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Brake checking is a dangerous behavior that occurs when a driver suddenly slams on their brakes in front of another vehicle, often as a form of retaliation for tailgating, offensive gestures, or other poor road manners. However, this behavior puts not only the driver but also their passengers and other drivers on the road at risk of injury or even death. Some of the dangers of brake checking include: Increased risk of rear-end collisions: When a driver slams on their brakes unexpectedly, the driver behind them may not have enough time to stop, resulting in a rear-end collision. Impaired vision: The sudden deceleration of a vehicle can create a cloud of dust, debris, or smoke, which can reduce visibility and cause other drivers to swerve or collide with other objects. Legal repercussions: Brake checking is considered an aggressive driving behavior and can result in fines, license suspension, and even jail time. Instead of resorting to brake checking, there are safer ways to deal with road rage, such as: Taking deep breaths: When you feel angry or frustrated, take a few deep breaths to calm down and refocus on the road ahead. Avoiding eye contact: Eye contact can escalate an already tense situation, so avoid looking at the other driver and focus on driving safely. Pulling over: If you feel unsafe or overwhelmed, pull over to a safe location and take a break until you feel more relaxed.

With recent floods all around the state, it’s incredibly important to know how to drive during potential torrential downpours! The Bennington Chevy team wants to make sure you’re navigating the road as safely as possible this season. We offer several maintenance services to get your car ready for the rain, such as replacing your worn wipers, adjusting your brakes, and rotating and balancing your tires. But, even if you stay on top of maintenance, drive slowly, and avoid all puddles, we know roads can be unpredictable and scary this time of year. So, the Bennington Chevy team has prepared some tips on what to do if your car starts to hydroplane in the rain: Take your foot off of the accelerator. Decelerating is your first step, and we know instincts will tell you to use your brakes to respond to hydroplaning, but sudden braking on a wet road can lead to skidding and a complete loss of control over your vehicle. Gently turn your steering wheel in the direction your car is hydroplaning. Stay calm and do not jerk your steering wheel in any direction. Steering slightly into the direction you are hydroplaning will allow your tires to realign with your intended direction, getting you back on track and helping you regain steering control. Wait until you feel your vehicle regain traction. All of this will happen in a matter of seconds or less and it is only when you feel your tires reconnect with the road that you should accelerate or fully brake. Take a moment to compose yourself. You’ve successfully recovered from hydroplaning, but the adrenaline is still pumping and you may be a bit shaken. We suggest pulling over and taking a breather before continuing on with your journey. We hope our team’s safety tips have helped you feel more prepared to take on the roads this season!