We talk a lot about why you should never get behind the wheel while intoxicated and how to get out of trouble if you ever do get a DUI. But, what about other drunk drivers? There are plenty of people out driving around with a couple of drinks under their belt this very moment. Here are some tips on identifying a drunk driver and how to avoid them.
1. Watch for Erratic Behavior
The classic sign of a drunk driver is lane swerving. This means that the driver is moving side to side within their lane. Sometimes they may even exit their lane and immediately get back into it in a chaotic manner.
Let’s say you see this kind of driver and you know you may be in some danger. A driver under the influence is unpredictable and that is what is most dangerous about the situation. If you are behind them, they may just slam on the brakes for no reason. If you try and pass them they may swerve into your car unexpectedly.
Once you detect that a driver is under the influence, immediately call the police. The safest thing you can do is keep your distance from the vehicle as best you can. Do not take a chance on passing the driver. As you avoid getting close to the driver, wait for the police to pull them over.
2. Always Look Before Going Through an Intersection
Let’s say you just got done celebrating the 4th of July with some family and you are on your way home. It’s late so there aren’t many people on the road. You are coming up to a green light and you are getting ready to simply drive through like you have so many times before. Next thing you know, a driver blows through their red light and causes an accident.
You may be totally in the clear legally, but you may not be walking away from an accident like that without some kind of injury. Drunk drivers are most commonly out late after holidays. It may be a bit of a nuisance to slow down and look both ways before passing through every green intersection, but it just may save your life.
3. Make Sure the Person Driving is Alert
It’s nice to not have to drive around all the time. Maybe you prefer being a passenger and letting friends and family do most of the driving. This can be very convenient, but it takes control out of your hands. This may not be an issue if your driver is alert to their surroundings. Unfortunately, many drivers are so used to driving that they frequently let their guard down.
A good idea is to casually mention that somebody dies from a drunk driving accident every 51 minutes in America. This will remind them how dangerous driving can be when there are intoxicated people on the road.
If you prefer something more direct, you can simply say that you are worried about the potential of being in an accident. This will put them on notice to be a bit more careful. It may seem like a nuisance, but it may just change the course of your life.
4. Stay Off the Road!
The best way to avoid a run in with a drunk driver is to not be on the road in the first place! If your city has some kind of public transit, that will definitely be your safest bet. You may even be able to make a healthy choice and bike or walk to your local bar.
Most likely you have no other choice but to drive. If you are driving at a time when you know more unpredictable drivers will be on the road, put your phone down, and focus. Be safe.
Toby Keith’s Daughter Almost Killed in DUI Car Accident
Toby Keith’s daughter Krystal Keith was almost killed this 4th of July because of a drunk driver. While on her way to watch some fireworks, her, her husband and her child were blindsided. Below is the aftermath of the accident.
Krystal posted this image on her Instagram page and wrote the following: “Hensley, Drew and I were on the way to watch fireworks on the 4th. A drunk driver almost took the lives of my entire family. We all survived the wreck but it’s gonna take some time to heal. Keep us in your prayers. Hug your babies and spouses tight. DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE.”
This is a stark reminder that a drunk driver can instantly change the course of a life or an entire family’s lives. Fortunately, nobody was hurt in the accident. Considering the damage to the vehicle the fact that nobody was hurt is a miracle.