5 SIGNS OF DRUNK DRIVING
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an average of one person dies under the hands of a drunk driver every 45 minutes. That person may or may not be the drunk driver in question. If they belong to the latter group, they have fallen victim to a situation that is by no means their fault. Regardless, the recklessness of others (aka the former) has caused them their misfortune. This is a shame as accidental deaths of this nature could have been prevented. Unfortunately, the lapse of judgment on the drunk drivers’ part has caused the lives of 11,654 people in 2020 as stipulated in an NHTSA report.
Driving under the influence has caused the lives of so many innocent people, which is why you need to look out for signs that someone is drunk on the road. Here are some telltale signs of a drunk driver:
Poor Judgment
When you’re under the influence, you will be disoriented and may experience some loss of judgment, which could lead to your inability to multitask and track moving objects. This occurs even when your blood alcohol content (BAC) is below the legal threshold of 0.08 g/dL. At 0.02 g/dL, you would still be endangering your life as well as others’ when consuming alcohol prior to driving.
Swerving In And Out Of The Lane
If you see someone swerving in and out of the lane unpredictably, you will need to drive with extra caution and avoid that vehicle at all costs as the driver is exhibiting one of the telltale signs of drunk driving. The driver in question is exhibiting poor judgment and may have a BAC of more than 0.05 g/dL which is still below the California legal threshold of 0.08 g/dL but could nevertheless inflict harm on those around them. With a BAC of 0.05 g/dL, the driver will have difficulty steering which explains why they are swerving in and out of the lane.
Inconsistent Speed Changes
A person going from one extreme to another (i.e., going too slow and then too fast, and vice versa) is one of many signs of an impaired driver. As mentioned above, being inebriated causes a person to develop momentary lapses of judgment, which could manifest into their inability to drive at a consistent speed on the road. This results in them excessively using their brakes and pressing down their accelerators as the alcohol has compromised their cognitive functions.
Persistent Tailgating
If you notice someone driving erratically behind you, you should know that they are exhibiting signs of impaired driving. Consider that they may have had a drink or two before they got behind the wheel, and steer clear. After all, the person is clearly showcasing signs of poor judgment, one of the many signs that someone is drunk.
Running Into A Red Light
It’s common knowledge among drivers and non-drivers alike what each color of the traffic light indicates. So while it isn’t necessarily fool proof, running into a red light coupled by other signs of intoxication as aforementioned, may be a telltale sign that the driver in question is drunk driving. Aside from the lapse of judgment on the driver’s part, it also exhibits the driver’s lack of driving coordination. If someone is running into a red light, steer clear of the vehicle.
Call Omega Law Group
Our DUI attorneys in Omega Law Group have decades of legal experience and are well equipped to handle cases related to drunk driving. Our awards and excellent testimonials are a result of our ability to empathize and attend to the needs of our clients. If you or a loved one is afflicted with an accident that encompasses 30% of overall traffic-related accidents as reported by the NHTSA, reach out to our team. Visit our Contact Us page or call us at (310) 504-1852.