Steps to take to avoid a drunk driver

Worried about being hit by a drunk driver? Maybe you have a family member who was injured or killed in a DUI accident. Maybe you’ve just read the statistics and you know how high the risk really is.

Either way, there are things you can do to avoid drunk drivers. Some steps include:

1. Staying off of back roads. Many drunk driving accidents happen on rural roads. Some suggest sticking to the larger, four-lane highways whenever you can. That’s not to say drunk driving accidents never happen there, but the risk may be lower.
2. Staying off the roads at night. It’s often best not to drive after midnight at all. Drunk driving is very common at night, especially as it gets later and the bars close. If possible, try to make sure you’re safely at home during these problematic hours.
3. Don’t drive as much on the weekends. The risks of a DUI accident go up at night, and the worst nights are often Friday and Saturday — what technically may be Saturday morning and Sunday morning.
4. Be safe and alert when you do have to drive. Don’t go out if you’re too tired. Always put your seat belt on. Don’t allow yourself to be distracted by a cellphone. Be ready to take evasive action when you spot a drunk driver.

These tips can help, but remember that it’s not your duty to avoid drunk drivers. You don’t have an obligation to stay in or avoid specific roads just because others don’t take safety seriously. If someone else violates your rights and carelessly causes an accident, be sure you know what legal options you have.

Source: Alcohol Problems and Solutions, “Protect Yourself from Drunk Drivers: What You can Do,” accessed Sep. 28, 2017