Drunk driving has taken a massive toll on our country. Every weekend, thousands of drunk drivers go to jail, and hundreds of people are injured or killed because of their actions. On average, roughly 30 Americans lose their lives in drunk driving accidents every night. But these crashes are preventable if everyone knows how to identify and report a potential drunk driver.
Know the Signs
One of the best ways to protect yourself and others from a drunk driving accident is to identify early warning signs. It can be difficult to determine whether another driver is drunk or merely distracted. That said, drivers who consistently display these warning signs may pose a danger to themselves and others.
Warning signs of an intoxicated driver include:
- Following too closely.
- Wide and uneven turns.
- Swerving out of lane or onto the shoulder
- The driver isn’t using headlights
- The driver ignores traffic signals, such as stop signs or red lights.
- The driver stops abruptly or brakes in a jolted manner.
Take Action
If you spot a drunk driver on the road, you should try to keep your distance. If you’re ahead of them, see if you can pull off into a parking lot or side street. If you’re behind them, give them a lot of space.
While it’s difficult to tell if a driver is actually intoxicated, you may want to report them if you suspect a reckless driver is a danger to themselves or others. You can call *477 to speak directly to the Georgia State Patrol.
While on the phone, you should remain calm. Inform the operator that you suspect there’s a drunk driver on the road. Tell them the nearest street, the direction they're going, and some information about their car.
If you can report the make, model, color, and license plate of a potential drunk driver’s vehicle, you increase the chances of police finding them before they can hurt someone. While you may be hesitant to report someone because you don’t know if they are driving drunk, remember that you’re potentially saving lives.
If a drunk driver struck you or a loved one, our team is here for you. To schedule a free case consultation with an experienced Atlanta personal injury attorney from Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC, please call (888) 425-6070 or send us an email.