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Signs of an impaired driver you should watch for

On Behalf of | Dec 29, 2023 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

Being able to spot a drunk driver can be lifesaving because it gives you the option to avoid them. A driver who’s impaired can cause a wreck that results in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. There are 32 deaths in this country each day in crashes that involve alcohol impairment.

Consider these common indicators of drunk driving that everyone should be aware of.

Erratic driving

Erratic driving can include swerving, abrupt or illegal turns and inconsistent speeds. Drunk drivers often struggle to stay within their lane or make erratic maneuvers. These are strong indicators that the driver may be impaired.

Disregard for traffic rules

Drunk drivers may ignore traffic signals, fail to yield the right of way or drive on the wrong road. Such blatant disregard for traffic laws is dangerous and a clear sign that the driver’s judgment and decision-making abilities are impaired.

Inappropriate reaction times

Slow reaction times may manifest as delayed responses to traffic signals, such as stopping well after a light has turned red or taking an unusually long time to start moving when a light turns green. If a driver is slow to respond to the actions of other vehicles, such as not adjusting speed when necessary or failing to respond promptly to hazards, it could indicate impairment.

It’s never a good idea to try to intercept a drunk driver. Instead, contact the authorities if it’s safe for you to do so. Because impaired drivers are so unpredictable, it’s possible that they will cause a crash. The victims of those crashes may need medical care. Working with someone who can get the case set can reduce stress and the claim filed within the time limits set by Missouri law.