Few people in West Virginia desire to share the road with an impaired driver. Everyone now knows the danger a driver under the influence is to every other vehicle on the roadway. To avoid a potentially fatal situation, defensive driving techniques are in order.
There are several signs of a person driving under the influence. Some are obvious and others are more subtle. A person weaving on the road or driving on the wrong side of the road are obvious signs. A person continuously crossing a center stripe is another sign.
More subtle indications include failing to maintain a designated lane when making a turn, braking either too early or too late and inordinate hesitation after a light turns green. Though many associate excessive speed with driving under the influence, a vehicle traveling unreasonably slow may be an inebriated operator. A person traveling on an interstate at 40 mph in a 65 may be under the influence.
If a driver suspects another is under the influence, practice defensive driving methods. Be sure to give the person plenty of room and be prepared to stop at a moment’s notice. Report the observation to law enforcement if it can be done safely.
When reporting, give the make, model and color of the vehicle. Provide the road name, the direction the vehicle is traveling and any cross street or mile marker. Obtain the license plate number only if safe to do so. One should never attempt to stop or block a drunk driver. An accident, a road rage situation or a dangerous confrontation may occur.
A collision with a driver under the influence often results in serious injury that can end in a hospital state, rehabilitation, loss of work and other losses. The victim of a drunk driver’s negligence might seek the assistance of a personal injury attorney as soon as practicable after the wreck.