While driving your car on a free road, imagine encountering an impaired driver. You will notice a sudden fear appearing in your mind as he can hurt both you and himself.

So what do I do at this time?

Do you catch him by yourself?

Definitely not. But there are certain things you can do to ensure your safety and his safety as well. Getting help from police and a DUI impaired driving lawyer is the wisest step here. 

But before that, you need to know some more information. Go through the following discussion and know what you can do in this situation.

But First, How Can You Identify an Impaired Driver?

You will know any driver is impaired when you notice any of the following signs in a driver around you.

1. Cross the Midlines or Markers While Driving

When a driver is in his normal state, he will try to drive, staying between the lanes, without getting over the midlines. But an impaired driver won’t be in his right mind to avoid those lines while driving.

2. Almost Hit a Car or Object on the Road

Usually, when the driver is distracted by his phone, he is most likely to hit any other car or object on the road. If not, then the driver is impaired.

3. Make Wide Turns

An impaired driver will take a wide turn instead of cutting corners, which will take them in the way of the traffic.

4. Drive too Recklessly

Though an impaired driver will surely drive recklessly, It is not surely a sign of being drunk. Sometimes the driver can be tired or under the influence of prescription medication, such as painkillers.

5. Too Slow Driving

While other intoxicants can delay reaction times and affect the idea of time and distance, alcohol can be highly responsible for such a slow reaction.

6. Drive too Close to Other Vehicles

Usually, people drive really close to another vehicle when they need any help or are trying to attack that vehicle. Otherwise, an impaired driver will only drive this way.

7. Takes Sudden and Unnecessary Brakes

Pulling the brake constantly unnecessarily is very much harmful to a car. So, a driver with proper sense won’t do it to this car. But he will do it every now and then when he is impaired.

8. Drive without Using the Headlights

People usually forget to switch on their headlights when driving in well-lit locations; as it gets darker, this could affect their ability to see. But only an impaired driver will drive without a headlight, even on dark roads.

What Should I Do If I See an Impaired Driver?

As you know how you can determine a drunk driver, you need to know what you must do at that time.

Ensure your fastened seat belts

You must check yourself and the passengers with you, especially when that impaired driver causes a minor accident.

Take a step back

If you think the driver in front is impaired or intoxicated, slow down and stay back; pull over if it’s safe to do so. Put as much space as you can between you and that driver. If you’re on a freeway, it’s best to take an alternate route or turn around and leave right away.

Try to contact the nearest police support

Keep in mind that it is your responsibility as a driver to make sure your car is operating safely. While it is important to get in touch with the authorities as soon as possible, it is also important to ensure that you are in a safe spot before you try to call or ask a fellow passenger to do it for you.

How to Report an Impaired Driver?

S, you know what you should do to ensure your safety first. Now, let’s discuss the points you need to make to report that car.

• First of all, take note of the model, colour, number plate, and the car’s appearance.
• Park your car at a distance from that suspecting impaired car driver.
• Call the police force and let them know about that impaired car driver
• Inform them about the last location you saw them at and the information you had about them.

To Wrap Up

An impaired driver isn’t only a risk for you but also for himself. His careless driving can endanger both his and others’ lives. So, it is your duty to report such a driver; no matter if he has hurt you or not. When you report them, the legal authorities will take care of them and won’t create risk for anybody.