How to Avoid Drunk Drivers

By Zane T. Cagle | June 20, 2021 | Car Accidents, Drunk Driving

Drunk driving leads to thousands of accidents every year. Alcohol affects a person’s vision, coordination, judgment, and reaction time, which are all needed for safe driving. Despite knowing the dangers of drunk driving, too many people still decide to drive under the influence of alcohol and put those around them at serious risk.

Further, if you do see drunk drivers out on the road, reporting them could potentially help prevent an accident and keep the roads safer for other drivers and their passengers.

Not many people know what to do if they see someone driving erratically and think they might be driving drunk. Some people might just wonder how to avoid these motorists so they can stay clear of getting seriously injured.

Here’s what you should do if you suspect that you’ve seen a drunk driver on the road.

How to Spot a Drunk Driver

Of course, there’s no way for you to know for certain if another person is under the influence of alcohol. While you might not know if a driver has been drinking, there are a few signs that show they could be under the influence. Even if the driver isn’t driving drunk, they’re driving recklessly and putting others in danger, so reporting them will still help keep others safe.

Here are a few signs that a driver might be under the influence of alcohol.

• Swerving
• Excessive braking and sudden stops
• Driving far below the speed limit
• Weaving in and out of lanes
• Driving on the wrong side of the road

How to Report a Drunk Driver

To prevent anyone from getting injured, it can be helpful if you report erratic driving behaviors quickly, but you also don’t want to put yourself at risk by doing this. For your safety, if you see someone driving recklessly who may be under the influence, it’s best to stay away from them and get to an area where you’re safe. To quickly report a drunk driver, you can call 911 if you believe people are in immediate danger. You can also call your local non-emergency number to report a drunk driver.

When you do this, you’ll need to provide information about the vehicle. This information includes their license plate number, the make and model of the car, and any other descriptions to help them find the vehicle. You’ll also need to give the location of where you saw the driver, so be sure to take note of street signs.

What Happens Next?

After you report a drunk driver, law enforcement will find the driver based on the information you give them. If they suspect that the driver is under the influence, they’ll test the driver to know for certain and arrest them if they find that the person was driving drunk.

If you were unable to avoid the driver and, in fact, were injured by this person, it’s also important that you understand what to do next. For many people, working with a personal injury lawyer who handles drunk driving cases is their best option and can help them receive the compensation they deserve. At The Cagle Law Firm, we can help you after a drunk driving accident and ensure you’re getting the best legal support.

To learn more about working with a drunk driving accident lawyer in St. Louis, call The Cagle Law Firm toll-free at (1-800) 685-3302 or locally at (314) 276-168.

About The Author

Zane T. Cagle

Zane T. Cagle is the founding president and lead trial attorney at The Cagle Law Firm. With a strong dedication to his clients, he has built a reputation for his tenacious representation in personal injury cases, ensuring each client's unique story is heard. Areas of Practice: Personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death. Bar Admissions: Supreme Court of Missouri, Illinois & Kentucky. Superior Court of U.S. Virgin Islands Education: Washington University School of Law. Awards: Super Lawyers, Top 40 Under 40 by The National Trial Lawyers Association, 10 Best in Missouri for Customer Satisfaction.

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