What To Do if you Recognize a Drunk Driver on the Road
When you see a vehicle swerving in and out of lanes, driving at erratically changing speeds, stopping and accelerating illogically, or tailgating, you could be looking at a drunk driver. Drunk drivers are a hazard to themselves and others on the roadway. If you recognize a drunk driver on the road, be a hero and report the drunk driver. You could save your life and others’ lives, including the drunk driver’s life.
Stay Calm
It is important not to panic when you recognize a drunk driver traveling near your vehicle. It is critical to your safety and others’ for you to continue traveling at a safe speed and following correct traffic procedures like signaling before changing lanes and maintaining a safe following distance. Panicking will only increase your chance of colliding with the drunk driver.
Get Away from the Vehicle
When it is safe to do so, drive away from the drunk driver’s vehicle. This could mean changing lanes or pulling off the road entirely. Whatever you do, do it in a safe manner.
Report the Drunk Driver
Do not use a handheld device while driving. If you do not have a headset or hands-free software on your vehicle, pull off the road to call 911. Report as many details as you can about the drunk driver and his or her vehicle, including:
- The direction it was traveling;
- Where you saw the vehicle. Be as specific as you can with this detail and provide all that you can, such as cross streets and landmarks;
- The approximate speed the vehicle was traveling;
- The make, model, and color of the vehicle; and
- If you caught it, the vehicle’s license plate number.
Never try to stop or apprehend the driver yourself. Let the police handle locating and stopping the driver. You do not have to provide your name or any details about yourself in your report to authorities.
If you are Injured in a Collision with a Drunk Driver, Draper Law Office is Here to Help you Pursue the Compensation you Need for your Damages
When you are facing steep damages for the injuries you sustained in a car accident, work with an experienced personal injury lawyer to pursue compensation for those damages. Contact Draper Law Office online or by calling 866-767-4711 today to set up your free, no-obligation consultation in one of our two offices: Orlando, and Kissimmee.
