Driver Plays 'Teacher' with Repeated Braking, Causing Collision

In the «Analysis Group» section, we examine another driver conflict on the road that resulted in a crash. One motorist decided to teach the other a lesson by braking sharply in front of him — a situation that predictably ended in an accident. Who is to blame, and can video evidence assist in traffic police and court proceedings?

On an ordinary city street, a black sedan suddenly brakes in front of the car from which the video is being recorded. No collision occurs, the cars change lanes, but then the black car brakes sharply again. Everything ends in an accident — watch the video.

Likely, before this road incident, some conflict arose between the drivers, leading one to decide to teach the other a lesson. Standard accident analysis practice assumes that in such cases, the driver who was behind and rear-ended the vehicle in front is at fault.

However, if there is video footage that shows the true circumstances of the accident, courts may make different determinations regarding liability.

— Undoubtedly, the driver of the black sedan is at fault; his driving can be classified as dangerous. The cause of the accident was the driver«s violation of clause 8.4 of the Traffic Rules — he failed to yield the right of way when changing lanes, thereby provoking the accident, — says lawyer Vladimir Aleshin.

— With such video evidence, the «teacher» is 100 percent at fault. Clauses 1.5 and 2.7 of the Traffic Rules. Dangerous driving, expressed in the repeated commission of one or several consecutive actions involving failure to yield when changing lanes, — says Denis Sadovsky, a lawyer at the company «Inyurkon».

Clause 8.4 of the Traffic Rules: When changing lanes, the driver must yield to vehicles moving in the same direction without changing their course.

1.5. Road users must act in such a way as not to create a danger to traffic and not to cause harm.

2.7. Dangerous driving is prohibited for drivers.

Of course, on the road, it«s better to avoid disputes that can lead to such methods of »teaching«. If you see that someone is cutting you off or braking sharply, try not to argue but to distance yourself from such a car, reduce your speed, keep your distance.

And certainly, it makes sense to install a fixed dashcam in your car that records the road situation. This will help you in an unpleasant situation to defend your position in court and prove the opponent«s violations.

Read also, how a car driver caused three truckers to collide. Why did he do it?