You have no way of knowing the driving records and habits of the motorists with whom you might share Florida roadways with at any given time. In a car to your left, there might be an inexperienced teenage driver who just got his or her license. To the right might be a parent distracted by a screaming toddler in the backseat. Chances are, there might also be a drunk driver in your midst. In fact, if you notice DUI behaviors, you may be at risk for a collision.
It’s impossible to predict with 100% accuracy what another driver is going to do (or not do) as you travel along a Florida highway. For example, you can reasonably expect a driver to yield the right-of-way at the proper time. However, there’s no guarantee that this will happen. Learning how to recognize DUI behaviors may help you avoid a disaster.
A person committing DUI might randomly apply his or her brakes
Random braking is a common sign of drunk driving. If you’re sharing the road with a driver who keeps applying his or her brakes at illogical times, it is best to try to create distance between your vehicle and the other car. There are several reasons why someone committing DUI might randomly apply his or her brakes, including the fact that depth perception becomes impaired when driving under the influence of alcohol. A drunk driver might think another vehicle is closer than it is.
Speed does not match current traffic flow
Another DUI behavior that often precedes a collision is erratic speed. If a driver is traveling at a speed over the posted limit or far under it, which does not match the current flow of traffic, it’s a red flag that he or she might be an intoxicated driver. You might notice a fluctuation in speed when a drunk driver is sharing the road with you. If you see a vehicle speed up, then slow down, then speed up again, try to steer clear because the driver might be drunk.
Driving at night without headlights and other DUI behaviors
Alcohol often affects a person’s awareness and ability to focus on a task at hand. A drunk driver might do things that he or she would never do while sober, such as forgetting to turn on headlights after dark. This is a common DUI behavior that often occurs before a collision. Other signs of forgetfulness or lack of awareness include using the wrong turn signal or misjudging a curve.
If you notice DUI behaviors and can distance yourself from the other driver, it’s always best to do so. If you can safely pull over and call Florida police, you can report erratic driving behavior. They can dispatch a patrol officer to investigate. Even if you’re aware of a possible drunk driver, you might not be able to safely change lanes or get away from the vehicle. If a drunk driving collision occurs, state law allows you to seek restitution for damages.