How To Identify A Drunk Driver And What You Should Do

Posted on: 27 June 2016

Share

You must face facts: most people can't get by without a car, and alcohol isn't disappearing anytime soon. While typically harmless by themselves, both can be dangerous if mishandled. Disaster is almost guaranteed if the two are combined.

The most effective deterrent is not to drink and drive, but for one reason or another, people do. Knowing the tell-tale signs of a drunk driver and what you should do about it can mean the difference between a night of fun and a tragedy.  

The Signs

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) cites over 100 visual signals that police officers use to identify drunk drivers, but the average citizen need only be familiar with the most obvious in order to make a difference.

Speed Variation: Roads and highways only have one speed limit. Be on the lookout for fluctuating acceleration and deceleration.

Abrupt Activity: Quick movements such as erratic braking, sudden turns, and late or early signaling are red flags.

Oblivious to Surroundings: As a rule, cars shouldn't be swerving in and out of lanes, running red lights, or just barely dodging inanimate objects. These would constitute reckless driving in any situation.

Abnormal Behavior: Sober people can't see in the dark, and that goes double for drunks. Be vigilant of cars driving at night with the headlights turned off or a driver's head lolling to one side with closed eyes.

Take Action

If you see a vehicle exhibiting any of these signs, take the following steps:

  • Safety First: The safety of you and your passengers takes first priority. Stay as far away from the other vehicle as possible. Some may want to get right behind a drunk driver to obtain their license plate number, but maintain a safe distance at all times.
  • Identify: If it is possible to get their plate number safely, please do so. Also, take note of the make, model, and color of the vehicle along with any other distinguishing features.
  • Call: Pull over and call 911. Give the vehicle description, street name, cross-streets, the direction the vehicle is headed, and driving behavior.

At all costs, avoid confronting a drunk driver yourself. They could be armed, irate, or, in some cases merely fatigued, and no one wants to land in a dubious situation over a misunderstanding. A simple phone call is all it takes to help keep the roads safe. There is certainly no reason for you to police the situation or to try following the driver, as you could get hurt in the process.

If the unfortunate happens and you find yourself in an accident with a drunk driver, contact legal professionals like Kaston & Aberle for help.