While there are several vehicles on the road during the holidays, some drivers are much more dangerous than others. Negligence runs rampant around the holidays for numerous reasons, including a significant increase in the number of drunk drivers you may encounter.
As a driver, it helps to recognize signs of impairment and know what to do if you encounter a drunk driver on the road.
Signs of Drunk Driving
Intoxication can significantly diminish someone’s decision-making, depth perception, and more. Unfortunately, this leads the way for many car crashes to occur, and other drivers are at severe risk. Here are some of the signs that you can look for to identify a drunk driver:
- Swerving: A drunk driver may swerve from one lane to the next, potentially crashing into another driver.
- Speeding up and slowing down: A drunk driver may not recognize when they speed past the legal limit, and then when they finally do, they’ll slow down erratically.
- Driving without lights on at night: Intoxication may cause a drunk driver to start driving at night without their headlights or running lights on. This prevents other drivers from seeing them and creating a severe danger.
What to Do When You See a Drunk Driver
If you see someone on the road exhibiting signs of intoxication, be sure to stay clear of them. Never try to pass a drunk driver because they can swerve into your lane and cause a severe crash. Instead, report the driver to the local authorities. They will dispatch a nearby officer to perform a traffic stop and potentially prevent a drunk driving accident.
If you suffer injuries in a drunk driving accident, our Cleveland car accident lawyers are here to help you. At Spangenberg Shibley & Liber LLP, we make your rights our top priority. We work to hold negligence accountable and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries.