Thousands of people die in car crashes stemming from impaired driving every year in the U.S. This is why tackling impaired driving is a top priority for law enforcement. It also means that impaired drivers are something you need to look out for when you’re driving.
How can you tell whether or not a fellow driver is impaired? Outlined below are a few things to keep in mind as you’re scanning the road around your vehicle.
Ignoring speed limits
As a conscientious driver, you strive to adhere to the speed limit. An impaired road user may not do the same. Both driving above the speed limit and driving below it can be very dangerous. If a car in your vicinity is traveling more than 10 mph above or below the designated speed limit, the operator might be impaired.
Drifting in and out of lanes
One thing that impaired drivers tend to struggle with is keeping their vehicles on a straight course. If a driver is swerving in and out of lanes constantly, or comes close to hitting the sidewalk or other obstacles, it could be a sign of impairment. Intoxicated road users sometimes hug the centerline in an attempt to drive as straight as possible, so this is also something to look out for.
Failing to utilize headlights
Headlights are a vital safety feature in all vehicles. At night time, they should always be used. An impaired driver may simply forget to turn their headlights on and continue driving anyway.
Any form of erratic driving behavior could be a sign of impairment, and any kind of erratic behavior can put you at risk. If you have been injured in a car accident that was caused by impairment or negligence, be sure to look into your legal options so that you can pursue the justice you deserve.