For many Americans, the holiday season means packing up the family and hitting the open road. Some people head to Grandma’s house for a festive holiday dinner, while others venture out to the country in search of the perfect Christmas tree. Wherever, your holiday plans take you this season, the most important thing is to make it to your destination safely.
While you may be a safe and sober driver, it is important to remember that you are not alone on the roadways this holiday season. Unfortunately, too many motorists choose to drink and drive, which not only puts into jeopardy their own lives, but the lives of other people on the roadways. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in 2012 more than 10,000 people were killed in crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver. To put this statistic into perspective, alcohol-related crashes account for close to 1 in every 3 traffic-related deaths.
To make sure that you and your family stay safe on the roadways this holiday season, you need to be vigilant while driving. If you know what to look for, you can better spot a drunk driver. The following are signs that a motorist may be intoxicated:
- Erratic braking.
- Weaves in and out of lanes.
- Drives at a rate much slower than the posted speed limit (usually more than 10 mph).
- Makes an illegal turn.
- Fails to come to a complete stop at a red light or stop sign.
- Almost hits another vehicle or object, such as the curb.
- Drives in the dark without his or her headlights on.
- Follows too closely behind other vehicles.
- Signals improperly.
- Swerves or drifts in the lane.
- Turns abruptly.
- Drives on the wrong side of the road.
- Straddles the center lane.
- Drives into oncoming traffic.
- Speeds.
- the inability to maintain a steady rate of speed (quick acceleration followed by sudden deceleration).
If you believe that a motorist on the road with you is intoxicated, it is important to act quickly. First, make sure that you are driving defensively. Now is not the time to engage in any maneuvers that may be deemed “aggressive” by the intoxicated driver. Second, get out of the way of the driver that you believe is intoxicated. If the intoxicated driver is behind you, pull over to the side of the road or let him or her pass. If the driver is in front of you, slow down and try to stay as far away from him or her as possible. Third, you need to report this driver. Call 911 and let the operator know that you believe a motorist is driving drunk. Be prepared to tell the 911 operator your location; a complete description of the car, including the make, model, license plate, and color of the car; and the behaviors that led you to believe that the driver is intoxicated.
If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries after being involved in an auto accident with a drunk driver, the experienced Kansas City Personal Injury Attorneys at Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. can help. Our compassionate team of injury attorneys understand the devastating effects a drunk driver can have on a person’s life and help you get your life back on track. The Kansas City Personal Injury Attorneys at Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. have helped countless injury victims in both Kansas and Missouri. To see how one of our injury attorneys can help you, contact Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. today at (816) 472-4673 to schedule an initial consultation. We look forward to providing you with top-notch legal services.