How To Report a Drunk Driver

Every driver has a duty of care for all the other drivers on the road. That duty means driving responsibly and following the traffic rules. In other words, you want to drive safely to avoid getting into an accident.

If every driver took that approach, there would be no accidents. Unfortunately, not every driver embraces that concept, and they end up engaging in irresponsible driving. That is especially true with drunk drivers. A driver who gets behind the wheel of their car while intoxicated automatically becomes liable for their actions. An intoxicated driver must be taken off the road to prevent them from causing harm to others.

Suppose you’ve had the unfortunate experience of getting into an accident with a drunk driver. In that case, you’ll need the support of an experienced Jackson drunk driving accident attorney like the ones you’ll find at Pittman, Roberts & Welsh, PLLC.

We have helped many clients pursue the maximum compensation they are entitled to from a drunk driving accident.

The hope is that you can avoid getting into any accident. You can help by reporting a drunk driver.

What Are the Signs of a Drunk Driver?

On the road, when a police officers suspect someone is driving under the influence, they’ll pull the driver over and conduct field sobriety tests. You won’t be able to do that, but you can observe the same type of driving behavior that would trigger a police officer to make the stop. The following are some of the signs that could indicate a drunk driver:

• Quick acceleration or deceleration
• Tailgating
• Weaving or zigzagging across the road or traffic lanes
• Nearly striking an object, curb, or vehicle
• Stopping without cause or erratic braking
• Using turn signals without turning
• Straddling the center lane marker
• Driving with headlights off at night
• Driving slower than 10 mph below the speed limit
• Abrupt turns
• Driving on the wrong side of the road

If you spot a driver engaging in any of those behaviors, it doesn’t mean they are intoxicated.

However, there is nothing wrong with exercising caution and reporting a driver you suspect of being a drunk driver. Here’s what you should do.

Call 911

911 is the default call to make if you suspect someone of driving under the influence. When you call, you should be prepared to provide the following details:

• The vehicle’s make, model, and color.
• The direction the vehicle is traveling.
• Specific details about the driver’s behavior.
• Your location and any relevant landmarks.

In addition to calling 911, you can also contact the Jackson Police Department at 601-960-1234 for non-emergency matters. You can also call to report someone you see leaving a bar, nightclub, or restaurant who exhibits signs of intoxication.

Stay Safe

Once you spot the reckless driver and call the authorities, your obligation is done. You don’t need to follow the driver or try to engage with them.

Follow Up

After the incident, you can follow up with the police to see if any action was taken. There might be a scenario where you could be called as a witness if that driver went on to get into an accident.

Getting the Right Help from Pittman, Roberts & Welsh, PLLC

If you’re involved in an accident with a drunk driver, you’ll want to follow these steps to preserve the evidence and pursue a claim. It is also essential to speak with an attorney at Pittman, Roberts & Welsh, PLLC. We can provide you with the information and guidance you need to pursue a claim. If we agree to work with you, we’ll provide you with the full support of our office and network of investigators.

You don’t have to go through the claim process alone. Call to set up a consultation today.