Anyone out driving this holiday weekend, and especially people driving at night, should be cautious of people driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (also known as DUI). Here are seven dangerous habits you should watch out for, which may indicate the presence of drunk drivers on the road:
- Inappropriate speed
- Drunk drivers have a tendency to drive much faster, or much slower, than is appropriate. They may not realize how fast they are going, or if they are going very slow, they may be deliberately trying to avoid getting noticed by the police.
- Failing to signal
- Drunk drivers often tend to forget to signal when turning or changing lanes. This can make them unpredictable as they suddenly turn or switch lanes without warning.
- Failing to use headlights
- It is relatively common for drunk drivers to fail to turn on their headlights when it is dark outside, whether due to it being nighttime or due to inclement weather. This is due to a combination of simple forgetfulness, as well as visual impairment preventing them from realizing their headlights are off.
- Aggressive driving
- It should come as no surprise that drunk drivers are more likely to drive aggressively than other drivers, thanks to their lack of inhibition. This means they are more likely to engage in risky behaviors like tailgating or brake-checking, increasing the risks of an accident.
- Using wipers on a dry windshield
- Drunk drivers typically suffer from blurred vision, giving them the mistaken impression that it is raining when it is not. Thus, a driver with wipers on when it is not raining can be a sign of potential intoxication.
- Swerving between lanes
- Drunk drivers tend to struggle to stay in a single lane, causing them to swerve between lanes in an uncontrolled manner. This can even cause them to start to drive directly into oncoming traffic, dramatically increasing the chances of an accident.
- Driving on the sidewalk or median
- In more extreme cases, a drunk driver may drive up onto the median separating two directions of traffic, or worse, drive up onto a sidewalk. When this happens, they can potentially injure themselves and endanger pedestrians or other vehicles.
If you or someone you love has been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, contact the New York personal injury lawyers at the Katter Law Firm. We will help you protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve. To schedule a consultation, contact us at 212-809-4293, or visit our contact page.