Drivers are supposed to obey by all the rules of the road so that they can prevent horrific accidents from happening and affecting others. Any time of the day, you may encounter a drunk driver on the roads around you. Florida is no stranger to drunk driving accidents. In fact, between the years 2003 and 2012, over 8,400 people were killed in drunk driving crashes. These accidents continue to occur every year within the state, which is why it is imperative to be prepared for drunk drivers and know the signs of a drunk driver on our roadways.

Signs of a Drunk Driver in Florida

Swerving: Swerving is one of the most telltale signs that a driver is driving drunk on our roadways. This is one of the first signs that a police officer notices when they are watching out for drunk drivers. Individuals swerve when they are driving drunk due to the fact that alcohol affects concentration. It can be difficult to stay in a straight line when driving because of this lack of focus. 

Hugging the Centerline: Drunk drivers might have enough common sense to know that, if they are swerving all over the road, they will be arrested for their actions. This is why many drunk drivers attempt to overcompensate for these actions and hug the centerline as they ‘play it safe.’ While it is good to know that a driver is trying to drive their safest, it is not a good idea to ever drive drunk.

Excessive Braking: Drivers might also attempt to play it safe by driving as slowly as possible, thinking that this is less likely to draw attention to themselves. This means that you might see them break earlier than they should so that they can achieve the posted speed limit. This can be a hazard to other drivers, however. 

Tailgating: Drivers may also attempt to blend in with traffic so that they appear as normal as possible. However, in doing so, this can lead to tailgating. If you see another driver riding your bumper and attempting to follow you too closely, they could be driving while intoxicated.

Driving Violations: Even the most basic traffic rules are difficult for a drunk driver to follow. You may take notice that a driver is signaling the wrong direction when they make turns, leaving their lights off at night, or driving the wrong way on a one-way street. These are actions you should always watch out for that could help you spot a drunk driver and stay safe on our roadways.

If You Have Been Injured in a Florida Car Accident 

Drunk driving causes many car accidents in Florida each year, some of which are catastrophic and even fatal in nature. It is a driver’s job to obey the rules of the road so that they can protect themselves and others who share the roads around them. If you have been injured in an accident, it is essential that you speak with a personal injury attorney in Florida at Sheftall & Associates. We have years of experience and will assist you every step of the way as you navigate the legal system. Please contact an accident attorney in Florida at (904) 575-9026 for the help you deserve in your time of need.