4 Ways To Identify a Drunk Driver

Everyone hates drunk drivers. They are not only a hazard to themselves, they are a hazard to those around them. In fact, most people killed by drunk drivers are innocent pedestrians and fellow motorists, not the drunk drivers themselves. As such, it is important for you to be able to identify drunk drivers and avoid them. Additionally, many states offer incentives and rewards for calling in drunks if the call results in a conviction.

1. Unusual Weaving

The most commonly known (and obvious) symptom of drunk driving is an inability to stay between the lines. This occurs because a drunk driver’s ability to perceive space and time is severely impaired. As such, they can tell that they are not properly in line in the lane, but cannot properly adjust their car to get it back into line. This causes them to “weave” back and forth within the lane as they repeatedly over correct in an attempt to get the car properly lined up.

2. Unusual Speed (Or Lack Thereof)

An additional problem caused by the troubles of alcohol is an inability to properly determine how fast one is going. Not only do drunk drivers have difficulty reading the speedometer and speed limit signs, but they have difficulty telling how fast they are going. Because their motor senses are deadened, they may end up going much faster or slower than they should. Generally drunk drivers will go much faster, because due to their slowed sense of perception, they think they are going much slower than they actually are.

3. Inability to Handle Turns

Our NJ dwi attorney states that drunk drivers will have difficulty seeing turns coming up, but even if they successfully spot them, their slowed reaction time and divided attention will make it very difficult for them to properly negotiate the turn. They generally fail to signal and may also fail to slow down sufficiently, causing the car to massively under steer and either slide into the oncoming lane or drift off the road entirely. This is where most drunk drivers have accidents, so if you see a car drifting very wide in a turn or taking it at very high speed, you may want to get out of the way.

4. Difficulty Stopping

The last way to spot a drunk driver is to look for someone who is unable to stop at stop lights and stop signs. Drunk drivers will not only have difficulty seeing such signs, when they see them their reaction time will keep them from stopping in time. It is not unusual for them to stop much too far ahead, stop in the intersection, or blow through the light all together.

If you see a drunk driver exhibiting one or more of these symptoms, then it is a good idea to call the police. If you find yourself showing such symptoms after drinking, then pull over and get out of the car.  If you’re on the freeway, call a lawyer for advice and do not get back in the car. It will not only save you an expensive fine – it just may save your life.

Anthony Joseph writes on several different legal subjects, and is also a contributing author for Evan M. Levow, a NJ dwi attorney. Evan Levow’s law firm is the ONLY firm in New Jersey to own both machines, the Breathalyzer and the Alcotest, used for breath testing in New Jersey. He has appeared on numerous television and radio appearances where he’s been asked to speak on the intricacies of New Jersey DWI law, DWI issues and DWI legal strategies.

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