If you do not have a compelling reason to be on the roads and highways over the July 4th holiday, then take our advice and stay home. That’s because drunk driving crashes traditionally increase significantly over the holiday – making it one of the deadliest times to be out and about.
We’ll talk about it in this issue as well as share tips for how you can identify a drunk driver.
Why are holidays such a dangerous time to be on the road?
We celebrate quite a number of holidays here in the U.S., and during those celebrations, the number of drivers on roads throughout the country peak as family and friends unite to have a good time.
During the 2015 July 4th holiday weekend, 146 people were killed in drunk driving crashes – that’s according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
How can I recognize a drunk driver on the road?
With help from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), here are a few signs to look for as you protect yourself and your family from drunk drivers.
Common signs of an impaired driver include:
- Rapid or quick acceleration or deceleration
- Driving slower than 10 mph below the posted speed limit
- Tailgating
- Weaving or zig-zagging across the road
- Driving at night with headlights off
- Slow response to traffic signals
- Drifting in and out of lane markers
- Stopping for no apparent reason
- Straddling the center lander marking
What should I do if I see a drunk driver?
Too often, responsible drivers rhetorically ask themselves “What can I do?” when they observe someone else they suspect of being impaired. If you find yourself in a such a situation, remember to:
- Stay as far away from the other vehicle as possible and refrain from passing or trying to signal them;
- Take notice of their license plate number as well as other details (color, make, model) of the vehicle; and
- Pull over and call 911, making sure to provide authorities with the exact location of the vehicle.
Stay Safe During This July 4th Holiday
As we said earlier, if you do not have to be on the roads during the July 4th holiday, your best bet may be to stay home.
If, however, you’ve been injured by an impaired driver, call Barber & Associates.
The first meeting is always free, so call us at 907-276-5858 or send an email.