Drunk drivers are responsible for many traffic accidents and fatalities. Keep alert when driving, and always be on the lookout for abnormal driving behavior. Follow the steps below and you will not become one of those traffic statistics.

Some telltale signs that a driver may be driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are:

  • They are unable to maintain lane position or they are swerving from lane to lane.
  • They are driving erratically and speeding-up or braking for no apparent reason.
  • They are driving without headlights at night.
  • They are making unsafe lane changes.
  • They are driving on the wrong side of the road.
  • They are speeding or driving too slow.
  • They are tailgating another car or driving in an agitated manner.

What you should do if you observe any of the above behaviors:

  • Be prepared to take evasive action.
  • Do not attempt to intervene personally.
  • Give yourself plenty of distance between you and the offending driver. Just get completely out of the way if necessary.
  • Don’t try to pass a driver who you suspect is driving under the influence. Keep them in front of you.
  • If a car is coming head-on towards you, move over to the shoulder, stop, honk your horn and blink lights.
  • If at all possible get a description of the car and a license plate number, but don’t get too close in order to accomplish this.
  • Call 911 and report what you have seen, and give them as much information as you can as to where this driver is and a description.

Driving a vehicle can be very dangerous and even fatal if you let your guard down for even one moment. Always stay alert, pay attention to everything that is going on around you, and don’t get too close to any vehicle. If someone is driving alongside you, or if someone is tailgating you gradually slow down until they pass you.

Once they pass you gradually get back up to speed, but keep a safe distance between your car and any cars in front of you in case you have to make any evasive maneuvers.

Tony Iorio is the webmaster and publisher of InsiderCarSecrets.com, a web site that helps people save money, time and aggravation when buying a car. All of the information, tips and secrets found on this web site have been gleaned from his 37 years of successful, experience working in car dealerships as a Service Manager, a Body Shop Manager, a Car Salesman, a Finance Manager and as a Sales Manager. He has also owned and successfully operated an independent body shop and a used car dealership. For additional tips on being safe when you drive visit Defensive Driving Tips!

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