If you’ve been involved in a crash with a driver who was drunk or impaired by drugs, it may seem like that person came out of nowhere. Perhaps they ran a red light or merged into your lane without warning. They may have been speeding and crashed into you before you could get out of the way.
Once you’re back on the road again after your crash, you’re likely going to be on the lookout for impaired drivers. You can’t always spot them in time to avoid a crash. However, if you observe the behaviors of the drivers around you, you can spot the signs of an impaired driver before they can endanger you. These include drivers who are doing the following:
- Drifting between lanes or straddling the center lane
- Quickly decelerating or accelerating
- Failing to signal or signaling and then not taking any action
- Driving over 10 mph under the speed limit for no apparent reason
- Making abrupt or illegal turns
- Not responding properly to traffic signals or signs (including not moving when the light turns green)
- Nearly hitting something or someone
- Driving aggressively
Drivers who do these things may not necessarily be impaired. They could be distracted or drowsy. Whatever the reason for their behavior, it’s dangerous.
Don’t try to confront the driver or get their attention. You don’t know what frame of mind they’re in. Put some space between you and them. It’s typically safer to be behind their vehicle rather than ahead of it
If you can do so safely, or if you have a passenger, get the license plate number and description of the car. When you are able, call 911 and report the driver, the vehicle information, the location and the direction they’re traveling. Let law enforcement do the rest.
Whenever you’re involved in a crash caused by another driver, it’s essential to make sure that you seek the compensation you need and deserve to deal with injuries and damages. You may need to seek experienced legal guidance to do that.
