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HOW
TO SPOT A DRUNK DRIVER
Listed below are clues suggested
by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as ways to recognize
drunk or otherwise impaired drivers:
- Turning with a wide radius.
- Straddling the
center of the road or lane marker.
- Appearing to be drunk
(i.e., eye fixation, face close to windshield, drinking in the vehicle).
- Almost striking
an object or other vehicle.
- Weaving or zigzagging
across the road.
- Driving on other
than a designated roadway.
- Swerving or abruptly
turning away from a generally straight course.
- Turning abruptly
or illegally.
- Driving slower than 10
mph below speed limit.
- Stopping without
cause in a traffic lane.
- Stopping inappropriately
(other than in lane).
- Following others
too closely.
- Drifting or moving in
a straight-line at a slight angle to the roadway.
- Erratic braking.
- Driving into opposing
or crossing traffic.
- Signaling that
is inconsistent with driving actions.
- Slow response to traffic
signals (sudden stop, delayed start).
- Driving with
headlights off.
HOW
TO REPORT A DRUNK DRIVER
Call the police or 911.
Once connected with a law enforcement agency, provide them with the
following information (remember, when using a cell phone, you are always
connected to the CHP and they cannot pinpoint your location. They don't
know your phone number either. So provide your location and phone number
FIRST when using a cell phone.)
- Tell them you wish to
report a suspected drunk driver.
- Give the exact
location (identify road and direction) of the vehicle.
- Give a complete description
of the vehicle, such as make, model, color, license number, etc.
- Describe the
manner in which the vehicle is being driven.
WHAT NOT TO
DO:
- Do not attempt to stop
the vehicle.
- Do not attempt
to follow if the vehicle is exceeding the posted limit or if any other
hazard
may exist due to following the vehicle.
- Do not disregard any
traffic signals in an attempt to keep the driver in view.
- Do not follow
the drunk driver too closely because they may stop suddenly.
- Do not get so engrossed
in following the drunk driver that you begin weaving in the road with
the drunk driver.
- Do not attempt
to detain the drunk driver if they stop.
Do not
attempt to act in the capacity of any police, fire or medical person
unless you are properly
trained and authorized to perform that function.
- Do not attempt
to assist any law enforcement officer while they are apprehending
a drunk
driver unless requested.
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