We all are quite familiar with the dangers involved with driving while under the influence. News headlines and records are testimony to this. Liquor is an intoxicant that not only mutes the power of your senses, awareness, and reflexes, but also affects your logical thinking ability as well. Though there has been enough emphasis to make the general public aware of the consequences of drunken driving and associated legal punishments, unfortunately, there are some notorious and reckless individuals who run havoc on roads by violating traffic rules and regulations.
However, there are ways, other than abstaining from drinking and driving to safeguard yourself from these miserably bad decision makers. As alcohol weakens motor functions, vicious drivers give off signals of their intoxication. Once you are able to recognise the signs of an inebriated driver, it is better that you must follow these dos and don’ts to avoid a disastrous collision.
What can you do when you spot a suspected drunk driver?
It can be a risky affair to be in the vicinity of a drunk driver, however by following the given guidelines, you can safeguard yourself from getting harmed by the carelessness of a drunk driver. Read on to know more-:
- Try to maintain distance from the suspected drunk driver
You must ensure that there is a considerable distance between your vehicle and the possibly risky vehicle of the drunk driver, say at least 3 to 4 vehicles. This way you will get sufficient stopping space to manage the speed of your vehicle in case the drunk driver loses control.
- Get out of the way as soon as possible
Unfortunately, drunk drivers can be completely ignorant of their own actions and can be highly unpredictable. Stay as cautious and alert as possible, and try to get away from the drunk driver as quickly and safely as you can without having to pass the car.
- Safety belt is a must
If you know how to drive and do not usually go out with a driver, then you cannot just afford to skip wearing a seatbelt at all times, no matter what time of the day. Seat belts can be your best protection against catastrophic injuries for you and passengers involved.
- Call the cops immediately
While on the road, pull over whenever you can and call up 911 (you may even dial “#SP” on your phone for emergency traffic support). You must inform the dispatch officer about the location where you found the car, details about the driver’s conduct, the way in which he was headed, and information about the vehicle. This way, you will be able to safeguard yourself from any potential threat and also assist the driver in getting off the road before he ends up wounding others or even himself.
Things you must avoid when you suspect a drunk driver
- Do not feel compelled to overtake the car ahead of you.
While on the road, when you are being suspicious of a drunk driver, be cautious and try not to pass the vehicle or car of the suspected driver. You have no idea if or when the driver loses control of his car.
- Try not to follow too closely.
You never know when the driver may stop, sidetrack, or turn without alert. If you get too close, you may not get enough time to navigate.
- Do not strive to act in the capacity of the police
For your own benefit, it is better that you intimate the traffic control about the potential threat and let them perform their duty. It can be difficult for you to predict the mental condition of a tipsy person, so avoid putting yourself at risk and let the professionals deal with it.
- Don’t take the accountability if you are not at fault
Sadly, you cannot always control your external environment and the behavior of drivers on roads. However, what you can do is fight back when you know you haven't done anything wrong.
Have you or a loved one been injured by a drunk driver?
In case you've been involved in an accident caused by a drunk driver in North Carolina, you will require assistance from a professional and experienced drunk driver injury attorney as soon as possible. Please contact Dominique Wilson Williams through our website to schedule your free consultation.
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