Can you recognize a drunk driver on the roadway? We think you should be able to recognize the signs of drunk driving so that you can take steps to minimize risks on the roadway. Drunk drivers present significant hazards for everyone on the road, but if you can recognize an impaired driver, you can take the steps needed to mitigate these hazards.
Avoid Nighttime Driving if You Can
If at all possible, limit the amount of time you spend driving during the evening and night hours. This is when most drunk driving accidents occur. If you do have to drive at night time, remain vigilant and watch out for the signs of an impaired driver, which we will cover later in this article.
Stay in the Right Lane
We encourage drivers to stay in the right lane as much as possible, particularly if they are operating at night or during times when impaired drivers are likely to be on the roadway. Additionally, we encourage all drivers to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle or vehicles in front of them.
Avoid Driving During Major Holidays
Major holidays such as New Year’s, Christmas, Thanksgiving, the 4th of July, Memorial Day, and Labor Day are all times when impaired driving is more likely to occur. Not only are those exact days dangerous, but so are the days leading up to the major holidays.
Look for Signs a Driver is Impaired
During the most recent reporting year in Florida, there were more than 5,000 total vehicle accidents involving alcohol confirmed. These incidents led to 407 confirmed fatalities and several thousand injuries.
Watching out for signs that a driver is impaired can help keep you and your loved ones safe on the roadway. Information provided by MADD shows that some of the most common signs that a driver is impaired on the roadway include:
- Sudden and extreme changes in speed.
- Following too closely behind other vehicles.
- Making erratic and unpredictable movements like weaving or moving in a zigzag pattern on the road.
- Operating a vehicle outside designated roadways.
- Coming dangerously close to striking objects, curbs, or other vehicles.
- Stopping abruptly or applying brakes in an irregular manner.
- Drifting between traffic lanes without a consistent pattern.
- Using turn signals that don’t align with actual driving actions.
- Delays or uncharacteristic responses to traffic signals, such as sudden stops or delayed starts.
- Straddling the center lane marker while in motion.
- Operating a vehicle without headlights on during nighttime.
- Swerving abruptly or unpredictably.
- Traveling significantly below the posted speed limit.
- Executing sharp or unlawful turns.
- Driving on the wrong side of the road into opposing traffic.
Contact a West Palm Beach Personal Injury Attorney After an Accident
If you or somebody you love has been harmed in a vehicle accident caused by a drunk driver in Florida, we encourage you to contact a West Palm Beach car accident lawyer immediately. There are various steps that you can take after a vehicle accident occurs to help not only ensure your well-being but also improve your chances of recovering compensation. One of those steps is contacting an attorney who understands the no-fault insurance system in Florida as well as the tort injury thresholds required for filing a claim against another party.