The holiday season often leaves us with a lot to look forward to. Family gatherings, great food, and heartfelt presents can help us create memories that last a lifetime. While there is plenty to look forward to, there is also something to be wary of. Road fatalities and crashes see a noticeable increase during the holidays, which means it is more important than ever to watch out for dangerous drivers. Spotting drunk drivers may be harder than you expect, so here are some signs to look out for:
Swerving
If a driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it will likely impair their ability to see straight or maintain control over their motor skills. When drivers have trouble driving within their lane, they may swerve to correct their behavior. Overcorrecting can mean barreling into another lane and hitting someone.
Erratic speeds
A driver who is going well under the speed limit can be just as dangerous as someone who is speeding. If another driver does not notice the drunk driver going slow, they may collide with them on the road. Additionally, a drunk driver may have difficulty staying at a regular speed and frequently shift from too slow to too fast.
Striking objects
If a driver is regularly hitting the curb, running into mailboxes, road signs, or even bumping into other cars, there is a good chance they are drunk. This kind of erratic driving can be especially dangerous, as it can cause an accident in many different ways.
What can you do if you spot a drunk driver?
If you suspect someone is driving while under the influence, the best thing you can do is to give them space. Tailgating, honking, and otherwise harassing the driver can startle them into getting into a serious accident with you or someone else. Keeping your distance behind them also allows you to keep an eye on them without endangering yourself or your passengers. If you believe you are driving near a drunk driver, trust your instincts, give them some distance and make sure you can get home safe to enjoy your holiday season.
