Drunk Driving
Together We Can Eliminate Drunk Driving
A new government survey shows that more than 4 million adults 
in the U.S. admit they drink and drive sometimes. In 2013, 10,076 people were killed and approximately 290,000 were injured according to MADD.org.
The reality is every single injury and death is totally preventable. If you saw a drunk stranger or friend about to get behind the wheel, would you take steps to take their keys away? Do you know how to spot a spot a drunk driver? Do you know what to do if you see a drunk driver? Below are some tips from MADD:
What to Do if you See a Drunk Driver
First, stay as far away from the other vehicle as possible.
Second, do not try to pass the vehicle or signal the driver to pull over. Doing so could result in a collision.
Third, take notice of the license plate number along with details of the vehicle including make, model and color. Never compromise your own safety trying to obtain this information.
Finally, pull over and call 911 or *FHP (star 347). Give the exact location of the vehicle, including the name of the road or cross streets and the direction the vehicle is traveling. Give a complete description of the vehicle and the manner in which the vehicle is being driven.
How to Prevent Someone From Driving Drunk
- Be as non-confrontational as possible.
- Suggest alternate ways of getting to their destination — a cab, Uber, a sober driver, or public transportation.
- Remember that the person you are talking to is impaired — talk a bit more slowly and explain things more fully than if you were speaking to a sober person.
- Explain that you don’t want them to drive because you care and you don’t want them to hurt themselves or others.
- Suggest that they sleep over.
- Enlist a friend to help you or to act as moral support — it’s more difficult to say “no” to two (or three or four) people than one.
- If possible, get the person’s keys. It is far easier to persuade the potential driver when you hold this leverage.
- If all else fails, call law enforcement. It’s better to have a friend arrested than injured or killed.
Stay safe, be vigilant and help protect your family and friends from drunk drivers.
Holidays Associated With Drinking:
- Madi Gras
- St. Patrick’s Day
- Cinco De Mayo
- Fourth of July
- Halloween
- Thanksgiving Eve
- New Year’s Eve
- Super Bowl
How to Spot a Drunk Driver:
- Quick acceleration or deceleration
- Tailgating
- Weaving or zig-zagging across the road
- Driving anywhere other than on a road designated for vehicles
- Almost striking an object, curb, or vehicle
- Stopping without cause or erratic braking
- Drifting in and out of traffic lanes
- Signaling that is inconsistent with driving actions
- Slow response to traffic signals (e.g. sudden stop or delayed start)
- Straddling the center lane marker
- Driving with headlights off at night
- Swerving
- Driving slower than 10 mph below the speed limit
- Turning abruptly or illegally
- Driving into opposing traffic on the wrong side of the road
