Signs That a Driver May be Intoxicated in Long Island
Our Long Island personal injury law offices get too many calls from accidents involving drunk drivers. That is why whether you are driving on the Southern State Parkway, Sunrise Highway or Commack Road, it’s important to be alert to the warning signs that a motorist around you may be driving while drunk.
Common Signs
- Sudden acceleration or deceleration
- Tailgating
- Drifting in and out of the lanes
- Weaving across the road
- Driving anywhere other than on a road designated for vehicles
- Almost striking an object, curb, divider or other vehicle
- Stopping without cause or erratic braking
- Signaling that is inconsistent with driving actions
- Slow response to traffic signals (e.g. sudden stop or delayed start)
- Straddling the center lane marker
- Driving with headlights off at night
- Swerving
- Driving slower than 10 mph below the speed limit
- Turning abruptly or illegally
- Driving into opposing traffic on the wrong side of the road
Steps to Take If You Identify a Drunk Driver
If you suspect that another driver on the road is drunk, stay as far away as possible from the vehicle. Do not try to communicate with the driver in any way. Instead, try to get the license plate number as well as any other details you can, including the vehicle’s make, model, color and any addition description of the vehicle or driver that could help authorities. Pull over and call 911 immediately. Give them the exact location—including nearby exits if you are on a parkway—as well as the direction in which the vehicle was traveling. Provide a complete description of the vehicle and how it was being driven.
