Impaired driving refers to operating a motor vehicle when you are not in a good psychological or mental state and irresponsible drinking. It is often caused by sleepiness, distractions like phone distractions, and have medical or health conditions that negatively impact your driving. Research shows that approximately 30% of auto accidents result from psychological and mental disturbance. Based on data from the Center for Disease Control, it is precise and clear that several people lose lives due to impaired driving every forty-eight minutes.
For instance, psychological or mental torture leads to mental judgment, which slows your reaction time. But the good news is that there is a solution to these accidents. In simpler terms, they can be prevented. It is annoying that several drivers have been warned of avoiding driving when sleepy or having psychological torture but still tend to ignore these instructions. Several cases have been reported of passengers being carried by drivers who are intoxicated. There are high possibilities of your life being put in jeopardy by such drivers because the decisions they come up with are poor.
How to Spot Impaired Drivers
It is concise that impaired drivers impose many risks not only to the passenger’s lives but also to their lives. Several factors cause impaired driving, including fatigue, sleep, mental torture, and health problems. If you realize an impaired driver is driving you, it would be best to report the case to the police. Mention to the police the type of odd behavior, the location, the vehicle’s traveling direction, vehicle’s color, and make model, to name a few.
The signs of impaired driving include failure to turn on headlights while driving at night, weaving or drifting, unlawful turning or turning within a wide radius, sudden braking, driving slower than the required speed limit, tailgating, driving with the face closer to the windshield, driving at the road’s center, and being slow when responding to traffic signals. These are some of the signs that will make you learn and realize a driver with impaired driving.
How Can I Avoid Impaired Driving?
The following tips will guide you effectively on how to avoid impaired driving;
1. Get a Designated Driver
One of the best options is to get a driver who will drive you home. This makes you safe and that there are no cases of you causing an accident. However, when picking a driver, ensure the driver is sober, physically, and mentally fit. Avoid being driven by intoxicated drivers even if they convince you that they are okay.
2. Call a Cab
If you are financially stable or have some money, another option will be to call a cab. With this, you are free to sleep without the fear of getting a DUI. Assume it’s on the weekend, and you will have some drinks with your friend, you can drive your car in the morning; however, it would be best if you get a ride home in the evening.
3. Why Don’t You Take the Night Off from Drinking?
Make yourself be the designated driver this evening by being assertive and stick to the non-drinking plan. How does it feel being sober at that night? Of course, it is such an awesome feeling and doesn’t kill. You are sure of not being gross the following morning, and you can also enjoy the fun being made by your drunk friends. I am certain their antics will make your day. You can make sparkling water and pomegranate juice.
4. Spend the Night
This only works when you are in a bar; however, it will not work for you if you are outside. You can spend it on the couch or even sleep on the floor.
5. Go for Public Transit
Many people regard taking boarding as a public means of transport glamorous. But, this is not the case. In fact, boarding a public vehicle is cheaper than boarding an Uber or cab. And your safety is also guaranteed.
Several countries take the issue of accidents caused by impaired driving with a lot of seriousness. It is the role of every citizen to ensure our roads’ safety. For the case where an impaired driver harms you, it would be best if you sought help from an impaired driving lawyer with immediate effect. You need to seek justice, and the driver needs to face criminal charges for careless driving.
