Stay Safe and Guard Against Drunk Drivers on the Road

By Umm e Hani on Apr 17, 2024

Dangers Of Drinking And Driving
How To Handle Unsafe Drivers?
Tips To Avoid Drunk Drivers On The Road
That’s A Wrap!
FAQ

Dangers Of Drinking And Driving

Drinking and driving is super dangerous! When you've been drinking alcohol and you get behind the wheel, your ability to drive safely goes down the drain. Your coordination, reaction time, and judgment all get messed up. This means you're much more likely to have a car crash. And it's not just about you – you could hurt or even kill other people too. So, if you've been drinking, it's always best to find a sober driver or use a taxi or rideshare to get home. Don't risk it!

When you drive, you rely on other drivers to be safe, just like you are. Even if you're careful and follow the rules, others may not. They might suddenly change lanes, tailgate, forget to use their turn signals, or create risks.

So, what do you do if you encounter a driver who's not paying attention, drunk, or driving aggressively? You can't control what they do, but you can respond safely. This could help prevent accidents and protect everyone on the road. Here's how to handle unsafe drivers.

How To Handle Unsafe Drivers?

1. Dealing with Drivers Who Aren't Paying Attention

Every year, driving becomes more distracting with smartphones, smartwatches, in-car Wi-Fi, and fancy entertainment systems. Many drivers are more interested in their gadgets than the road, and this is a real problem. Texting and using electronic devices cause about 25% of car crashes, and people who text while driving are 23 times more likely to have accidents.

So, if you come across a distracted driver, first, you need to recognize the issue. You might see them holding a phone or doing something else that's distracting. But usually, you notice it by how they're driving. Look out for drivers who:

Go way too fast or too slow.
Change speeds for no reason.
Wait too long at traffic lights or stop signs.
Drive in a zigzag pattern through traffic.
Don't stay in their lane.

They might be tired or drunk, but they could also be busy with their phone. When you spot a distracted driver, do this:

Assume they don't see anything on the road, including you and other cars. Keep a good distance from them.
Try to let them pass you or get in front of them.
Your goal is to avoid getting into an accident with them. You can't control their actions, but you can protect yourself. Don't honk or challenge them, as it might make things worse. Just focus on staying safe and avoiding their mistakes.

2. Dealing with Drivers Who Tailgate

No, we're not talking about the fun tailgating parties before sports games. We mean the kind where a drunk drivers so close behind your car that you can practically see their eyes in your rearview mirror.

Why do they do it? Maybe they're upset with you, or they think you're driving too slowly, or perhaps they find it entertaining. Regardless, it's not enjoyable for you, and it's very risky. If you need to brake suddenly, they might not have enough time to react, and it could lead to an accident. Just like with distracted drivers, you can't control the tailgater, but you can reduce the danger.

First, don't slam on your brakes. While it might be tempting to brake-check them, it's dangerous for everyone, including you.

Stay calm and keep your focus. Keep your hands on the wheel and pay attention to the road ahead, not the trouble behind you. Assume that you need to handle this situation. Tailgaters usually don't give up or get bored.

One important rule in road safety is to put your ego aside and let the tailgater "win." If possible, create an opportunity for them to pass you safely. Once they get the chance, they might leave you alone.

If that's not possible, you may need to slow down. Do it gradually, so the tailgater has time to react without causing a crash. Use your brakes because the tailgater is likely watching for your brake lights. If they don't see them, they may not realize you're slowing down until it's too late.

Hopefully, by making a safe passing opportunity or slowing down, they'll stop tailgating you.

3. Dealing with Drunk Drivers

You've likely seen PSAs warning about the dangers of drunk driving. It's just as risky as other reckless driving but worse because the driver's judgment is severely impaired.

The signs of a drunk driver are similar to those of a distracted driver: they drive erratically, change speeds randomly, or ignore road rules.

Respond to a drunk driver the same way you would to a distracted one. If you can, create distance between you and them to stay safe. Don't try to stop the vehicle or get their attention by honking or yelling, as this might cause an accident. Leave it to the police or emergency services.

However, if possible, note down the car's details, like make, model, color, and license plate.

Once you're out of immediate danger, pull over safely, dial 911, and report the incident. Tell the dispatcher:

You want to report a drunk driver.
Describe the vehicle and where this happened.
Explain the driver's behavior that made you think they were drunk.
Your part is done. The authorities will handle it from there.

Tips To Avoid Drunk Drivers On The Road

Plan Ahead

If you know you'll be attending an event with alcohol, plan your transportation in advance. Arrange for a designated driver, use public transportation, or have a rideshare app ready to call for a sober ride.

Stay Aware

While driving, pay close attention to the behavior of other drivers. Look for signs of erratic driving, such as swerving, abrupt lane changes, or inconsistent speeds.

Avoid Peak Times

Drunk driving incidents are more common during certain times, like late at night and on weekends. So, it is better to schedule your trips during off-peak hours.

Use Technology

There are apps and services that can help you identify nearby ride options or report suspected drunk drivers to the authorities. Consider using these tools to enhance road safety.

Stay Defensive

Defensive driving is crucial. Maintain a safe following distance, obey traffic laws, and be prepared to react to unexpected actions from other drivers.

Choose Well-Lit Routes

When driving at night, opt for well-lit routes and avoid poorly illuminated areas. This can help you spot erratic drivers more easily.

Buckle Up

Always wear your seatbelt. It not only protects you in the event of an accident but also keeps you in better control of your vehicle.

Stay Sober

If you suspect someone you know has been drinking and plans to drive, intervene. Offer them a safe alternative, like calling a cab or arranging for a sober friend to pick them up.

Report Drunk Drivers

If you witness a driver who appears to be impaired, call 911 or your local law enforcement to report the incident. Provide them with as much information as possible, such as the vehicle's make and model, license plate number, and location.

Host Responsibly

If you're hosting an event with alcohol, ensure your guests have safe transportation options. You can offer to call cabs, provide a sober driver, or even offer a place to stay for those who have had too much to drink.

That’s A Wrap!

Intoxicated or impaired drivers pose a significant danger to everyone on the road. Accidents caused by impaired drivers can happen anywhere, not just in specific places or on certain types of roads. A drunk driver can cause an accident at any time. To stay safe, always wear your seatbelt, stay alert, and consider being a designated driver to prevent accidents.

FAQ

How do you spot an impaired driver?

Look for erratic driving, like swerving, speeding, or driving too slowly. They might not follow traffic rules and could have trouble maintaining their lane. Sometimes you can also see them making sudden or illegal turns.

How do you avoid impaired drivers?

Keep a safe distance from any vehicle showing signs of impaired driving. Don't try to overtake or engage with them. If you see a car behaving dangerously, call the police or report it to authorities.

How long does it take for drunkness to wear off?

It varies, but on average, your body processes about one standard drink (like a 12-ounce beer) per hour. So, if you've had a few drinks, it can take several hours for the alcohol to leave your system. It's always best to wait until you're completely sober before driving.