Thursday, July 12, 2012

How to spot a drunk driver

Warning signs of a drunk driver

These warning signs should be your signal to take down a license plate number and vehicle description to report to the proper authorities. Do not attempt to stop the vehicle.

  • Wide turns
  • Straddling lanes or driving on the center line
  • Drifting or moving in a straight line at a slight angle to the roadway
  • Driving with headlights off at night
  • Appearing to be drunk (i.e., eye fixation, face close to windshield, drinking in the vehicle)
  • Driving below the speed limit
  • Erratic braking or stopping without cause
  • Slow response to traffic signals (sudden stop, delayed start)
  • Nearly striking an object, curb, etc.
  • Weaving or zig-zagging across the road
  • Driving on the wrong side of the road or completely off the roadway
  • Tailgating
  • Accelerating or decelerating rapidly
MYTHS ABOUT ALCOHOL AND DRUNK DRIVING

Myth: Coffee can sober up someone who has had too much to drink.
Myth: Hard liquor is more intoxicating than beer or wine.
Myth: Someone who has had too much to drink will look intoxicated.

WHAT YOU CAN DO
  • Be a responsible party host by following the tips in this brochure.
  • Support measures to strengthen drunk driving and victims' rights laws by contacting elected officials.
  • Tie a MADD ribbon to a visible location on your vehicle as a symbol of your commitment to drive safe and sober during the holidays and as a sign for others to do the same.
  • Write letters to the editor of local newspapers expressing your concern over the drunk driving problem in your community.
  • Get involved -- become a volunteer for your local MADD chapter.

Fact: Only time sobers. It takes about one hour to metabolize each drink.


Fact: A 12-ounce can of beer, a five-ounce glass of wine, and a 12-ounce wine cooler contain the same amount of alcohol and the same intoxication potential as an ounce-and-a-half of liquor.


Fact: Someone's physical appearance can be misleading. One drink can impair someone's ability to drive. Judgment is the first thing affected when someone has been drinking and important motor skills are next.


How do I approach one of my guests who has had too much to drink? 
I mean, I don't want to lose a friend.
The first time is the hardest, but your actions could save your friend's life or that of an innocent victim. Pull your guest aside and politely, but firmly, tell them that you cannot let them drive home because you care. Offer to let the guest spend the night, call a cab or ask another, sober guest to drive the intoxicated person home.


How will I be held responsible if one of my guests is involved in a crash?
The laws vary from state to state, but you could be held responsible for the costs associated with the crash including medical bills and property damage and be sued for emotional pain and suffering.


What can I do to stop drunk driving?
What should I do if I see somebody driving drunk?
Report drunk drivers immediately to area law enforcement from a car phone or pay phone with the license plate number, description of the vehicle and the direction in which it was traveling.

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