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Drunk Driving Accident Victims

Watch Out! There is a New York Drunk Driver on the Road

It is logical to assume that when you are able to prevent intoxicated drivers from operating their vehicles that the number of New York drunk driving accidents will go down. But, what do you do when you see an impaired driver?

You may notice someone swerving in and out of traffic and driving erratically. You do your best to avoid the driver, but you know you need to do something to prevent a serious Long Island car accident. Should you stop him or her yourself, call the police or try to restrain the driver? According to AAA, a not-for-profit organization of motor clubs, there are definitely some do’s and don’ts when it comes to drunk drivers.

A drunk driver will display certain signs that you need to watch out for. AAA states that some of the warning signs that a driver is intoxicated include:

Droving too fast or slow
Repeatedly crossing the center line
Inconsistent signaling
Erratic accelerating and braking
Driving at night with the headlights off
Driving into oncoming traffic
Stopping for no reason
Making illegal turns

If you notice that someone is exhibiting any of these driving behaviors, you should call the police immediately. Tell the local law enforcement agency that you want to report a suspected drunk driver. You will need to give specific details as to why you think the driver is impaired and you will need to be able to describe the vehicle, such as the color, license plate number and make and model.

While there are actions you should take to get a drunk driver off the road, there are some things you should never do, including:

Trying to stop the drunk driver’s car
Following too closely behind the vehicle
Attempting to restrain the driver if the vehicle stops
Speeding to catch up with the intoxicated driver
Becoming distracted, as you try to keep your eye on the other driver

Drunk drivers endanger the lives of people on the road. If you have been injured in a New York car accident caused by a drunk driver, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries. Contact a Long Island auto accident lawyer at the law firm of Rappaport, Glass, Greene and Levine at 800.734.9445. We have offices in Long Island and Manhattan.