Tell-Tale Signs of Drunk Driving

It is impossible to operate a motor vehicle with the required amount of care, prudence and attention while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Despite knowing the risks of drunk driving, thousands of drivers in Nebraska commit this dangerous crime each year. According to the Nebraska Department of Transportation, 1,534 alcohol-related accidents were reported in 2020 alone. Decrease your odds of getting into a drunk driving accident by learning the tell-tale signs of driver intoxication.

Inability to Stay in One Lane

When a driver is alcohol-impaired, their motor skills and coordination are affected. This may lead to difficulty staying within the lane lines or driving in a straight path. A drunk driver may swerve between lanes or fail to maintain control of their vehicle. This behavior is one of the most common signs of drunk driving and is often noticeable when a vehicle is weaving in and out of lanes, failing to use turn signals, or veering off the road.

Driving Too Fast or Too Slow

Alcohol impairs a driver’s judgment, often leading to extreme driving behavior. Some impaired drivers may speed excessively, while others may drive too slowly in an attempt to avoid suspicion. Driving too fast increases the likelihood of an accident, while driving too slow may frustrate other drivers and create dangerous road conditions. Both behaviors indicate impaired decision-making and should be taken as signs of drunk driving.

Abrupt Braking or Acceleration

A drunk driver often struggles with muscle control, leading to erratic braking and acceleration. These sudden, unpredictable movements can be dangerous to other vehicles on the road. For instance, a drunk driver may brake abruptly for no apparent reason or accelerate too quickly after stopping. If you observe a vehicle exhibiting these behaviors, maintain a safe distance and stay alert for potential hazards.

Tailgating

Impaired drivers often have difficulty judging distances and may follow other vehicles too closely, leading to tailgating. This aggressive behavior may be coupled with road rage, making the situation even more dangerous. Whether due to impaired judgment or aggression, tailgating is a clear sign that the driver may be under the influence of alcohol. If you find yourself being tailgated by a driver, it is crucial to remain calm, avoid sudden stops, and move out of the way if possible.

Major Traffic Infractions

One of the primary dangers of drunk driving is that it impairs the driver’s ability to make sound decisions. This leads to reckless behavior, including running red lights, ignoring stop signs, speeding excessively, or driving the wrong way. Any of these major traffic infractions are significant indicators that a driver is under the influence. If you notice these actions, it’s important to stay clear of the vehicle and report it if necessary.

What to Do if You Encounter a Drunk Driver

If you suspect that a driver is impaired, take the following steps to stay safe:

1. Increase the distance between your vehicle and the suspected drunk driver.
2. Do not attempt to confront the driver or engage in aggressive behavior.
3. If the situation feels dangerous or like an emergency, call 911 immediately.
4. You can also report impaired driving by dialing *55 to reach the Nebraska State Patrol Highway Helpline. Make sure to provide the license plate number, the vehicle’s description, and location.

If you are involved in an accident with a drunk driver, it’s important to contact a car accident attorney for help. Legal assistance can ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages caused by impaired driving.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Tell-Tale Signs of Drunk Driving

What should I do if I spot a driver crossing the center line?

If you observe a driver swerving across the center line, this is often a sign of drunk driving. It can indicate that the driver is having difficulty controlling the vehicle due to impaired driving. If you see this behavior, it is best to stay at a safe distance and report the driver to the authorities by calling 911 or the Nebraska State Patrol Highway Helpline at *55.

Can an officer ask me to take a urine test if they suspect I’m impaired?

Yes, if an officer suspects that a driver is impaired, they can request a urine test to check for the presence of alcohol or drugs in the system. This is one of the methods used to determine blood alcohol content (BAC) and establish whether the driver is over the legal limit. If you are pulled over for suspected drunk driving, it’s important to comply with the officer’s instructions to avoid additional legal trouble.

What should I do if a driver is on the wrong side of the road?

If you encounter a vehicle driving on the wrong side of the road, this is a clear indication that the driver may be intoxicated or impaired. Drunk drivers often lose their ability to judge distances and directions accurately. It is important to immediately pull over to the side of the road, avoid confrontation, and contact law enforcement to report the dangerous behavior.

What does excessive braking indicate in a drunk driver?

Excessive braking can be a sign that a driver is struggling with coordination and control, which is common in drunk driving. A drunk driver may brake suddenly or at inappropriate times, such as when there is no reason to slow down. This erratic behavior can cause accidents, especially on highways or in situations where traffic is moving quickly. If you notice this behavior, stay alert and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle.

What if I see a driver running a red traffic light at an intersection?

Running red traffic lights at an intersection is a dangerous behavior that may be a result of impaired driving. A drunk driver often loses their ability to react quickly, which can lead to failure to stop at traffic signals or signs. If you encounter this behavior, keep a safe distance, avoid the intersection if possible, and report the driver to the authorities.

How can slow driving indicate that a driver is impaired?

While driving too fast is a common sign of drunk driving, slow driving can also be an indicator. A drunk driver may attempt to drive below the speed limit in an attempt to avoid suspicion or because they are unsure of their actions. If a vehicle is moving much slower than the flow of traffic or is not maintaining a consistent speed, this could be a sign of impairment.