El Paso police warn reckless driving can have deadly consequences

EL PASO, Texas -- El Paso drivers are no strangers to reckless drivers, drivers who cut other drivers off or tailgate.

Police tell ABC-7 drivers who witness erratic and reckless driving can call 9-1-1.

But they don't want drivers to call with generic information about a driver with just the color of the vehicle. Police say specifics are key to stopping reckless drivers.

"A couple of weeks ago I was driving down Montwood and I saw this lady swerving, and she kept switching lanes back ad forth and she even got on the sidewalk," said Cypress Rios, who witnessed a driver who she says seemed like she was driving drunk.

"They pose a danger to everybody on the road. Not only themselves, but to everybody else using that road," said El Paso police Sgt. Kiki Carrillo.

Carillo says that in some cases, reckless drivers cause fatalities, like a crash that happened Jan. 16.

Police say the driver of a black Chevrolet Tahoe was making erratic lane changes and speeding. The driver crashed into a light pole and died at the scene.

Carillo says when innocent drivers see reckless drivers, its best to call 9-1-1.
That's what Rios did with the female erratic driver she saw two weeks ago.

"And I reported the vehicle cause I got her license plate," said Rios.

Carillo says having the driver's license plate is good, but more information helps police find and stop a reckless driver.

"If it's readily available and you know the description, you have the plates, description of the driver, then provide that. As much information as you can to the call taker," added Carrillo.

But what police do not want drivers to do is confront the driver to try to get them to slow down.

Officers say if drivers feel empowered to drive recklessly, they could likely retaliate -- and they want drivers to avoid that at all cost.