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Safety Tips When Encountering An Impaired Driver

February 23, 2015 Hastings and Hastings

Safety Tips When Encountering An Impaired Driver

Encounters with impaired drivers can happen at any time and under any circumstances. That is why it is so important to know how to defend one’s self from an impaired driver in order to stay safe. For example, one of the easiest ways to improve safety when an impaired driver is encountered is to ensure that seatbelts are fastened. Seatbelts are essential because they can greatly reduce the chances of an accident that results in a fatality.

Reduce The Chances Of An Accident

Equally important is to always maintain an extended following distance when a driver is suspected of being impaired. If an erratic driver is detected on the road along the route of travel it is best to fall back and provide added distance between the erratic driver and your vehicle. Typical signs that a driver may impair it include swerving, erratic speed control and a driver that is simply acting in a strange or bizarre way. Impaired drivers should be reported as soon as possible as a way to reduce the chances of an accident that could result in injury or loss of life.

Exercising Extreme Caution At Intersections

Another good way to improve safety when another driver is suspected of being impaired is to exercise extreme caution at intersections. Many accidents caused by impaired drivers have historically occurred at intersections. This is often due to the fact that impaired drivers will simply fail to stop at a traffic signal or stop sign. Exercising extreme caution at intersections and looking both ways is always the preferred way of avoiding a potential collision in the intersection environment.

An Increased Frequency Of Impaired Or Drunk Drivers

Finally, limiting driving activity during times of the day and times of the year when impaired drivers or more likely to be encountered can greatly improve overall safety. This includes avoiding operating a motor vehicle late at night when intoxicated or impaired drivers are returning home after having been out drinking or partying. This is especially true during the weekends and during times of the year when various holidays are celebrated. New Year’s Eve celebrations, summer parties and other similar types of events can all results in an increased frequency of impaired or drunk drivers on the roads and highways. Contact Hastings and Hastings for Phoenix personal injury legal representation that is focused and experienced.