Identifying Signs of a Drunk Driver
Drunk driving is a major problem and it causes many accidents, injuries and deaths. In fact, drunk driving is the leading cause of car crashes and is responsible for approximately 29 deaths every day. With so many alcohol-impaired individuals on our highways, there’s a good chance you will encounter one. Knowing how to spot a drunk driver at night and what to do can mean the difference between life and death.
Detecting a Drunk Driver at Night
While you may be uncomfortable accusing someone of drunk driving, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Wouldn’t you rather take action and be wrong versus doing nothing and letting a possible drunk bring terror to the highways, endangering every innocent person they encounter? Individuals who’ve had too much alcohol often show up on the roads after dark. Many are leaving bars after an evening of drinking, and instead of calling a friend or taxi, they put everyone in danger and try to drive themselves home. If you are on the roads at night and you notice the following signs about another driver, it’s time to take action:
- Tailgating
- Weaving or crossing the line
- Erratically braking
- Running off the road
- Speeding up and slowing down
- Making illegal turns
- Driving without headlights
- Driving 10 mph under the speed limit
Most people have been guilty of many of these violations at one time or another. What sets a drunk driver apart from the average person is that they are exhibiting several of these infractions all at once. When you notice this, you’ll want to take immediate action to get that driver off the road.
What To Do If You Spot a Drunk Driver
If you suspect another driver has been drinking because you’ve witnessed them committing several driving infractions, you will want to do what you can to get them off the road. Follow these steps if you find yourself in this situation:
- Take note of the license plate number
- Take note of the vehicle make, model and color
- Pull over and call the police
- Explain where you are and in which direction the suspected drunk driver is traveling
- Explain to the police what you witnessed and give them the description of the plates and car
Now that you’ve done your part, the police will take over. Although you can never know if another driver is drunk when they act erratically while driving, if you witness them acting strangely you should always report it. The worst thing that will happen is that you are wrong. Any wrongfully convicted driver should seek the help of an experienced DUI lawyer such as the DWI Lawyer Phoenix locals turn to. No one is going to be hurt if you’re wrong. But, if you report something suspicious and it turns out you helped get a drunk off the highway, you may have just saved a life.
What You Shouldn’t Do
You should never ignore your gut feeling. If you witness another individual driving suspiciously, report it. If you think someone is driving while drunk, the last thing you want to do is to take the matter into your own hands. Don’t try to get them to pull over and don’t confront them in any way. In fact, it would be best if the driver didn’t notice you at all. If an individual is under the influence of alcohol it can really affect their behavior and may even make them violent. Avoid a confrontation at all costs. After you’ve contacted police, let them handle it. They are equipped to deal with volatile situations while the average citizen is not. You don’t want to risk getting hurt or worse. If you call the police they will be on the scene and ready to handle the situation so that you can be on your way. You will have peace of mind knowing you did your part to get a dangerous driver off the road.
