Being on the road has certain inherent risks, but when someone chooses to drink and drive, it heightens the danger for everyone. It’s important to know what to do when you see someone who is driving erratically. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to tell why a driver is not following the signs of the road. They may also be texting or eating, which causes their attention to be pulled away from their driving.
Although in the United States have almost been cut in half since 1980, when MADD was formed, according to one survey from 2012, 29.1 million people admitted to driving under the influence. It’s suspected that someone will drive after drinking around 80 times before being caught. Around 28 people die every day because of drunk driving accidents. These figures should give you pause. According to an Oklahoma initiative, “I can stop DUI,” but you need to know the signs.
Signs of an Impaired Driver
Drivers who are under the influence often drive very slow, hoping to avoid a DUI charge. However, that isn’t the only sign you can watch for. People who are not paying attention to their driving might weave and swerve between lanes. They may follow other drivers too close or stop inappropriately. A driver might also weave into the center of the road onto a median or on other surfaces that isn’t a road. One sign might indicate a simple lapse in control of the car, but multiple signs should be reported before the driver causes drunk driving accidents.
What to Do When You See This Behavior on the Road
Although it can be tempting to follow the driver or try to get them to pull over, experts recommend that give the car plenty of leeway. Additionally, you should try to get as much information about the car as you can (i.e. make, model, color, year, license plate and location) then call 911. Be prepared to answer questions about the behavior that you are seeing. You should not compromise your own safety to get this information though. Leave it up to the professionals who know how to keep the roads safe.
What to Do If You’re a Victim of a Drunk Driving Accident
Even with public awareness and laws that prevent driving while under the influence, you may still be in an accident. The best course of action is to contact a lawyer. Some states have laws on the books that hold businesses or hosts responsible for impaired drivers. In order to hold everyone accountable, you should seek the services of a good attorney that can help you sort through the legal issues.