As a licensed driver in Georgia, you have an obligation to adhere to all traffic and safety regulations, every time you get behind the wheel. In this state, the law prohibits you from legally operating a motor vehicle if your blood alcohol content level reaches .08 or higher. The problem is that many people disregard such laws. They drink, then drive, which often leads to serious collisions resulting in catastrophic injuries or death.
Have you ever been behind the wheel when suddenly you noticed another vehicle veering left or right in its lane, perhaps coming dangerously close to other cars? If so, you may have been watching a drunk driving incident unfold. Drunk drivers often exhibit certain behaviors due to visual, cognitive and physical impairment. If you suffer injury because another person irresponsibly chose to drive after consuming alcohol, you should not have to bear the full financial burden associated with the accident.
Dangerous driving behaviors that put you at risk
It’s always a good idea to exit a roadway if you’re safely able to do so, any time you suspect that a nearby driver might be acting under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The following list shows the most common types of driving behavior that often occur when someone has reached or exceeded the legal driving limit:
- Trouble turning: Navigating turns can be tricky even while sober. However, if you notice a car taking a bend far too widely or turning so tightly that the vehicle bumps the curb, it is a possible sign that the driver is dealing with intoxication.
- No headlights at night: When someone has had too much to drink, he or she might get behind the wheel and exit a parking spot without remembering to turn on his or her headlights when it’s dark outside.
- Wrong-way driving: Sadly, many fatal drunk driving accidents involve head-on collisions that occur when intoxicated drivers travel in the wrong direction on a highway.
- Strange driving postures: When a person’s BAC level is at or over the legal driving limit, it is common for vision and reasoning abilities to suffer impairment. This often results in drunk drivers sitting close to their steering wheels with tight grips on the wheel, and straining their necks toward the windshield, as though they’re trying to get as close as they can to the glass.
- Erratic braking and acceleration: Be very wary of any driver who is randomly applying his or her brakes, not necessarily in alignment with current traffic flow. This is a sign of drunk driving, as is sudden acceleration, which often results in rear-end collisions.
If you can call 911 to report a suspicious driver, local authorities can dispatch officers to the scene to investigate. If a drunk driver hits you, your greatest priority is seeking immediate medical attention. Even if you feel okay, it is best to have a doctor check you out, as not all injuries are immediately apparent. During recovery, you may want to speak with someone well-versed in personal injury law to learn more about how the court can hold a drunk driver legally accountable for his or her actions.