Drunk drivers are one of the most dangerous liabilities on the road in Maryland, and although the penalties are stiff for those convicted, many people still chose to drink and drive. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that from 2002 to 2012 there were 1,719 fatalities caused by drunk drivers in Maryland. Additionally, approximately one in three traffic deaths in the United States are caused by drunk drivers. The tragedy in this is that all of those deaths could have been prevented if the driver had decided to refrain from getting in their car. In the age of ridesharing options like Uber and Lyft, there is no excuse to get behind the wheel if you have had too much to drink.
Recognizing Drunk Driving on the Road
Although we imagine that most drunk driving cases happen late at night after consuming too many drinks at a bar or party, the reality is that a driver can be under the influence of alcohol at any time. Some of the signs to watch out for include:
- Swerving or inability to stay in one lane
- Speeding or driving very slowly
- General reckless driving
- Sudden unpredictable movements (like braking suddenly, for no apparent reason)
- Tailgating
- Disobeying traffic laws (running a red light, failing to pause at a stop sign)
What to Do if You Spot a Drunk Driver
Maryland is a zero-tolerance state for drivers younger than 21. This means that even a sip of a beer could result in a DUI. For all other drivers, the legal limit is 0.08 percent blood alcohol concentration. If you suspect that a car on the road is being operated by a person who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the main objective is to keep yourself safe while finding a way to get them off the road.
First, pull off the road. Find a safe place to pull off to the side of the road so that you are no longer at risk of being hit by the inebriated driver.
Next, call the police. Sometimes you’ll see a sign on the side of the highway with a number to call if you want to report a drunk driver. If you don’t have access to that number, it is fine to simply call the police. They will ask you to describe the car, where you are, and to provide a call back number. That one call to report a drunk driver could end up saving lives and preventing an accident.
Contact a Maryland Drunk Driving Injury Attorney Today
If you have been injured in a car accident and believe that the driver at fault was intoxicated, your first step should be to contact the police and seek medical attention. Then reach out to a personal injury lawyer who can review the details of your case. The attorneys at Alpert Shreyer, LLC have extensive experience working with clients who have been harmed by drunk drivers, and we will work tirelessly on your behalf to receive just compensation for your damages. Call us today at 301-381-2655, or contact us online to schedule your initial consultation.
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