Watch for Drunk Drivers During the Thanksgiving Weekend

 Posted on November 21, 2017 in Car Accidents

For many people around the country, the Thanksgiving holiday begins on Wednesday and continues through to Sunday—or even Monday in some areas. Most children do not have school, and a large number of adults take time off work to travel, visit family, and spend the holiday weekend with loved ones. Of course, many Thanksgiving celebrations include alcoholic beverages, which means there is a marked increase in the number of potentially intoxicated drivers on the road at the end of the celebration. There a few things that you can do, however, to avoid becoming the victim of a drunk driver’s bad decisions.

Be Alert When Out and About

Whether you are driving yourself, riding with another person, or simply walking somewhere during the Thanksgiving weekend, you would do well to be aware of your surroundings. Pay particular attention to other vehicles, watching for indications that other drivers may be impaired or not focused on the road. Common signs of driver impairment include:

• Weaving back and forth between lanes;
• Inconsistent speeds;
• Drifting over the centerline;
• Excessively wide turns;
• Failing to use turn signals or headlights;
• Following too closely; and
• Erratic braking and accelerating.

Such indicators do not necessarily guarantee that the driver is intoxicated or impaired, but they do provide helpful clues. Additionally, many of the same warning signs apply to distracted drivers, including those who are on their phones. Distracted driving can also cause serious accidents and is no less dangerous than drunk driving. Combining the two, however, may be deadly.

What to Do?

If you find yourself in the vicinity of a suspected drunk driver, maintain a safe distance from his or her vehicle. Getting too close—even to record his or her license plate number—is extremely dangerous. A sudden application of the brakes is all it would take to cause an accident that could injure or possibly kill you. You should also avoid trying to get the other driver’s attention, as such efforts could add to his or her distraction. Pull over, if necessary, to stay out of the intoxicated driver’s path, and consider reporting the incident to local authorities.

Injured By a Drunk Driver?

Unfortunately, you could do all the right things and still be involved in an accident involving a drunk driver. If you or someone you love has been injured, contact an experienced Orland Park personal injury attorney for help. Call Schwartz Injury Law to discuss your case and your available options. Call 708-888-2160 for free, no-obligation consultation today.

Sources:

http://www.old-colony.com/howto.htm

http://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2011/07/traffic_talk_see_a_drunk_drive.html