We’ve all been there: sharing the road with a driver whose behavior raises a red flag. Maybe they’re weaving between lanes, slamming on their brakes for no reason, or driving too slowly in the fast lane. It’s a nerve-wracking experience, and knowing how to handle the situation to protect yourself and others is crucial.
If you’re ever involved in an accident caused by a drunk driver, navigating the legal aftermath can be overwhelming. In such cases, seeking guidance from a professional is essential. Hiring a drunk driving accident lawyer can ensure your rights are protected and you receive fair compensation for damages and injuries.
But before things escalate to that point, let’s focus on staying safe on the road by identifying the signs of an intoxicated driver and maintaining a safe distance.
Signs of Driver Intoxication
Sharing the road with someone who seems out of it can be scary. Here are some warning signs that a driver might be intoxicated:
Erratic Driving Behavior
Look out for drivers who seem to have lost control of their vehicles. This could include:
- Swerving in and out of lanes like they can’t decide which one they belong in.
- Weaving across the center line, putting themselves and others at risk of a head-on collision.
- Difficulty staying within lane markers, constantly drifting close to the edge or even onto the rumble strip.
- Straddling lanes making it unclear which lane they actually occupy.
- Erratic braking or acceleration, slamming on the brakes for no apparent reason, or speeding up and slowing down erratically.
Impaired Awareness
Intoxication can also affect a driver’s awareness of their surroundings. Watch for these signs:
- Slow reaction times to traffic signals or hazards. They might brake suddenly when the light just turned yellow or not notice a stopped car ahead of time.
- Inability to maintain a safe following distance. Tailgating is a major red flag, especially if they don’t slow down when you do.
- Drifting towards the shoulder or oncoming traffic. This indicates a lack of focus and control over the vehicle.
- Not using turn signals. This is a basic safety measure that an intoxicated driver might forget.
- Stopping or starting erratically. They might come to a complete stop in the middle of the road or pull out from a stop sign without checking for oncoming traffic.
Physical Signs of Intoxication
In some cases, you might also notice physical signs of intoxication in the driver:
- Slow, sluggish movements. This could be when they’re trying to steer or come to a stop.
- Difficulty controlling the vehicle. This might manifest as jerky movements or overcorrecting when they turn.
- Dim headlights or taillights not working. While this could be a malfunction, it can also be a sign the driver is unaware of their surroundings due to intoxication.
Maintaining Distance from an Intoxicated Driver
If you spot a driver exhibiting the signs of intoxication mentioned above, your top priority is to increase the space between you and their vehicle. This buys you valuable time to react if they make a sudden maneuver.
Increase the Following Distance
The key here is to give yourself more room to stop safely in case the intoxicated driver slams on their brakes or makes an unexpected move. A good rule of thumb is the “3-second rule“. This means leaving at least 3 seconds of space between your car and the car in front of you when you’re both traveling at the same speed. In bad weather or if you suspect the driver ahead is intoxicated, increase that following distance even further.
Change Lanes When Safe
Once you’ve created some space, if possible, consider moving to a different lane altogether. This puts a physical barrier between you and the intoxicated driver and minimizes the risk of being involved in an accident if they veer into your lane. However, safety always comes first. Always check your blind spots before changing lanes, and make sure it’s a clear and safe maneuver before moving over.
Avoid Engaging with the Driver
It might be tempting to honk your horn, flash your lights, or try to get the driver’s attention to signal that they’re driving erratically. However, these actions could actually escalate the situation. An intoxicated driver might become aggressive or unpredictable. The safest course of action is to maintain your distance, focus on your own driving, and report the driver to the authorities as soon as possible.
Reporting a Suspected Drunk Driver
If you see someone driving under the influence, the best course of action is to pull over to a safe location and call 911. While on the phone, provide the dispatcher with as much detail as possible, including:
- Vehicle description: This includes the license plate number, make, model, and color of the car.
- Location: Tell the dispatcher your current location and the direction you’re traveling.
- Driver behavior: Describe the specific behaviors you observed that made you suspect the driver was intoxicated.
The Legal Consequences of Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence (DUI or DWI) is a serious offense with harsh legal consequences. Penalties can include hefty fines, license suspension or revocation, jail time, and even mandatory alcohol education programs.
If you’re ever involved in an accident caused by a suspected drunk driver, contacting a qualified lawyer can ensure your rights are protected and you receive fair compensation.
By Chris Bates
