At any given time while we’re driving, we’re likely sharing the road with at least one impaired driver. Of course, alcohol and drugs are what most of us think of when we hear the term “impaired driver.” However, people can be impaired by fatigue or distractions. These distractions can be anything from a phone to a screaming child to a spilled cup of coffee.
We have no way of knowing — short of seeing someone chugging a beer or texting on their phone behind the wheel — that a fellow driver is impaired. However, there are a multitude of signs we should be on the lookout for that can indicate that someone is driving while impaired. These include:
Driving under the speed limit for no apparent reason
Drifting out of their lane or even weaving within their lane
Making unnecessarily wide turns
Sudden turns, braking or acceleration
Not having headlights on after dark
Tailgating
Delayed response to traffic light changes
Keeping their face near the windshield
Staying near the edge of their lane (on the dividing lines)
Don’t try to engage a driver who seems to be impaired in some way. You don’t know whether they’re under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and not thinking clearly. Even if they aren’t under the influence, you don’t want to risk a road rage incident.
The best thing to do is keep your distance and report them to authorities. Pull over where you can do so safely and call 911 to report them. Be prepared to provide their location, license plate number and description of the vehicle.
Amoni Law Offices, P.C. is located in Aurora, IL and serves clients in and around Aurora, Sugar Grove, Batavia, Elburn, North Aurora, Mooseheart, Bristol, Big Rock, Kane County and Kendall County.
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