Drunk drivers are scary, and unfortunately, it’s very common for drunk drivers to develop a pattern of drunk driving. Often, the individual has driven drunk on multiple occasions before he or she is eventually (if ever) arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI). While you can’t entirely prevent being in a drunk driving accident, there is a lot that you can do as a concerned citizen to report the drunk driving to the authorities and help keep yourself safe and accident-free.
Spotting a Drunk Driver: What to Look For
Drunk drivers are easy to spot if you know what to look for. There are definitely “telltale signs” that someone is drunk, though it could also mean the driver is texting while driving or driving while fatigued. Regardless, the following driving behaviors represent a problem and they should still be reported to the authorities.
Red flags to look for:
- Swerving
- Tailgating
- Straddling the center line
- Driving erratically
- Driving the wrong way
- Erratic breaking
- Erratic acceleration
- Sudden, abrupt turns or stops
- Stopping in traffic when it makes no sense
- Failing to stop or go at traffic signals as they’re supposed to
Reporting a Drunk Driver
To report a drunk driver, call 911. It’s important to tell the operator specifics about the vehicle, such as the vehicle’s make, model and color. If you can, give the operator the license plate number. Also, give details about where the vehicle is driving – give names of the freeway or streets that you’re on and the direction the driver is headed. Lastly, give details about the driver’s behavior. For example, if they’re swerving or driving way below the speed limit, be sure to mention that on the call.
As for you, keep a safe following distance. If you suspect someone is drinking and driving, be vigilant and stay out of their path. Just be sure you report it – by calling 911, you could save someone’s life. If you were hit by a drunk driver, contact us to file a claim for compensation!