As a contentious motorist, you take precautionary measures, practice defensive driving skills, and try to stay away from areas that may be considered dangerous. Unfortunately, you may not be able to prevent everything, as some people make the decision to drive while under the influence of alcohol. The skilled Kansas City drunk driving attorneys at Peterson & Associates, P.C. know exactly the ways to identify drunk drivers. Here are some tips to help keep you and your family safe.
Ways to Identify Drunk Drivers in Kansas City
Because all intoxicated motorists experience a loss of cognitive abilities, they also display similar behaviors as a result. These are some to watch out for as you share the road.
Excessive Swerving
Swerving between lanes is a clear sign that a driver has something going on and should be considered dangerous. Possibilities include:
- They’re fatigued and falling asleep at the wheel.
- They’re distracted by their phone or another passenger.
- They’re drunk, and their decision-making ability is impaired.
Pull off and call 911. Give law enforcement your location and describe the vehicle as best as you can, as well as where it’s heading, so police officers can handle the situation.
Slowing Down and Speeding Up
You may notice a driver speeding up and then slowing down at an inconsistent rate. If the change in speed is dramatic, it could mean something is wrong with the driver. When a driver is drunk, it may cause them to black out at times, which could be the cause of the slow down.
Again, find a point of safety away from this vehicle and call 911.
Lack of Headlights at Night
When an individual is intoxicated, they forget to do simple tasks. For instance, a drunk driver often forgets to put the headlights on at night. This makes driving after dark even more dangerous, as the Department of Transportation has reports that indicate a vast majority of fatal car accidents between 12 a.m. and 3 a.m., as well as a higher percentage of drunk driving accidents in general after 9 p.m. and before 6 a.m.
Once again, there’s no need to engage—simply turn the matter over to the authorities.
If, despite your best efforts, you’re still injured by a drunk driver, you might find it easier to seek help from an attorney with experience handling challenging accident cases like these. There’s a lot to prove, including the other driver’s impairment and resulting negligence, but while your legal team handles those details, you can focus on recovery.