When a driver has too much alcohol before they drive, they likely can’t operate their vehicle safely. The problems they face include a reduction in response time, an inability to process information, and an inability to exhibit complete muscle control. This can lead to some very unsafe behaviors behind the wheel.
Being able to spot the signs of drunk driving when you’re on the road may give you the opportunity to avoid coming into contact with a driver who is going to cause an accident. While anyone can drive drunk, four out of five drunk drivers are males, and 85% of the people who drive drunk are binge drinkers.
There are several things you can look for that will alert you that a driver is drunk. These include:
- Frequently braking when there isn’t a need
- Driving erratically
- Going much slower or faster than the speed limit
- Turning illegally or without a signal
- Swerving between lanes
- Nearly hitting items on the side of the road
- Failing to obey traffic signals or signs
If you see any signs that can point to an impaired driver, you should contact the police right away. They might be able to stop the vehicle and prevent an accident. If the suspected drunk driver does slam into your vehicle, you should call emergency services, so you can get paramedics to the scene.
You need to get medical care, and you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit to try to recover the damages associated with the crash. This includes the expenses related to medical care, as well as the money you weren’t able to earn while you were healing. Other damages might also be possible, so be sure to discuss this with your attorney.