If you do not have a compelling reason to be on the roads and highways over the July 4^th 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 4^th 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 4^th Holiday

As we said earlier, if you do not have to be on the roads during the July 4^th 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.