Do Your Part
What should you do when you suspect you see a drunk driver?
Call 911!
They will likely ask for the make/model of the car, the license plate number, your location and the direction the car is headed.
Keep your distance and make sure your safety comes first.
How to Identify a Drunk Driver
Constant changes in speed
An intoxicated driver can only focus on one thing, so if they are focusing on staying in their lane, their speed may go up and down dramatically.
Weaving
Even if they stay in the lane, a constant bouncing from right to left could indicate an impaired driver.
Turning with a wide radius
A drunk driver can make what would normally be an easily managed turn into a very wide or awkward turn.
Straddling the center of the lane marker
The driver may use the line to help keep the car moving in a straight line, not realizing it’s moving down the middle of two lanes.
Striking or almost striking another vehicle or object
Reaction times are significantly slowed by alcohol, so the driver may not react quickly enough to avoid other vehicles or objects.
Driving on surfaces other than roads
Vision and instincts are impaired under the influence of alcohol, so almost anything may look like a road to the driver.
Speeds more than 10mph BELOW the legal limit
It’s a common myth that intoxicated drivers always speed. In fact, many drivers will drive significantly slower than the speed limit because they’re afraid of being stopped by the police.
Stopping for no reason
An impaired driver is easily confused and may be overcautious. They may think that a green light is red, or see a stop sign that isn’t there.
Appearing to be drunk
Actions like hunching over the wheel or leaning to the side against the window can be an indicator.
Excessive speeding and swerving in and out of lanes
The over-confident drunk driver has likely lost their judgment and may not believe they are acting dangerously and being irresponsible.