Drunk drivers can be on the road on any given day and at any time. No matter where you are, there will always be a possibility of coming in contact with a drunk driver when you are on the road. Because of this, it is important to be aware of ways you can protect yourself when you are driving on the road to prevent dangerous or even fatal accidents with drunk drivers.
Here are five tips to help protect yourself from drunk drivers:
1. Avoid driving late at night.
Fatal car accidents have been seen to occur more frequently at night. Especially during holidays or events which involve heavy drinking, fatal drunk driving accidents dramatically increase after dark. According to a study on alcohol-related fatal crashes on Super Bowl Sunday, the number of fatal drunk driving car accidents increased by 153 percent between 7:00pm-9:00pm and 102 percent between 9:00pm-3:00am. Because of this, it is clear that the risk of dangerous accidents with drunk drivers significantly increases at night.
2. Keep your distance from other cars.
A standard practice for defensive driving is to keep your distance from other vehicles on the road. Tailgating is never a good idea and can lead to dangerous accidents, and an even higher risk of injury when a drunk driver is involved. Keeping at least three car lengths between your car and others is a safe practice for defensive driving.
3. Be aware of signs of drunk driving.
Being aware of the signs of drunk driving can help you be prepared to react appropriately. One of the most common signs of drunk driving is swerving or drifting in and out of lanes. Other common signs to look out for include erratic braking, quick acceleration or deceleration, weaving across traffic, speeding or driving excessively slow, not following traffic signals, and driving without headlights.
4. Be extra cautious at intersections.
Intersections are danger zones when considering the possibility of drunk drivers on the road. Being extra cautious before crossing an intersection is an important way to protect yourself from drunk drivers who may not follow traffic signals. Coming to a complete stop and also checking for other vehicles to fully stop is a good practice and safety measure.
5. Be attentive to the road and ready to take quick action if necessary.
A simple yet important reminder is to always be attentive when driving on the road. Avoid any distractions, such as your phone, and be ready to act quickly in the case you come across an impaired or drunk driver on the road. Being able to take quick actions as an attentive driver can help prevent collisions with drunk drivers and protect yourself and other passengers from severe injuries or even death.
Driving defensively is an important skill for everyone on the road. It is important to never assume the actions of other drivers and be prepared to react when a driver makes a mistake or takes an unexpected action. Never assume that all other drivers are sober and will follow the law. If you have been injured in an accident with a drunk driver, contact an experienced car accident lawyer who can assist you with filing your personal injury claim and seeking the compensation you deserve.