braking can cause the following driver to lose control of their vehicle, especially in poor road conditions.
  • Escalation of conflict: Brake checking can escalate a minor disagreement into a full-blown road rage incident.
  • Injuries and fatalities: Collisions resulting from brake checking can lead to serious injuries or even death.

• Legality: Brake checking is illegal in most jurisdictions. It can be considered reckless driving, aggressive driving, or even assault with a deadly weapon, depending on the circumstances and local laws. Penalties can include fines, license suspension, or even jail time.

• Why people do it: Brake checking is usually motivated by anger, frustration, or a desire to "teach someone a lesson." Common reasons include:

  • Believing the following driver is tailgating.
  • Feeling cut off or otherwise wronged by the following driver.
  • Simply acting aggressively out of general road rage.

• How to avoid being brake checked:

  • Maintain a safe following distance.
  • Avoid tailgating or driving aggressively.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and anticipate potential hazards.
  • Don't engage with aggressive drivers.
  • If someone is tailgating you, safely move over and let them pass.

• What to do if you are brake checked:

  • Focus on avoiding a collision.
  • Do not retaliate.
  • If a collision occurs, exchange information and report the incident to the police.
  • If you believe the other driver brake checked you intentionally, report it to the police with as much detail as possible (e.g., license plate number, description of the vehicle and driver).