How to Protect Yourself From Impaired Drivers

Nearly 30 people a day in the U.S. lose their lives in drunk driving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In 2017 alone, 10,874 fatalities were attributed to drunk driving. What's more, that figure does not even include fatalities linked to drug-impaired driving.

Impaired drivers are a hazard on the nation's roadways. Make you're your commercial drivers know how to protect themselves and your company vehicles from the perils of impaired motorists.

Remind your drivers how to spot drivers under the influence as well as what to do when they encounter one.

Here are some telltale signs of an intoxicated driver: 

Failing to Stay in Their Lane

Impaired drivers trend to swerve because they are unable to focus.

Hugging the Center Line

Intoxicated drivers will hug the lane divider in an attempt to avoid swerving and veering off the road

Hitting Objects Near the Road

Blurred vision and fatigue caused by substance abuse lead drivers to sometimes collide with mailboxes, poles, and other objects.

Making Wide Turns

Overdoing basic maneuvers is common among intoxicated drivers because they have trouble judging distances.

Driving Under the Speed Limit

Impaired drivers will try to remain undetected by police, which sometimes lead to them being extra cautious and driving as much as ten miles below the speed limit.

Tailgating

Drunk drivers will sometimes attempt to drive straight by mimicking the car ahead, which can result in tailgating,

Excessive Braking

With limited ability to focus and react, impaired motorists may constantly hit the brakes.

Not Using Headlights

Alcohol makes people forgetful and a drunk driver may forget to turn on his or her lights.

Inappropriate Signaling

Impaired motorists get easily confused and may use the right signal for a left turn and vice versa.

Stopping for no Reason

Intoxicated drivers may suddenly stop in all the wrong places like at a green light or an intersection without a stop sign.

Here's what to do, and what not to do, if you encounter an impaired driver on the road:

• Stay far away from the vehicle
• Never attempt to stop an impaired driver
• Do not try to pass the vehicle
• Make sure you seat belt is buckled
• Pull over and call 911