Think You Are on the Road with an Intoxicated Driver? Here’s What to Do.

Chances are, at some point, you are likely to be on the road with someone who is driving while intoxicated (if you haven’t already). Knowing what to do at that moment is important to keep yourself and others on the road safe. Unfortunately, over 10,000 people died in drunk driving accidents in 2019 in the United States, and that number actually increased in 2020 even though there were fewer cars on the road. 

At Deputy and Mizell, we find that heartbreaking as our drunk driving attorneys in Camdenton and Lebanon, MO, fight for the victims. We want to share some tips with you to help should you ever encounter a drunk driver on the road.  If you or someone you love has been injured as a result of an intoxicated driver, contact our personal injury attorneys at the Lake of the Ozarks.  We are very experienced in these types of cases and your first consultation is free.

What are the Signs a Driver is Impaired? Some of the most common signs of a driver being intoxicated include:

*Sudden acceleration and deceleration

*Driving significantly below the speed limit

*Crossing the center line or drifting in and out of lanes

*Swerving

*Failing to turn on headlights

*Nearly hitting vehicles and objects near roadway

*Jerky reactions and sudden turns

*Over-correcting when steering

*Slow or delayed response to traffic lights

 

What Should You Do?   If you notice the above behavior from a driver on the road, it is important to know how to react.  It may be a natural inclination to try to investigate and see what is going on with the driver or to just ignore it and go on your way.  But anything that will further distract an erratic driver is unsafe, and to just allow that person to put others on the road at risk is too dangerous.  The first thing to do is create distance between your car and theirs to give you more time to react should they do something suddenly.  Ultimately, the proper course of action is to call the police.

But first, be sure you are not becoming a distracted driver, yourself, as you react to the situation. If you are able to observe the make, model, and color of the car, that will be essential for law enforcement.  If you can memorize the license plate number safely that is ideal.  If there are identifying details like rust or stickers, etc. that information can also be helpful. Then find a safe place to pull over and call the police.  Calmly describe the location and traveling direction of the drunk driver and explain the behaviors you observed to lead you to believe the driver was impaired. Even if you are hesitant because you don’t want to get someone in trouble, consider, it is much better to get a DUI than to face the legal and ethical consequences of killing someone due to negligence. You are actually helping everyone involved.

No one should have to suffer the tragedy of being in a car accident because of an intoxicated driver. It is worth not drinking, or finding a designated driver, or taking an uber to avoid putting others at risk of harm or yourself at risk of legal consequences.  If you are someone you love has been involved in a serious car accident with someone who was drinking, our personal injury lawyers in Mid-Missouri are experienced and dedicated to fighting for compensation for our clients.  We know that the effects of a traumatic car accident can be far-reaching and even permanent and the medical bills, loss of work, and other expenses are not something you should have to pay for on your own.  Call our Lake of the Ozarks law firm today to see how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.  Your first consultation is free.  You can also follow us on our social medial channels listed below to stay up to date on our latest announcements.

Contact Deputy & Mizell, LLC to schedule your private (FREE) consultation today.

Representing Clients Across the Lake of the Ozarks Region

                                             Lebanon: 417-532-2191                                               

Camdenton: 573-346-9990  

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