Unfortunately, not all drivers are responsible; some drink and drive or are otherwise impaired. Drunk drivers are not just out there on the weekend. You can find them on the roads at any time, day or night. You must remain vigilant in order to avoid such drivers. How can you keep safe from these drivers? Look for the following signs:
- Sudden braking
- Weaving across the lane, crossing the lines, and overcorrecting
- Striking objects along the roadway such as other vehicles, signs, or mailboxes, followed by sudden corrections
- Sudden changes in speed whether speeding up or slowing down
- Driving too close to the vehicle in front, and then quickly slowing down
- Driving substantially below the speed limit
- Failure to use turn signals correctly
- Quick turns that seem to occur too late or happen at the last second
- Failing to use headlights at dusk or dark
- Driving in the opposing lane of traffic while only correcting the driving pattern at the last second
Importantly, many of these same signs and symptoms of drunk driving can also be attributed to drowsy driving. Sixty percent of drivers admit to driving while drowsy; and in the past year, one-third of those state they have actually fallen asleep. Thirteen percent have done so in the last month.
Research shows that the dangers of driving while sleepy are just as risky as driving while intoxicated. There are slower reaction times, mental processing is reduced, judgment suffers, and the ability to make decisions becomes more difficult.
Be responsible for yourself and your loved ones. Don’t drive while intoxicated; but in addition, don’t drive when you’re sleepy. And be on the lookout for those who drive while impaired.