The universal truth will always hold – driving and drinking don’t mix. Yet vehicular crash fatalities keep rising, with an approximately 14% increase from 2019 to 2020.
Drunk driving is such a pressing nationwide problem, for it kills one person every 45 minutes, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s findings. But while a drunk driver’s actions are beyond your control, you have power over your own.
Driving defensively means identifying red flags when a drunk driver is behind the wheel. You can maintain some distance and, ultimately, save your life and others.
Spotting an alcohol-impaired driver
Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles lists down the following drunk driver behaviors you can watch out for to avoid being another casualty:
- Haphazardly braking
- Suddenly shifting speeds
- Slowly responding to traffic signals
- Abruptly making turns, swerving or drifting
- Tailgating or closely driving behind, almost hitting another vehicle or pedestrian
Upon detecting these signs, you must never take matters into your own hands. Instead, you should call the authorities as soon as you’ve found an alternate route to pull over. Without jeopardizing your safe distance, it is also important to note the vehicle’s plate number and other distinguishing details to report specific information to the police.
Additionally, confronting a drunk driver by yelling, honking or rolling down your window can only aggravate things. In fact, these poor judgment calls may only cause tension, leading to a severe accident. As difficult as it is, staying calm is pivotal during these demanding situations.
Being part of the solution
Observing safety measures does not automatically make you immune to the dangers of drunk driving. If you become a victim of a tragic collision, seeking medical assistance must take precedence. However, you must understand that you do not necessarily have to endure these challenging times alone. Your legal representative can guide you toward recovering monetary compensation for your injuries and other relevant losses. By responsibly addressing your circumstances, you contribute to making the roads safer.