Do You Know How to Spot Drunk Drivers?
Many people turn to alcohol as a way of coping with everyday stress. Some only indulge during occasional social events. Whatever a person’s reason for drinking, it is never a good idea to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol.
Despite campaigns to spread awareness about the dangers of drunk driving, an alarming number of motorists still choose to drive under the influence every day. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 692 people in Nebraska died in alcohol-related accidents between 2003 and 2012 – which is higher than the national average.
For this reason, Nebraska has strict penalties for people convicted of DUI. According to the Department of Transportation, a first-time conviction can come with:
- A $500 fine;
- License suspension of six months;
- And jail time for up to 60 days.
If you were hurt in a crash with a drunk or drugged driver in Nebraska, contact an accident lawyer from Rensch & Rensch Law. An accident attorney in Omaha will evaluate your collision to determine if you have grounds for a claim.
Our legal team has litigated more than 100 jury trials, and we are not afraid to take a case to court if we cannot secure a fair settlement. Call 1-800-471-4100 to schedule a free initial consultation.
How to Spot a Drunk Driver
Sometimes all it takes is one or two drinks for the symptoms of alcohol to manifest. Intoxication affects a person’s decision-making, coordination and response time – all of which are necessary to drive safely.
The best way to avoid a drunk driving crash is to remain sober if you plan to get behind the wheel. However, you cannot expect other motorists to behave responsibly. You should keep your distance from drivers who show one or more of these symptoms of inebriation:
- Abnormal acceleration patterns;
- Braking without reason;
- Following too closely;
- Swerving;
- Drifting between lanes;
- Striking the curb;
- Ignoring traffic signals; or
- Driving too fast too slow for the conditions.
Knowing how to spot a drunk driver is just the start; you should also know what to do if you suspect a motorist is intoxicated and endangering the lives of others. Keep these tips in mind:
- Stay a safe distance away from that vehicle;
- Do not attempt to make the driver pull over;
- Record the license plate number, make, color and model of the vehicle; and
- Pull over and call 911.
Were you injured in a crash with a drunk or drugged driver? You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, property damage and other expenses. Contact an Omaha accident lawyer from Rensch & Rensch Law to discuss your case.
A car accident attorney in Nebraska will help you avoid mistakes such as accepting a low settlement or unknowingly admitting fault to insurance adjusters. Our legal team has more than 45 years of combined legal experience, and we have the knowledge and resources to find success in court. Call 1-800-471-4100 to schedule a free initial consultation.
