Tips for Recognizing a Drunk Driver

Although driving under the influence is illegal in Florida, as it is elsewhere in the U.S., an alarming number of intoxicated drivers continue to get behind the wheel. This is extremely dangerous for all road users and can have devastating consequences for victims and their families. While there’s no way to guarantee that a person won’t be involved in an accident caused by another drunk driver, there are steps that you can take to help prevent this kind of accident. Read on for a few tips on how to recognize a drunk driver on Florida roads.

Keep an Eye Out for These Telltale Signs 

When a driver has a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .08 percent or higher, he or she is deemed legally drunk. At this point, alcohol in the bloodstream affects the ability to see clearly, react quickly, and make rational decisions, all of which are required for safe driving. Because of these impairments, it’s a lot more likely that an intoxicated driver will cause some sort of crash. Fortunately, there are a few telltale signs that drivers and pedestrians can keep an eye out for and that are good indicators of a driver’s state of mind, including:

• Swerving;
• Tailgating;
• Speeding up or slowing down erratically;
• Making abrupt or illegal turns;
• Striking or almost striking fixed objects along the roadway;
• Improper signaling;
• Driving with their lights off; and
• Driving in the wrong lane.

If you ever notice this type of driving behavior, there’s a good chance that the driver near you is impaired and it’s critical that you take certain precautions to avoid being involved in a crash.

Some Precautionary Measures 

Once you’ve identified an impaired driver, you should be sure to get some distance, as the closer you are to that motorist, the more likely they are to crash into you. If the driver is behind you, turn or pull over when doing so is safe. If they are in an adjacent lane, slow down and let them move ahead of you. Generally, the more distance there is between you and the driver, the more time you’ll have to react if they swerve or brake suddenly. Once you’ve ensured your own safety, you should call the authorities right away. Be prepared to give law enforcement officers a description of the vehicle, the location where you law saw him or her, and if possible, the license plate number on the car.

If You’re Involved in an Accident 

Unfortunately, even the most careful and conscientious of drivers could end up involved in an accident with a drunk driver. These accidents are often severe, leaving behind catastrophic vehicle damage and serious injuries. Drunk drivers can and should be held accountable for their decision to drive while impaired and although Florida is a no-fault auto accident liability state, doing so is possible.  If you can prove that the driver who caused your accident was impaired by drugs or alcohol, you could recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, vehicle damage, permanent disability, and pain and suffering.

Call for Legal Assistance After a Drunk Driving Accident 

If you were the victim of a drunk driver, you need the advice of an attorney who can help you seek the highest possible settlement or damages award. Call our office at 813-251-0072 to speak with one of the experienced Tampa drunk driving accident lawyers at Anderson & Anderson about your legal options today.

Sources: 

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.193.html

madd.org/concerned-citizen/