What to do if you suspect a drunk driver is on the road

DEM Blogger

July 8, 2019

It is impossible to predict other people’s behavior, especially when it comes to driving. Other drivers may have been drinking and then decide to get behind the wheel. If you notice a driver on the road that is swerving and driving erratically.

Signs of an Impaired Driver:

• Failure to turn on headlights at night
• Illegal or sudden turning
• Turning within an unusually wide radius
• Nearly striking other cars or objects
• Sudden or erratic braking
• Drifting, swerving or weaving
• Driving with the face close to the windshield
• Drinking alcohol in the vehicle
• Driving much slower than the posted speed limit
• Rapidly accelerating
• Tailgating
• Driving in the middle of the road, or with the left tires on the centerline
• Responding slowly to traffic signals

These behaviors may not indicate that the driver is drunk necessarily, they could be distracted by their phone or excessively tired.

It may be wise to pull over in order to distance yourself from the impaired driver, let them pass you if they are behind you on the road.

To report the suspected drunk driver, call 911. Give the exact location as much as you can by providing street names and names of nearby businesses. Describe the make, model, and color of the car. If possible, get the license plate number. Explain what behaviors make you think the driver is drunk or impaired.

Do not attempt to stop the vehicle or get the driver’s attention as this could cause an accident. Trained professionals (police, EMTs, and firefighters) will know how to appropriately handle the situation.

If you notice suspicious behavior on the road report it because it reporting an impaired driver can prevent an accident or possibly even save a life.

https://www.safewise.com/faq/auto-safety/report-drunk-driver/