North Carolina’s network of highways connects communities across the state, from the busy I-40 corridor to routes like US-264 running through Greenville. These high-speed roadways serve thousands of drivers daily, but they can quickly become danger zones when aggressive driving behaviors occur.
One particularly hazardous practice that continues to cause accidents on local roads is brake checking.
Understanding brake checking and why it is dangerous
Brake checking occurs when a driver deliberately slams their brakes to force the vehicle behind them to quickly slow down or swerve. This dangerous tactic is often due to road rage or an attempt to “teach a lesson” to tailgaters. On Greenville’s stretch of US-264 or along Memorial Drive where speeds regularly exceed 45 mph, brake checking creates immediate hazards for everyone nearby.
The danger multiplies on rural highways surrounding Pitt County, where visibility can change quickly and drivers may have fewer escape routes. When a vehicle brakes in a sudden and violent manner, the following driver has about one to two seconds to react.
At highway speeds as fast as 70 mph, this can be extremely hazardous. When vehicles collide at high speeds after a brake check, these injuries are common:
- Whiplash and neck trauma from sudden deceleration
- Head injuries including concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Back and spinal cord damage that may cause permanent disability
- Broken bones, particularly wrists, ribs and facial fractures
- Internal organ damage from seatbelt trauma or impact forces
Victims can also suffer from emotional distress, including constant fear that an accident will happen again after such a traumatic event.
Legal consequences of brake checking under state law
In North Carolina, brake checking isn’t just dangerous — it’s illegal. Courts typically classify this behavior as reckless driving. A reckless driving charge carries penalties including fines, license points and possible jail time. Drivers who cause accidents through brake checking bear liability for resulting damages to victims, such as ongoing medical bills, costs to repair the vehicle and other related expenses.
Steps to take if you’re involved in a brake checking collision
When brake checking leads to a collision, the at-fault driver may be responsible for covering medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repairs and pain and suffering. If you’re injured in such an accident, you can seek compensation through insurance claims or legal action when appropriate. Even in cases where you allegedly were tailgating, the brake-checking driver is liable for causing the accident.
Victims of brake-checking accidents should document all evidence, including witness statements, medical records and any dashcam videos to support their claim for damages under state law.