In 2023 30% of all fatal crashes were attributed to drink driving, which means that this remains one of the biggest problems Australians face on our roads. Even a few alcoholic drinks will impact driving skills and increase the chances of a motor vehicle accident. The higher the blood alcohol content of the driver, the greater the impact on their ability behind the wheel. DrinkWise advises Australians that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption for competent driving.
Here we talk you through how to spot a drunk driver on the road, what to do if you do see one and what you should do if you're involved in a drunk driver driving accident.
Alcohol and driving
It is scary to think that everyday people are consuming more than the legal limit of alcohol, and driving.
This puts themselves, other drivers and other road users such as cyclists and pedestrians in danger. But what driving abilities does it actually impact?
The effects of alcohol on driving abilities
Impacts your coordination and reduces your ability to do more than one thing at a time
Slows down your reflexes and reaction times
Impairs your judgement
Makes you feel more confident so that you may take more unnecessary risks
Affects your vision
Affects your hearing
Relaxes you making it more likely that you could fall asleep while behind the wheel
Makes simple tasks harder
Each of these significantly increases the chance that you could be in a motor vehicle accident if you get behind the wheel after drinking.
How to spot a drunk driver driving on the road?
To protect yourself and your passengers it is important to be able to spot a drunk driver driving on the road so they can be avoided. The behaviours of a driver under the influence have been commonly identified as:
Unpredictable changes in speed
Constantly changing lanes
Tailgating other drivers
Swerving within the lane, not being able to drive straight
Drifting between lanes
Driving very slowly or too fast
Excessive braking
Not using headlights
Driving the wrong way on a one-way street
Not stopping at a stop light or stop sign
Stopping when they have the right of way
Unfortunately, it’s all too common for people not to recognise when they’ve reached their limits, or to feel that they ‘can handle it’. For your own safety, it’s important to be able to recognise a drunk driver driving over the limit on the road so you can avoid them and keep yourself and your passengers safe.
What to do if you spot a drunk driver?
It seems to be a common question that people ask – what should I do if I witness a driver that I suspect is under the effects of alcohol?
Step 1 – Avoid the driver. Slow down or pull over and wait a few minutes if you have to. Do not try and overtake the driver as they could swerve into your vehicle.
Step 2 – If it is safe to do so, take note of the registration plate as well as the type, colour, make and model of the car. Ask a passenger to take the notes if you’re not driving alone.
Step 3 – Pull over and call 000. Anytime you see a dangerous driver, you should report it to the police. You will want to be able to tell them the vehicle type, make, model, colour and the registration if possible.
You’ll also need to be able to describe how the person was driving, the location and time of the incident, and give the name and contact information of yourself and any other witnesses.
Other types of dangerous driving
Drink driving is not the only type of dangerous driving that you might come across while using Australia’s roads. You might also see people hooning, such as donuts, burnouts or fishtails, street racing or driving through roadblocks, driving recklessly or deliberately endangering other road users.
In these situations, you will also want to take the steps set out above to keep yourself and other road users safe.
If you’re injured by a drunk driver, we can help
Alcohol and driving simply don’t mix. If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver or lost a loved one as a result, our expert motor vehicle accident lawyers at Shine Lawyers are here to help you get the compensation you’re entitled to. Our team can guide you through the legal process and help you protect what matters.
Call us today for an obligation-free consultation or get in touch with us online.
