It’s no secret that alcohol contributes to accidents. In fact, 16 percent of drivers who were in fatal crashes in 2014 were under the influence of alcohol, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Unfortunately, many people think they can have a few drinks and drive safely. The truth is that just one alcoholic beverage can affect coordination and reaction time, thus increasing the likelihood of an accident.
The best way to avoid drunk driving accidents is not to drink and drive. But what about other motorists? Although you cannot control the actions of other drivers, you can look out for signs of intoxication and keep your distance.
Until then, read on to learn how to spot drunk drivers:
What Are the Signs That a Driver Is Intoxicated?
There are more than 100 visual cues that officers use to spot drunk drivers. As Mothers Against Drunk Driving explains, these eight signs are particularly common:
- Weaving across lanes;
- Abnormal deceleration and acceleration;
- Tailgating other vehicles;
- Swerving off the road;
- Nearly striking an object in the road;
- Drifting across the road;
- Odd braking patterns;
- And driving slower than the speed limit.
If you notice these signs, keep your distance. You may also want to call the police. Your intervention could save lives.
How to Stop a Friend from Driving Drunk
Drunk driving is one of the most common criminal offenses, but all it takes is one night of excessive drinking to cause a tragedy. Don’t let it happen to one of your friends or loved ones.
If you are going out with friends, designate a sober driver, take a taxi, rent a hotel room or use a rideshare service. You can split the expenses, which will be much cheaper than the cost of DWI charges.
If your friend insists on driving drunk, do not be argumentative or condescending. Politely recommend alternative transportation. Both Uber and Lyft offer services in Albuquerque, and our city has several taxi services such as:
- ABQ Taxi Service: 505-307-9209
- Yellow Cab Co. 505-247-8888
If your friend resists, try to take his or her keys. You can give them back when the taxi arrives.
If all else fails, Mothers Against Drunk Driving suggests calling the police. Facing DWI charges is not as bad as dying or killing another person.