Last month, a 26-year-old woman was heading home after a birthday party when a drunk driver smashed into her going more than 100 miles per hour. The tow truck driver dispatched to the scene happened to be her boyfriend of three years. He was devastated when he arrived on scene in what was described as a horrible coincidence. The woman had died during the collision.
The driver was arrested and charged with manslaughter using a motor vehicle and driving under the influence of alcohol.
WHAT CAN I DO TO STAY SAFE WHEN ON THE ROAD WITH A DRUNK DRIVER?
Obviously, in this tragic accident, little could be done to avoid a drunk driver who is traveling over 100 miles per hour. However, there are signs that you can look out for to help you spot intoxicated drivers when you’re out on the road, including:
- Drivers who make unreasonably wide turns
- Driving in the center of the road or outside lane markers
- Drivers who are having trouble staying in their lane or are weaving across the road
- Drivers who have close encounters with curbs or other vehicles
- Drivers whose signaling is not consistent with their actions
- Drivers who forgot to turn their headlights on at night
- Drivers who turn abruptly or illegally
- Drivers who are ignoring the speed limit
If you spot a driver who is exhibiting these behaviors, it is possible (and likely) they are intoxicated and pose a very serious threat to you and your passengers. Firstly, stay as far away as you possibly can from the vehicle. Don’t try to signal the driver down or pass him. Just keep your distance and, if you can, note the make, model and license plate number of the vehicle. However, make sure you are not compromising your safety in the process of doing so. Lastly, pull over and call 911. Give your mile marker or cross street you last saw the vehicle and which direction they were heading. Give whatever description you have of the vehicle and let the police do the rest.
The Law Office of Stanley A. Davis is a personal injury law firm that fights for victims who have been injured by a drunk driver.