Drunk drivers pose a great danger to other drivers. Being able to identify a drunk driver on Michigan roads – the tells aren’t always as obvious as you may think – can help you practice defensive driving and steer clear of the more vehicles that pose a threat to your safety.

Signs of Drunk Driving

Drunk drivers typically draw attention to themselves. However, it’s the more practiced drunk drivers who are the most frightening. No one under the influence can assume they will successfully get from point A to point B, but people who have managed it are more likely to attempt it again. These drivers may think they’re infallible or skilled when they are just lucky.

It’s not your responsibility to police Michigan highways. However, if you identify a drunk driver who is a hazard to himself and those around him, don’t hesitate to report him immediately.

Here are signs of drunk driving to look out for:

• Weaving back and forth on the road.
• Veering into other lanes
• Traveling onto the side of the road
• Erratic braking
• Rapid acceleration or deceleration
• Straddling the center line
• Tailgating other vehicles
• Driving far below the posted speed limit
• Inappropriate signaling
• Colliding or almost colliding with stationary objects, like parked cars or mailboxes
• Making wide turns
• Abrupt turns
• Illegal turns

Drunken driving fatalities and motorcyclist deaths on the rise in Michigan >>

Is It Drunk, Distracted, or Drowsy Driving?

Drunk driving, distracted driving, and drowsy driving all bear a striking resemblance to each other. Without insider knowledge about what’s happening in a car that’s traveling erratically near you, it’s nearly impossible to tell the difference between these variations of dangerous driving. What is certain is that all signs indicate there is a driver behind the wheel who is not 100 percent focused on the important task at hand.

Some drivers can’t refrain from pulling their phone out at every stop sign – smartphone addiction is real. Lack of sleep and sleeping pill usage contribute to far too many drowsy driving accidents. Even safely prescribed medications can make otherwise conscientious drivers a danger on the roads. And, of course, poor choices about alcohol and driving under the influence occur every day.

Add the categorization of teen driver or elderly driver to a drunk, distracted, or drowsy driver and the danger of the situation is compounded tenfold. Teens just aren’t experienced enough behind the wheel to make the right decisions in many precarious driving situations. Elderly drivers have age-related elements that get in the way of good driving. These combinations are often deadly, to the driver and to innocent people traveling on the road nearby.

If you are involved in a car accident, or if you witness a car accident, drinking, distraction, or drowsiness could be part of the equation. Talk to your personal injury attorney immediately if you are directly affected by an auto accident, or if you suspect that the driver who caused your accident was compromised in some way. Contact David Femminineo today to discuss your case.