6 Warning Signs Someone Is Driving Under the Influence

Metier Law Firm
Wed, 11 Jan 2017 19:00:07 +0000
Safety Lawyer, MADD

Impaired drivers are a major force of devastation on roads across the country. Despite the availability of ridesharing services, taxis, and mobile phones to call designated drivers, impaired motorists continue to kill thousands of people per year. Fortunately, other motorists can report impaired drivers and possibly save lives in the process.

The following signs may give away drunk drivers:

1. Swerving: Swerving in and out of lanes is the most common sign someone is impaired by drugs or alcohol.

2. Erratic braking or acceleration: Impaired drivers have difficulty controlling their speed or braking. Look for sporadic acceleration and deacceleration.

3. Forgetting to turn on the lights: This may be a giveaway of impaired driving at night, but not always. Motorists who are driving erratically without lights may be impaired.

4. Inconsistent signaling: Impaired drivers use signals inconsistent with their driving actions. For example, they may use the left turn signal and turn right.

5. Abrupt turns: Drivers under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol are more likely to make abrupt or illegal turns.

6. Wrong-way driving: A 2012 National Transportation Safety Board study shows drunk drivers are responsible for 60 to 70 percent of wrong-way driving accidents. Impaired drivers are more likely to drive on the wrong side of the road.

How Should You Report Impaired Drivers?

By notifying the authorities, you may help prevent an impaired driving accident. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) recommends extra caution while reporting impaired drivers. According to MADD, you should stay as far away from the impaired driver as possible. You should never attempt to pass or signal the drunk driver. Take notice of the license plate number, make and model of the vehicle. After taking these steps, pull over and call 911.