Florida highways are often traffic-laden, busy, dangerous places. Whether you’re one of thousands of tourists who visit the state on occasion while on vacation or you live here throughout the year and travel state roadways every day, you can reasonably expect all other motorists to adhere to traffic and safety regulations, just like you do. The problem is that you can be almost certain that not every driver will; in fact, some may place your life and others at risk because of negligence.
Drunk drivers cause innocent people to die on roads in Florida and throughout the nation, every day. Would you recognize a possible drunk driver if you saw one? While every situation is unique, intoxicated motorists often exhibit similar driving behaviors that may alert you to potential danger and, quite possibly, help you to avoid collision. If you or your loved one was injured in a drunk driving crash, it’s critical that you know where to seek support to help you achieve as full a recovery as possible.
Steer clear of drivers who do these things
Alcohol effects every person differently. However, if you notice someone behind the wheel of a car exhibiting one or more of the following behaviors, it may be a sign that an intoxicated motorist is in your midst:
- Using the wrong turn signal
- Driving at speeds inconsistent with current traffic patterns
- Drifting left or right in a traffic lane
- Veering across the yellow line
- Coming too close to or bumping a curb
- Using brakes for no apparent reason
- Sitting far forward in the driver’s seat, as though trying to get as close as possible to the windshield
- Dropping head to one side while driving
You may even witness a driver drinking out of a can or bottle at the wheel. It is not proof that he or she is intoxicated but it may be evidence of the fact and may help you substantiate a claim if you wind up in a collision and suffer injury.
Getting the assistance you need
If you’re involved in a collision, you’ll likely be quite shaken, emotionally traumatized and, perhaps, physically injured upon impact. It is highly important that you receive medical attention as soon as possible, even if you have no visible injuries. Sometimes, it takes hours or days for symptoms of car accident injuries to surface.
You’ll be glad to know there are Florida support systems already in place to help you get the care you need to physically, emotionally and financially recover from a drunk driving accident that another person caused.