How to Spot a Drunk Driver
New Years is a time for celebration. What do Americans do to celebrate? Typically, it involves alcohol–sometimes too much of it. The good thing–taxi services exist through an app on your cell-phone that can get you a ride as quickly as possible. The bad thing–not everyone chooses to use the app. Some still choose to drive, even after too many drinks. Drunk driving can cause death within families and loss of important people. If you are on the road, and think someone may be driving drunk, call and report them to the police. You could be saving their life, or the life of another driver on the road.
Last year, Denver, Colorado increased the amount of DUI patrols in the city. As a result, 366 drivers were arrested for DUI. A total of 226 people died in alcohol-related crashes in Colorado in 2017. This is just one city.
Although there are enforcements against drunk driving, you should also be aware of other drivers. Be suspicious of everyone late at night, especially on holidays. Keep a close eye on those around you.
Signs that a driver could be drunk:
- Weaving from side to side
- Driving on the wrong side of the road
- Driving on the shoulder of the road
- Intense and unnecessary braking
- Driving without turning the headlights on
- Driving at a very low speed
- Staying too close to the center lane marker
- Making dangerously wide turns
- Getting close to hitting another object or car
- Tailgating
- Rapidly accelerating
What to do when you think you’ve spotted a drunk driver:
- Your main priority is your safety at this point. Drive far behind the driver, after first memorizing the license plate and make/model of the car.
- Find an alternate route.
- Dial 911 to report the drunk driver. Give the police the information you’ve gathered, plus the location and direction of travel. A description of exactly how the person was driving will also be necessary.
- You shouldn’t try to pass the driver. They will likely be making unexpected moves, or stop abruptly. Be very cautious, with lots of space between you and the other driver.
- Let the police handle the situation.
Fact: “On average, a drunk driver will drive 80 times under the influence before their first arrest.” By reporting a drunk driver, you are making the roads safer for everyone.
Do you have questions about your insurance? Find an insurance agent near you with our Agent Finder
Search All Blogs
Read More Blogs
The Final Frost: Securing Your Home from Ice and Tree Damage
Extreme cold risk is highest now. A guide to Home Insurance for tree fall damage, ice structure risks, and securing your claim against catastrophic late-January weather.
Slow Cooker Immunity: Nourishing Your Body with Winter Comfort Foods
Fight the mid-winter slump! Easy slow-cooker recipes packed with immune-boosting spices and ingredients to keep your family healthy in late January.
Accountability in the New Year: Auditing Employee Risk for Workers’ Comp and Liability
Get back to basics! Mid-January is the time for mandatory safety refreshers and HR audits to manage Workers’ Comp and General Liability risk in 2026.
The Mid-January Check-Up: Why Scheduling Your Life Insurance Exam Now Locks in the Best Rate
Don’t delay the exam! Schedule your Life Insurance paramedical exam in mid-January to lock in your best rate and complete your application process quickly.
Used Car, New Coverage: Insuring Your Post-Holiday Vehicle Purchase in January
Just bought a used car? Don’t forget to update the VIN, transfer your coverage, and check if you need higher Medical Payments limits.
The Mid-Winter Meltdown: Protecting Your Home from Aging Furnace and Water Heater Failure
Mid-January system failure is costly. Learn why standard home insurance doesn’t cover your broken furnace and why you need an Equipment Breakdown endorsement now.
The Great Indoor Escape: Launching Your Mid-January Reading Challenge
Swap the screen for a spine! How to launch a simple, rewarding mid-January reading challenge to improve focus and beat the winter blues.
Cyber Traps of Tax Season: Securing Your Business Data with Cyber Insurance
Tax season is phishing season. Protect your sensitive financial data and employee W-2s with robust Cyber Insurance coverage against targeted tax fraud.
Tax Season Lifeline: Why January is the Time to Secure Estate Liquidity with Life Insurance
Tax season is here. Use Life Insurance to create tax-free liquidity for your estate and protect your family business from forced asset sales.
The Debt-Deductible Dilemma: Aligning Your Auto Policy with Post-Holiday Finances
Did holiday spending deplete your savings? Reconsider high auto deductibles—you might not be able to afford the out-of-pocket cost if you have an accident now.