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Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs typically produces signs such as swerving, hard stops, running red lights, and crossing the center line. Drivers typically slow down to avoid being pulled over for speeding. Look for drivers who are driving inconsistently, such as at random speeds or braking inappropriately. It can be challenging to know if a driver is operating impaired, but if you believe a driver is, contacting the police could save a life. Then, speak with a lawyer if injured by a drunk or impaired driver in a car accident in Lexington, KY.
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Look at the whole picture to determine if a driver is driving under the influence and whether you should take action. Avoid driving too close to a driver you believe could be under the influence. The following are some of the most common signs to look for to spot a drunk or impaired driver.
Always put your safety first. The following visual detections of DWI motorists shared by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration can be helpful to you.
Drivers under the influence may drive very slowly to avoid giving the police any reason to stop them. Some may speed, but it is more common for the driver to operate the vehicle significantly under the speed limit. If you notice a driver going slowly without a clear reason, that is a sign of concern.
Some impaired drivers fail to take basic but important steps to operate the vehicle, such as leaving their headlights off at night. They may use a turn signal sometimes, but not others. You may see the driver operating the vehicle with their hazards on, or they may have just low beams on.
Drivers under the influence have a tough time regulating their speed. You may notice that they are accelerating or decelerating at random. They may turn at the last minute or speed up before they turn. Some will slow to a crawl at a green light and then speed up as they approach the intersection. These random changes indicate something is not right.
Another sign of an impaired driver is the way they operate. They may seem to drive normally until they make a turn, then do so with a drastic move. You may notice the driver swerves significantly when they approach the center lane, more so than a typical driver might. Impaired drivers may overshoot turns or turn too tightly, running over curbs. It is these types of refined skills that can make it hard for a driver to operate safely.
If you are in an accident with a driver you believe is under the influence, proceed with caution. Contact the police before you interact with them, and be sure to document everything you see happening. That includes stumbling, walking with an odd gait, or tripping. You may notice the driver speaks with a slur or cannot look you in the eyes. They may try very hard to act normal, and that in itself can seem out of place.
Accidents involving drunk drivers can be difficult for victims. They require careful planning to seek full compensation. Work with a Lexington drunk driving accident lawyer who can help you build a strong claim and case. Call our personal injury lawyer at (859) 268-4300 for a free consultation today.