There are many ways to protect yourself from drunk drivers. Defensive driving can help save your life if faced with a drunk driver.

Avoid injury or death from such drivers by being on the lookout for anyone who appears impaired.

I. Signs of drunk driving commonly include any of these.

• Turning too wide.
• Driving in the center of the road.
• Looking drunk (face close to windshield, drinking in the vehicle, etc.).
• Almost hitting an object or other vehicle.
• Weaving or zigzagging across the road.
• Driving on other than a designated roadway.
• Swerving or abruptly turning.
• Turning suddenly or illegally.
• Driving much too slowly.
• Stopping inappropriately.
• Drifting or moving in a straight-line at a slight angle to the roadway.
• Erratic braking.
• Driving on wrong side of the road.
• Signaling that is inconsistent with driving actions.
• Slowly reacting to traffic signals.

II. Drive Defensively

If you suspect that a driver is impaired:

• Be ready to take quick, evasive action.
• Keep your distance from the suspect vehicle or pull over and let the driver pass you.
• If the car is headed directly toward you on a collision course, pull to the right, stop, honk your horn and flash your lights.

As quickly as possible, notify low enforcement authorities by dialing 911 or *SP on cell phone.

• Say that you want to report a suspected drunk driver.
• Give the exact location (identify road and direction) of the vehicle.
• Provide a complete description of the vehicle, such as make, model, color, license number, etc.

III. Do Not

• Attempt to stop the vehicle.
• Disregard any traffic signals in an attempt to keep the driver in view.
• Attempt to follow if the vehicle is speeding. or if any other hazard exists following the vehi
• Follow the impaired driver too closely because the car may stop suddenly.
• Get so focused on following the drunk driver that you begin weaving in the road with the drunk driver.
• Attempt to detain the drunk driver if they stop.
• Act in the capacity of any police, fire or medical person unless you are properly trained and authorized to perform that function.
• Attempt to assist any law enforcement officer while they are apprehending a drunk driver unless requested.

IV. Protect yourself and others

• Don’t drink and drive and don’t ride with anyone who has had too much to drink.
• Serve as a designated driver.

  See Also

  Drinking and Driving Facts and Solutions.We can Stop  Drunk Driving.Help Police Stop Drunk Drivers.

• Always use a safety seat belt.
• Use four-lane highways whenever possible.
• Avoid rural roads.
• Avoid travel after midnight (especially on Fridays and Saturdays).
• Refer to safety ratings before buying your next vehicle. See vehicle  Safety Ratings.
• Never use illegal drugs. Using illicit drugs causes a large proportion of traffic fatalities.
• Never drive when fatigued. Drivers who drift off cause about 72,500 injuries and deaths annually.
• Don’t use a car phone, put on make-up, comb your hair, or eat while driving.

Protect yourself from drunk drivers by following those tips.

V. Resources on Safe Driving

Healy, J. Safe Driving. Thirroul, NSW: Spinney Press, 2009.

Illinois Secretary of State. A Quick Guide to Safe Driving. Springfield: Secretary of State, 2014.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Safe Driving for Older Adults. Washington: The Administration, 2003.