How to Spot a Drunk Driver, and What to Do When you Spot One

How to Spot a Drunk Driver, and What to Do When you Spot One

You know better than to drink and drive. In Illinois and throughout the country, the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for an individual to drive a car or other vehicle is 0.08 percent. Beyond this point, the individual can face a charge for driving under the influence (DUI). Alcohol inhibits an individual’s ability to accurately perceive his or her surroundings and make judgments about the safe operation of a vehicle.

But even if you never drive drunk, you can be involved in a collision with a drunk driver. Driving drunk is one of the most dangerous actions a driver can commit, along with using a cell phone while driving and driving when he or she has not had an adequate amount of sleep. If you are injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you can seek monetary compensation for your damages through a personal injury claim. Although a personal injury settlement can be a great thing if you need it, it is even better to avoid an accident and needing such a settlement.

Signs of a Drunk Driver

There are a few tell-tale signs of a drunk driver to be aware of. These include:

  • Swerving in and out of lanes;
  • Driving through stop signs and traffic lights;
  • Failing to maintain a consistent speed; and
  • Signaling that is inconsistent with his or her actions.

These can also be signs of a distracted driver, a tired driver, or a driver who is under the influence of another type of drug, such as a sleep aid. Regardless of why the driver is showing these signs, he or she is a hazard to him- or herself and others on the road.

If you Spot a Drunk Driver

If you see a car that you suspect is being driven by a drunk driver, report that vehicle to the local authorities. Doing so can potentially prevent a tragic accident.

It is important that you stay as far away from the car as possible. Do not try to pass the car and if you can, get over a lane or two from it. Note the vehicle’s make, model, color, and if possible, its license plate number. Then when it is safe to do so, pull over and call 911 to report the vehicle. If you can, tell the officer the direction the car was traveling, the time you saw it, and your current location so the authorities can better locate the vehicle.

The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, P.C.

Work with an Experienced Antioch Car Accident Attorney

Drunk drivers put themselves and all others on the road in danger of injury, property damage, and death. If you are injured in an accident with a drunk driver, you could be entitled to receive monetary compensation for your damages through a personal injury claim. To learn more about this process and your rights as a claimant, contact The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, P.C. today to set up your initial legal consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney.

 

 

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