One in three traffic deaths in the United States involve a drunk driver. Drunk driving crashes claim more than 10,000 lives per year. That breaks down to over one drunk driving death an hour, every day of every year. In New Jersey alone, approximately 200 people die each year in a crash with a driver who was impaired.
Steps to Reduce Your Risk
Stricter drunk driving laws, sobriety checkpoints, and community-based interventions are helpful. However, it is up to you to keep yourself and your passengers out of harm’s way if you encounter a drunk driver on the roadway.
These suggestions from a Cherry Hill auto accident attorney may be helpful:
Know the signs that indicate that a driver may be drunk.
If you see a car moving on the wrong side of the road or swerving back and forth between lanes, you know something is wrong. The same goes if the driver is acting haphazardly by stopping abruptly for no reason or going off onto the shoulder of the road. If you see these behaviors, you can probably assume that the vehicle’s operator may be impaired.
But not all drunk drivers behave in such an obvious manner. Often, impaired drivers will move very slowly or drive in a way that seems too cautious. Driving this way could be a sign that the driver is drunk and is attempting to compensate for his or her impairment. Look for a driver who is peering too closely out of the windshield or turning too slowly and deliberately, and stay clear of them.
Always drive defensively.
If you suspect that a driver is drunk, maintain a safe distance from his or her vehicle in order to avoid a DUI-related crash. Do not try to pass a drunk driver. They could become startled and swerve into you and hit you. To avoid them, pull over safely and wait for there to be ample distance between you and the other car. If it looks like a drunk driver is following behind you, take a right as soon as you can. In the case of a drunk driver coming directly toward you, you should move right to the shoulder, stop, and then use your horn and lights to get the driver’s attention.
Notify the police.
If you think you see a drunk driver – even if you are not 100 percent sure – dial 911 and report it. Try to get the car’s license plate number, if you can do so. At a minimum, be sure to note the color, make and model of the vehicle. Sometimes, people are hesitant to report drunk drivers. However, keep in mind that the suspected impaired driver could be creating a very dangerous situation for other motorists.
Call a Cherry Hill Auto Accident Attorney
If you do find yourself in a DUI-related crash, seek legal guidance from a Cherry Hill auto accident attorney at Folkman Law Offices. For a free case review call 856-354-9444 or reach out to us online.
