Best Buys
Jan 3, 2020

Driving is dangerous enough on its own. We don’t need to bring alcohol into the equation. Yet too often, people have too much to drink and get behind the wheel. So what do you do when you encounter one of these people on the road? Here’s a list of tips to help you deal with a drunk driver.

Spot Them Before They Hit You

Drunk drivers are a hazard for everyone, but how do you spot them? Well, no matter who they are, they do a lot of the same things, like straddling lanes. Then, they jerk themselves back into a lane.

They also travel at speeds far less or far greater than the speed limit, as they are unaware of the actual limit. Usually, it is much slower. They also overshoot or undershoot their turns, since they can’t judge speed and distance properly.

They also start and stop randomly. Their inebriation can confuse them to the point they do not know or remember where they are or what they are doing. They may slam on their brakes suddenly and then speed up rapidly.

Get Out of Their Way

Get yourself safely out of harm’s way if you see a driver exhibiting this behavior. If a drunk driver is behind you, pull over and let them pass. If one is in front of you, slow down and let them get far enough ahead to be safe should they slam the brakes.

Drunk drivers can be so impaired that they exhibit road rage. Don’t pull over unless it is a safe, well-lit, public area with plenty of people around. Don’t get out of your vehicle if the drunk driver is seeking a confrontation.

Never Attempt to Pass a Drunk Driver

Drunk drivers are unpredictable, and this makes them extremely dangerous. You may find yourself behind one on a winding back road, intermittently slowing and speeding up. The urge to pass them can be strong.

Resist the urge. They may pass out, swerve, or speed up right at the moment when you are trying to pass. They could easily run you off the road or into oncoming traffic. And the worst part is, they may not even realize it. You could be stuck in a ditch, injured until someone finds you.

Report Them if You Can

If you witness drunk driving behavior, get safely out of harms way and then call the police. The police are much better equipped to handle the situation than you are. They have training, and support, and will quickly respond to any 911 calls about drunk driving.

Never Signal a Drunk Driver to Pull Over

This is a bad idea all around. Call the police instead. You aren’t equipped to handle the situation, and in this scenario, there are too many ways you can get injured. The drunk driver could deliberately swerve to hit you, or worse, pull over, and then attack you.

The best tip is to avoid drunk drivers whenever possible and always drink responsibly. You don’t want to get arrested for such foolish behavior.