Despite the increased awareness, people in Connecticut, and throughout the U.S., continue to drive drunk. This can lead to motor vehicle accidents, which can result in serious injuries and death for the drunk drivers, as well as passengers and other motorists. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 30 people are killed each day in drunk driving accidents across the U.S. While drivers can help to prevent such accidents by refraining from drinking and driving themselves, there is no way to guarantee that the motorists they are sharing the road with have done the same. By knowing the signs of drunk driving, motorists can take steps to avoid alcohol-impaired drivers on the road.
The effects of alcohol on the body can make it difficult for drivers to safely operate their vehicles. As such, drunk drivers often drive erratically. According to the Mothers Against Drunk Driving website, some of the most common signs of an alcohol-impaired driver include the following:
Braking unpredictable or without cause
Delayed reactions to traffic signals
Driving at high rates of speed, or well under the speed limit
Swerving and weaving across the road
Making illegal or abrupt turns
Almost hitting vehicles, curbs or other objects on the road
In addition to these signs, crossing over into oncoming traffic and driving in areas that are not designated for vehicles can also be signs of intoxicated drivers. Furthermore, motorists who do not turn their headlights on at night, as well as those who use signals that are not consistent with their driving actions may be under the influence.
Although spotting a potential drunk driver is helpful, it is not always enough to keep motorists safe. When drivers notice other motorists who are displaying signs of being intoxicated, it is best to avoid them. In order to do this, drivers may change lanes, slow down to let the suspected drunk driver pass or take alternative routes. It may also be helpful to call local law enforcement to notify them of the potential danger. This may lead to a drunk driver being taken off the road before they cause an accident, which could injure or kill someone else.
