Posted by: Kisling, Nestico & Redick, LLC
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. 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.
