3 Signs of a Drunk Driver

Drunk driving was responsible for 10,322 deaths in 2012, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). If you see a drunk driver on the road, it’s important that you take action to protect yourself and prevent a potential car accident. The following are some signs of a drunk driver and the steps to take if you notice one.

Swerving or Drifting between Lanes

Weaving and zigzagging, or simply swerving, is a telltale sign of a drunk driver, and usually the most obvious one. If you notice a driver drifting in and out of the lines, he or she may be intoxicated and a danger to others.

Driving without Headlights

While forgetting to turn on your headlights is a mistake made by even sober drivers, driving without headlights may be indicative of an impaired driver. When a person is drunk, he may not reason well and his memory might suffer. As a result, he may forget to turn on his headlights.

Aggressive, Erratic, or Hazardous Actions

Below are some aggressive and hazardous actions that drunk drivers might make.

• Speeding excessively
• Tailgating
• Taking wide turns
• Driving excessively slow
• Failing to signal (or signally inconsistently)
• Turning abruptly
• Almost striking an object
• Doing anything else illegal or dangerous

If you notice any of the above, act immediately to protect yourself, others on the road, and even the drunk driver.

What to Do: Keep Your Distance and Report the Drunk Driver

If you spot a drunk driver, the first thing to remember is that you need to keep your distance. If you can, note the following.

• Make and model of the vehicle
• Color
• How many doors it has
• License plate number

But don’t try to get closer in order to get this information as doing so can put you at risk. Pull over to a safe location as soon as possible and call 9-1-1. Report the drunk driver to the 9-1-1 operator and provide as much detail as possible, like the description of the vehicle, location, and direction of travel.

If Hurt, Call a Lawyer

If you suffer injuries because of a drunk driver in Cleveland, seek legal help. An attorney can represent your rights and interests when seeking compensation for any injuries or damages. Call Kisling, Nestico & Redick at 800-HURT-NOW or contact us online to set up a consultation to discuss your case and your legal options after the accident.