The key to avoiding an accident with a drunk driver is to stay extremely attentive while driving and examine the drivers around you for signs of possible inebriation. You should also never agree to ride in a vehicle driven by a drunk person, no matter what the circumstances.
In terms of spotting drunk drivers on the road around you, there are several important things you will want to look out for. For example, one giveaway that a driver is drunk is if he or she decelerates, brakes or accelerates extremely rapidly. Excessive tailgating is another possible sign of drunkenness. Also, look out for drivers who are zigzagging around on the road.
If a driver has a delayed start of a slow stop at a red light, appears to be straddling the center line, is driving without headlights or is driving as much as 10 mph under the posted speed limit, it is possible that he or she is drunk. Also, look out for drivers who hit objects, curbs or other vehicles on the road. Look out for erratic braking or stopping for seemingly no reason, drifting over traffic lines and signaling for no apparent reason. Crossing into opposing traffic, driving on the wrong side of the road and turning illegally or abruptly are also signs of inebriation.
If you are ever driving on a Virginia Beach road and you suspect you have spotted a drunk driver, contact the police immediately and notify them of the individual. Also, give the drunk driver as much space as you possibly can in order to avoid getting into a crash. It is always better to avoid an accident and injuries than to have to pursue a personal injury claim for the costs of your medical care.
Source: MADD, “How to spot a drunk driver,” accessed Nov. 13, 2015