Driving while intoxicated carries several known concerns. In addition to impairing reflexes and perceptions, alcohol can also impair cognitive thinking. Regretfully, a significant number of drivers continue to deliberately choose to disregard these concerns, even among those of us who take them seriously.
Unfortunately, if you have been hit by a drunk driver, you must speak to a drunk driving accident lawyer and discuss your options.
Approximately 37 individuals every day, or one every 39 minutes, lose their lives in drunk driving accidents in the United States. 13,524 people lost their lives in traffic accidents caused by drunk drivers in 2022. All of these deaths could have been avoided if only people had not been intoxicated behind the wheels.
In this article, we shall see 4 things you must do when you spot an intoxicated driver behind the wheels.
Fasten Your Seatbelts
You should always have your seatbelt fastened, as the law requires in most states in the US. Some people disregard this rule for their comfort. If you are one of them and spot a drunk driver, wear your seatbelt. In case an accident does occur, you might want to make sure that you and your passengers are securely fastened.
Drive Defensively
Ensure that you have at least three or four car lengths between your car and the possibly hazardous (drunken) one. In the unlikely event that the intoxicated driver loses control, you will have enough room to stop and maneuver.
Halt and Call 911
Please remember that your primary duty as a driver is to ensure your car and passengers are safe. Even though you should get in touch with the police right away, don’t try to phone until you are in a secure location. Instead, ask a passenger to do it on your behalf. A partial license plate can be helpful. Additionally, try to record as much information as possible about the driver’s vehicle’s make, model, and direction or location.
Do Not Confront the Driver
You never know how someone you suspect of being drunk or intoxicated will respond; therefore, you should never try to pass them. Remain back and give the other driver space to drive more slowly for everyone’s safety on the road. A suspected drunk driver should never be approached, interfered with, or confronted; it is the role of law enforcement. Call the police and stay away.
Cues To Spot Drunk Driving
Although it’s usually very evident when someone is driving while drunk, there are a few telltale signs:
- Swerving or drifting over the lines and in and out of lanes
- Exhibiting unpredictable motions or braking and accelerating suddenly
- Ignoring traffic signals and stop signs or responding slowly to them
- Driving recklessly, such as when you tailgate
- Exceeding or falling short of the speed limit
- Using the incorrect side of the road
- Taking excessively many turns
Pieces of Evidence Required for Drunk Driving Accident Cases
In case you are the victim of a drunk driving accident, and you are looking to make a settlement claim, the following evidence can prove to be helpful:
- Proof that the other motorist was intoxicated, such as police records from the scene of an accident or a DUI arrest record
- Videos or images from the accident scene
- Statements of witnesses
- Medical documents
- An account in a diary or journal of your suffering
Final Thoughts
Seeking legal counsel from an attorney is imperative if you were hurt in an accident that you believe was brought on by the person driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. A lawyer will thoroughly investigate the claim and manage any communications with insurance companies and other authorities. An attorney will cooperate with law enforcement to acquire these records since the outcome of these cases often depends on whether or not a driver received an intoxicated driving citation.
