You've probably been on the road and noticed a driver swerving between lanes or speeding excessively. It's unsettling, right?

Some drivers may not just be rude or reckless—they could be putting everyone around them at serious risk.

Knowing how to spot potentially dangerous drivers can help you stay safe, whether you're a pedestrian or behind the wheel yourself.

Here's a guide to help you identify hazardous driving behaviors before they escalate into a real threat.

Excessive Speeding

One of the most obvious signs of a dangerous driver is excessive speeding. It's easy to spot someone zipping past other cars at unsafe speeds, especially when the weather or road conditions don't warrant it. Speeding not only reduces the driver's reaction time but also increases the likelihood of a crash.

What to look for:

• Speeding through residential areas: Watch for drivers who ignore speed limits in places where children might be playing or where pedestrians often cross.

• Tailgating: Drivers who are speeding tend to tailgate, getting too close to the car in front of them, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions.

• Driving too fast for conditions: Even if the speed limit is high, a responsible driver adjusts their speed according to road conditions, such as rain or snow. If someone's driving far too fast in poor conditions, that's a warning sign.

If you find yourself in a situation with a speeding driver, try to distance yourself from their vehicle to stay out of harm's way.

Aggressive or Road Rage Behavior

We've all encountered drivers who seem ready to engage in a confrontation. Aggressive behavior on the road can include tailgating, excessive honking, or even rude gestures. These drivers are not only unpredictable but also often create dangerous situations for everyone around them.

What to be aware of:

• Cutting off other drivers: Drivers who cut in front of others without signaling or leaving enough space could cause accidents by forcing others to brake suddenly.

• Erratic lane changes: Constantly changing lanes without signaling or weaving in and out of traffic is a red flag. These drivers have little regard for the safety of others.

• Hostile gestures: Drivers who make obscene gestures or yell at others are likely dealing with intense road rage, which can lead to dangerous decisions on the road.

If you're dealing with a driver displaying road rage, avoid making eye contact and steer clear. Letting them pass or pulling over if needed can help avoid escalation.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a growing problem on the roads, and it's one of the most dangerous. Drivers who are texting, adjusting the radio, or engaging with their phone are not paying attention to the road. This makes them more likely to miss traffic signals, overlook hazards, or fail to react quickly enough.

Signs of distraction:

• Texting or using a phone: If you see someone looking down at their phone while driving, especially if they're swerving or driving erratically, that's a clear sign of distraction.

• Fiddling with in-car electronics: A driver who is constantly adjusting their radio, GNSS, or entertainment system is not fully focused on the road.

• Eating or drinking: Drivers who are eating or drinking while driving are more likely to be distracted and less likely to react quickly to sudden changes in traffic.

If you spot a distracted driver, avoid staying close to them. If possible, give them a wide berth or change lanes to create distance between you.

Ignoring Traffic Signals and Signs

Running red lights, stop signs, or failing to yield at intersections are all signs of a driver who is not paying attention to the road. Ignoring these traffic signals and signs can lead to serious accidents, particularly at high-speed intersections.

How to spot this behavior:

• Running red lights: If a driver is speeding up at a yellow or red light, they may be planning to run it. This can cause accidents, especially if there's cross-traffic.

• Ignoring stop signs: A driver who doesn't stop at a stop sign and instead rolls through or speeds past it is putting themselves and others at risk.

• Not yielding: A driver who fails to yield at a designated yield sign or merges recklessly can cause side-impact collisions.

In these situations, it's best to approach intersections cautiously and be ready to react, as these drivers are unpredictable.

Inconsistent Driving Patterns

When a driver's movements seem erratic, it can indicate that they are either impaired or distracted. A car that moves back and forth between lanes, swerves, or fails to stay in its lane is a major warning sign.

Signs to watch out for:

• Drifting between lanes: A driver who frequently drifts between lanes, especially without signaling, may have trouble maintaining control of their vehicle.

• Unsteady speed: A car that fluctuates between fast and slow speeds might indicate a driver who's distracted, drowsy, or not well.

• Sudden braking: Excessive and unexplained braking is another red flag. It could suggest that the driver is not paying attention or is unable to react to the road properly.

If you notice erratic movements, try to stay clear of the vehicle and avoid engaging with it on the road.

Stay Alert and Safe

Recognizing a potentially dangerous driver can save your life. Whether they're speeding, distracted, or displaying aggressive behaviors, these red flags should never be ignored. Always trust your instincts—if something feels off, take action to protect yourself.

Stay calm, stay safe, and always remember: the best way to deal with a dangerous driver is to create distance and avoid confrontation.