If you’ve been involved in a crash caused by a drunk driver, you’re probably going to be looking for them everywhere as you get behind the wheel again. There are a lot of people driving under the influence this time of year. However, unfortunately, drunk and drugged drivers are a year-round problem on our roads.

By being able to spot a driver who’s under the influence before they can get close enough to hurt you and getting some additional space between you, you can minimize your chances of a crash. You can then take the necessary steps to alert authorities, so they can stop the driver before they hurt anyone (or themselves).

Here are some common signs that a driver you’re sharing the road with is impaired:

• Not staying in their designated lane or weaving within their lane
• Abruptly stopping, swerving or turning
• Driving too slowly or reacting too slowly to changing traffic lights
• Making illegal moves

Once you’re out of the driver’s way and can safely do so, call 911 or have one of your passengers do it. Tell them you suspect that someone is driving under the influence, and provide as much information as possible so that officers can locate them. This includes:



• The road they were on and nearby intersections, exits or landmarks.
• The direction they’re traveling
• Vehicle information (make, model, color and license plate number)

It’s best not to try to follow the driver yourself. You’re only going to further endanger yourself and your passengers. By no means should you attempt to get the driver to stop or engage them in any way. You don’t know what their emotional state is. Leave that to the professionals.

Don’t worry that you’re getting someone in trouble who may not be under the influence. That’s up to law enforcement officers to determine. If someone is driving erratically for any reason, they’re putting others and themselves at risk. They may be falling asleep behind the wheel or even having a medical emergency. You’re doing the right thing by reporting them.

If you’ve been the victim of a drunk driver, regardless of what criminal consequences they may or may not face, you have the right to take legal action to ensure that you get the compensation you need and deserve.