While you’re driving on the road, it’s important to pay attention how other drivers are acting and make decisions accordingly. When you think someone might be driving under the influence, you could become concerned for your safety as well as theirs and anyone else on the road. That’s why it’s crucial to know the warning signs that someone is driving under the influence—that way you can spot a drunk driver easily and know when to act accordingly.
Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol are a serious threat to the safety of anyone on the road. When you’ve been involved in a collision with a drunk driver, you could be suffering from injuries and other damages that you shouldn’t have to pay for. That’s where a drunk driving accident lawyer from Buckingham & Vega Law Firm comes in. We’ll help you get the compensation you deserve so that you can focus on healing.
Let’s take a look at the signs that someone is driving under the influence so that you know what to look for when another driver is acting erratically:
- Weaving, drifting, or swerving in their lane or through traffic
- Driving on the wrong side of the road, or in between lanes
- Slower reaction than usual to street signs, stop lights, and other traffic signs
- Slower reaction times for accelerating or braking
- Tailgating other drivers and acting aggressively
- Speeding or driving too slowly
- Driving with their lights off at night
- Other erratic behavior, like braking
When you’re not paying attention and are expecting another driver to drive normally, the above actions could easily lead to an accident. That’s why it’s important to drive defensively—anticipate what other drivers are doing and never expect them to drive properly. When you’re prepared for a drunk driver, you are more capable of avoiding an accident with them.
However, you can’t always avoid an accident with a driver under the influence because they’re making poor decisions. Because of that, let’s take a look at what you can do when you notice that someone is driving erratically, and you suspect they might be drunk.
What to Do If You Suspect Someone Is Driving While Drunk
Even though it’s illegal and extremely dangerous to drive under the influence, people still choose to do it. Over 10,000 people are killed every year by drunk drivers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In Texas alone, about 900 people were killed by drunk or impaired drivers in 2019.
Other than the drivers, these crashes are most fatal for the occupants of other cars and the passengers who are not intoxicated. That’s why it’s important to know what to do if you suspect that someone else is driving drunk. Here is what you should do if you think you’re on the road with a drunk driver:
- Keep Your Distance. You don’t want to get too close or try to pass this driver. You might think that you want to get their attention, but that’s not what you want to do. Stay behind them and keep a good distance between your car and theirs.
- Get Their Information. If possible, you should get their license plate number as well as the make and model of their car. Any other distinguishing factors about the car would also be helpful, but don’t strain to do this.
- Figure Out Their Location. Knowing where they are can help when you report them later. It’s important to know specific streets or mile markers where they are or where you think they’re heading.
- Call 911. By calling 911, you can report the suspected drunk driver to the police, and they can investigate based on the information that you give them.
Even when you follow these precautions, you are still in danger around a drunk driver. After you report the driver to the police, you can keep even more distance and might even want to pull over to stay away from the driver.
Hire One of Our Lawyers in Midland, TX
If you’ve been in a drunk driving accident, you probably are suffering from serious injuries and property damage. Since the collision was caused by someone else’s reckless decision, you likely want to be compensated for the costs that you incurred because they weren’t your fault.
A drunk driving accident lawyer from Buckingham & Vega Law Firm in Midland can help you through the claim process and fight for your rights. Contact our office so we can discuss your potential case and figure out how we can help you.
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Call us at (505) 388-0066 or fill out the form below to tell us about your potential case and a personal injury lawyer will get back to you as quickly as possible.