According to the Central for Disease Control (CDC), 29 people die every day in car accidents relating to alcohol impairment or drunk driving. These crashes claim more than 10,000 lives a year just in the United States. Alcohol impairs muscle coordination and reaction times, negatively affecting driving skill, but can also have effects of relaxation and confidence that convince an intoxicated person to drive when they shouldn’t.
So what do you do if you see a drunk driver on the road?
How to Spot a Drunk Driver
Drivers under the influence of alcohol often swerve, weave, and change lanes erratically. They may drift from their lane, or fail to turn on their headlights at night. Sudden or erratic braking needless is also an indication of a drunk driver.
If someone makes a bad turn or drifts and corrects themselves, that does not necessarily mean they are driving under the influence. They could just as likely be texting, or drifted while changing the radio station or song on their phone. However, if the driver is continuing to drive erratically, that is a good indication they are intoxicated or at the very least in no state to drive.
Your Safety Comes First
Never try to pass a drunk driver. Stay behind at a safe distance. A safe distance means if they get in an accident or collide with another vehicle or object, you have enough space to slow down or stop to avoid joining the collision yourself.
You can remain anonymous if you’er calling about a friend or family member you know is out driving when they shouldn’t be. They may not thank you in the moment, but you’re preventing them from injuring themselves or another person.
If you are driving with a apssenger, have them write down the license plate number if you can see it, the make and model of the vehicle, and the color of the vehicle. Do not try to approach to see what the driver looks like. If you are driving by yourself, just try your best to remember the details of the vehicle without risking your personal safety.
How to Report a Drunk Driver
Pull over when you are safe to do so. Do not just pull over on the side of the road, especially at night, because you could be hit by another car. Find a safe place (like a well-lit parking lot) to sit and call 911. This is also a good time to write down the details of the vehicle that you remember so that you don’t forget. Tell the dispatcher that you want to report a drunk driver.
You’ll want to make note of your exact location and exactly where you saw the driver. Describe the vehicle and the driving behavior that aroused your suspicions. You can remain completely anonymous, and may be saving someone’s life.
Thank you for reading the legal news blog of The Law Office of Gabriella Young. We are an Austin, Travis County, and Williamson County criminal defense law firm and our jail release assistance is available 24/7. We are dedicated to our clients and their futures, and will handle your case with compassion and dedication!