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Drunk driving: Behaviors that suggest intoxication

On Behalf of | Aug 26, 2020 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

Traveling in California can be enjoyable and stressful at the same time. If you’re the one behind the wheel, you might get stuck in traffic or have to deal with reckless drivers, such as those who don’t stop at stop signs or red lights. Drunk driving is problematic in this state as well.

It’s important to be able to recognize signs of possible drunk driving. If you notice suspicious driving behavior, you might be able to safely distance yourself from the vehicle, even by taking an exit or pulling off the road. If a drunk driver hits you, your life can change in an instant, especially if you suffer severe or life-threatening injuries.

Drunk drivers often speed

If you’re sharing the road with a driver who is obviously traveling above the posted speed limit, he or she might simply be acting recklessly. This is also a common driving behavior for those who are intoxicated. Alcohol affects the brain in numerous ways. A person who drinks and drives might have trouble gauging vehicle speed.

A person acting under the influence of alcohol might drive with inconsistent speeds that do not match traffic patterns. For instance, you might notice a vehicle traveling slowly in the passing lane or a driver who appears to be applying brakes at random times. Try to steer clear of such drivers because they might be impaired.

Lack of signals and headlights often signify intoxication

Perhaps you’re leaving a restaurant or pub and notice another car exiting the parking lot. It is night time, but the driver does not turn on his or her headlights. This is one of the most common errors drunk drivers make. A person with .08 or higher alcohol in his or her bloodstream might forget to use turn signals or might signal left when turning right or vice versa.

Drunk drivers have trouble navigating turns

Depth perception is a problem for intoxicated people. If you witness a driver taking a turn far too widely or so tightly that he or she clips a curb, these might be signs that the person behind the wheel is impaired. If you can place distance between yourself and the vehicle in question, it improves your safety. You might even be able to pull off the road and alert local authorities that you have witnessed erratic driving behaviors that you believe are placing other motorists and pedestrians at risk.

If a collision occurs

If a drunk driver hits you, the top priority is to obtain medical attention. If you’re coherent after the crash, investigators will undoubtedly want to talk to you. The more details you can provide regarding events leading up to the collision, the better. One of the most frustrating things about drunk driving collisions is that they are preventable and only occur because drivers make irresponsible decisions. After such an accident, you may have reason to seek compensation for damages as a means of obtaining financial recovery for your losses.