Imagine this: You’re driving down the road, minding your own business, and you come across someone driving in an erratic manner. As you pay closer attention, you come to realize that the person may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
While there is no way of knowing for sure, it’s better to be safe than sorry. And in this case, it means reporting the person to the authorities.
Here are some things to do if you need to report a drunk driver:
- Keep your distance as to avoid an accident
- Make note of the vehicle make, model, license plate number and location
- Call 911 to explain what you are seeing and to receive guidance on what to do next
- Don’t attempt to take matters into your own hands, such as by stopping the person yourself
The most important thing you can do is call 911. This allows the dispatcher to make contact with local police, thus getting the person off the road as soon as possible.
Some of the most common signs of drinking and driving include:
- Erratic driving behavior
- Swerving
- Drifting from lane to lane
- Driving on the wrong side of the road or the wrong way on a one-way road
- Failure to follow traffic laws
Unfortunately, you could be part of a drunk driving accident before you’re able to report the intoxicated driver.
If this happens, call 911 to request immediate help. Once you receive treatment, learn more about the exact cause of the accident by reading the police report. You can then file an insurance claim and take steps to protect your legal rights.
