Drunk driving is one of the most dangerous things that can occur on a roadway. Drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol will have trouble making decisions, judging distances, and controlling their vehicles. If you’ve ever come across a potential drunk driver it’s likely you stayed as far away from the vehicle as possible. This is smart and our car crash lawyer in California has more tips for this type of situation.
Learn the Signs of Drunk Driving
Before you make any move when near a suspected drunk driver you need to learn the signs of drunk driving. Knowing these signs will help you spot potential drunk drivers so you can report them to the authorities. The signs include any of the following:
- Illegal turning
- Driving 10 MPH under the posted speed limit
- Slow to respond at a traffic light
- Driving at night without headlights
- Narrowly missing crashes with other cars, parked or moving
- Stradling the center lines
- Driving on the grass or sidewalk
- Signaling for actions that don’t match
- Weaving or swerving in and out of traffic
Get into a Safe Position
The first thing you need to do is get into a safe position. Place your vehicle as far behind the possible drunk driver as you can without losing sight of them. You must always think about your safety and the safety of those in your car first when dealing with a drunk driver.
Get the Vehicle’s Information
If you can do so, get the vehicle’s information. Try to remember the make, model, color, and license plate of the vehicle. If you are close enough to have a passenger take a picture with a phone, do so before backing off of the car.
Ignore the Driver
Should you be near the car or even next to it you need to ignore the driver. Do not make eye contact, hand signals, or attempt to tell them to pull over. This might lead to a road rage incident that could very well turn violent. Doing any of this also increases your chances of being involved in a crash. Simply get the information of the car and slow your speed so the driver moves further ahead of you.
Call 911
Once you have the vehicle information you can move to a safe spot. Pull to the shoulder or off into a parking lot. Make the call to 911 to report the driver. Make sure you give the dispatcher as much information as possible. This includes the vehicle information as well as the road you were on, the direction of travel, and the possible mile marker. You will also need to describe the actions of the driver that makes you think he or she is driving under the influence.
Drunk driving accidents can lead to serious injuries and even death. If you have been injured in a crash with a drunk driver you should call our lawyer to schedule a free consultation. Call 310-997-0904 today. Don’t sacrifice your rights as a victim. Take action against the driver as soon as possible.
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