If a drunk driver causes a car crash, you and your family could suffer catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injury, paralysis, internal organ damage, back and spinal injuries, or death. These injuries could cause long-term limitations on your ability to work or take care of your day-to-day basic needs.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to avoid a drunk driving accident and keep you and your family safe.
Follow These Safety Guidelines to Prevent a Drunk Driving Accident
Alcohol consumption impairs driving abilities in key ways, such as lack of judgment, inability to judge distances, slower reaction times, and reduced vision. As a result, intoxicated motorists often:
- Drive recklessly
- Speed
- Swerve or turn abruptly
- Tailgate
- Travel the wrong way on streets, highway entrances and exits, and highways
Your task as a motorist is to stay alert and drive defensively. You never know when you may have to take evasive action to avoid a drunken collision. Also remember to:
- Be a designated driver. It doesn't take much alcohol to impair driving ability, and the accident statistics are grim. Don't drink and drive, and don't ride with anyone who's been drinking. Choosing to be a designated driver may save many lives.
- Wear your seat belt. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that seat belts "reduce serious crash-related injuries and deaths by half."
- Keep a safe distance. If you see a driver ahead of you weaving, braking repeatedly, not signaling properly, or otherwise driving in an erratic fashion, put even more distance between his car and yours. Also take caution at intersections, when impaired drivers may suddenly speed up or slow down.
- Know when to engage and when not to. If a car is headed straight for you, pull off the road while flashing your lights and honking. But don't force an encounter if you suspect a drunk driver: contact law enforcement with location and a general description of the vehicle.
- Limit night driving. While you may not be able to avoid traveling after dark, try to avoid late night travel—especially on Friday and Saturday nights.
- Stay on well-traveled roads. Rural roads pose a greater danger for drunk driving incidents, so choose lighted, four-lane boulevards and highways whenever possible.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a drunk driving accident, you need the assistance of an experienced car accident attorney who can fight for rightful compensation. The damages you incur may include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To learn how we can help, fill out our online form to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.
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