When a person decides to get behind the wheel while intoxicated, they are putting themselves in harm’s way and everyone else on the road. Traffic fatalities involving drunk drivers nationwide have been the lowest in decades, but it continues to remain a problem on the road.
Although there’s no way to control another driver’s actions, you can follow the tips below to protect yourself and your passengers from impaired motorists.
How to Defend Yourself from a Drunk Driver
1. Avoid driving late at night, if possible. Fatal alcohol-related crashes are three times more likely to occur during the night than during the day. This is especially true on the weekends when people are returning home after a night out.
2. Stay away from the roads on “drinking holidays.” Holidays like Labor Day, the 4th of July, St. Patrick’s Day, Memorial Day, and New Year’s Eve are particularly dangerous for drivers. These celebratory events typically culminate with impaired drivers hitting the road.
3. Stick to the right. Impaired drivers tend to drift from their lane. To be safe, you can keep to the right lane slightly as oncoming traffic approaches your vehicle.
4. Maintain a safe following distance. Keeping a generous following distance will help you notice any erratic driving behavior. Stay away from cars that are swerving, speeding, or slowing down.
5. Do not tolerate drunk driving. If you have a friend who has a habit of driving while impaired, do your best to keep them off the road. Help them understand the dangers of drunk driving or volunteer to be a designated driver.
6. Always wear your seatbelt. Seatbelts significantly reduce the risk of injury from a car accident. If you were to get into an unexpected crash, wearing your seatbelt could mean the difference between life and death.
Protecting the Rights of Drunk Driving Victims
If you are a victim of an alcohol-related crash, it’s important to retain a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. At Mitchell & West, LLC, we’ll walk you through the claims process and help you get the maximum settlement possible.
Contact Mitchell & West, LLC at (305) 783-3301 if you have been injured by a drunk driver and require help seeking compensation.