If you are planning to drive anywhere this New Year’s Eve, it is important to be aware of the dangers of drunk drivers on the road. Law enforcement agencies across the country have consistently found that impaired driving is much more rampant on New Year’s Eve than most other days of the year. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that an average of 118 traffic fatalities occur on January 1 each year, 54 of which involve alcohol-impaired drivers (about 46%).
Signs of Drunk Driving
On New Year’s Eve, be sure to remain alert and aware of the signs of drunk driving whenever you see another motorist, especially if you are driving late at night. Here are some telltale signs that a driver may be intoxicated:
- Driving with headlights turned off
- Not signaling at a turn, or signaling inconsistently with driving
- Failing to stop at a red light or stop sign
- Tailgating or following too closely
- Drifting from side to side
- Sitting still at a green light
- Driving too slowly
- Making sudden stops or turns
- Driving on the wrong side of the road
What to Do if You See an Intoxicated Driver
If you are driving and begin to observe any signs that indicate the possibility that the driver is impaired, the first priority is to protect your own safety. Get out of the path of travel and allow a wider than usual margin of safety. Capture the license plate number and a description of the vehicle. Including location and direction of travel (if you can do so safely). If you have a passenger with you, have this person call 911 with the information. If not, pull over to a safe area and make the call. Do not attempt to stop, pursue or interfere with the driver. Allow the police to handle the situation—they are trained for it.
As we ring in the New Year, we wish you and your family a safe and happy celebration and we hope that you have a prosperous and happy 2017.