Drunk drivers on the road… it’s probably something you’ve thought about before. With thousands of people being injured or killed by drunk drivers every year, it’s important to not only be aware of them but to also know how to protect yourself from them. Do you know how to identify a drunk driver? Do you know how to defend yourself from drunk drivers? What happens if they cause a collision with you? What are your legal options? Continue reading on and we’ll answer all these questions for you and more.
How to Identify a Drunk Driver on the Road
The first thing to be aware of is that a drunk driver can appear at any time. A lot of people tend to be on their guard at night or on holidays. However, it’s imperative to look out for the signs of a drunk driver any time, day or night. At nighttime, the most common way to identify an impaired driver is by seeing their headlights behind you. They will often be very erratic and likely sway from side to side. During the day, you’ll see similar behavior in your rearview mirror. The driver may cross over the median repeatedly or swerve off and then back onto the road.
If you see this type of behavior, it is essential to think quickly and act safely. Look below for more tips on how to defend yourself from drunk drivers.
How to Defend Yourself from Drunk Drivers
If you think that there is a drunk driver behind you, the best thing you can do is get off the road. Many people will want to speed up as it’s a natural reaction to want to get away. However, in these cases, impaired drivers will usually try to match your speed, sso this isn’t the best idea. If the driver is far enough behind you, we recommend looking for the first parking lot or store you can pull into and wait for them to pass. If they are too close or there is no place to pull into, the best thing you can do is pull over. Make sure you pull as far off the road as you can safely manage to avoid them clipping you on their way by.
Once the driver has passed, note as much as you can about the vehicle and then call law enforcement right away to report it.
Legal Options Should a Collision Occur
If an accident occurs on account of a drunk driver, we recommend contacting a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Contact that police first and make sure you get medically evaluated by emergency personnel. After that, call a personal injury lawyer right away. They are often standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to help you get through this difficult time. A personal injury lawyer can make sure you get the compensation you deserve to cover any medical bills, vehicle repair, and even for time off work. It’s important to talk to a lawyer as soon as you can so they can start building a case for you.
