Drunk drivers are a menace to society. Statistics show that 25% of accidents that occur every year are caused by intoxicated drivers. No one deserves to be an accident statistic, especially when it is not their fault.
If you’ve found yourself in this position, you should consider filing a drunk driving accident case. You can sue the at-fault driver for compensation to cover your losses.
How Do Drunk Drivers Behave?
Here are a few telltale signs that a driver might be drunk:
Altered perception
One of the first things affected is perception. Drunk drivers often misjudge distances and speeds. You can see them tailgating aggressively, completely oblivious to the car in front of them.
Then, all of a sudden, they might slam on the brakes for no apparent reason. If you’re behind them, you’ll be left scrambling to avoid a rear-end collision.
Their altered perception also causes them to act aggressively. Swerving from lane to lane, hugging the centerline, or drifting onto the shoulder are all red flags.
They might even attempt impossible maneuvers, like making sharp turns at high speeds or driving the wrong way down a one-way street. These unpredictable movements make them a terrifying threat on the road.
Unusual talkativeness and aggression
When you’re drunk, all your inhibitions are let loose. If you’re behind the wheel, it’s even worse. A drunk driver might start yelling obscenities at other drivers, singing loudly, or even having animated conversations with themselves.
Aggression is also a common trait of loose inhibitions. Drunk drivers are more likely to become enraged by minor incidents like someone honking their horns or changing lanes in front of them. When they get angry, they might do something outrageous, like speeding, cutting off other drivers, or even attempting to initiate a road rage incident.
Trying to appear sober (and failing)
Many drunk drivers attempt to mask their intoxication. They may try to appear overly cautious, driving slowly, all in an attempt to seem sober. Others may roll down all the windows in an attempt to air out the smell of alcohol, oblivious to the fact that their erratic driving has already given them away.
Some may even attempt to pull over and “sleep it off” in a random parking lot or on the side of the road. While this may seem harmless, it can still pose a danger to themselves and other drivers.
A car parked erratically on the side of the road, especially at night, is a potential hazard waiting to happen. An oncoming driver may not notice them fast enough and ram into them.
How to Spot a Drunk Driver and Stay Safe?
You have a role to play in ensuring that these drivers do not cause extensive harm to themselves and other road users. If you see someone exhibiting erratic movements, swerving lanes, driving aggressively, or otherwise behaving oddly, take steps to protect yourself.
Increase the distance between your car and theirs. If possible, move to a different lane or exit the highway altogether. Don’t try to engage with an aggressive drunk driver. If you try to reason with them, you may escalate the situation even further.
As soon as you suspect someone is driving under the influence, don’t hesitate to call the police. Your call could potentially save lives.
Conclusion
As soon as you notice a driver may be driving while intoxicated, take steps to protect yourself, then call the police from a safe distance.
However, if you were unable to do this and they ended up crashing on you, take steps to get medical attention, then contact your lawyer to begin the process of filing a car accident case against the drunk driver.