How to Avoid Being Hit by a Drunk Driver
Drunk driving remains one of the biggest dangers on the road today. Unfortunately, despite legislators passing harsher DUI laws and police departments establishing checkpoints, intoxicated driving persists. If you are driving in West Virginia, there are precautions you can take to help protect yourself and your family against the dangers of drunk driving. Read on for tips on avoiding drunk drivers, and call a dedicated Martinsburg drunk driving accident lawyer if you’ve been hurt in a car crash in West Virginia.
Stay to the right
If you are on a two-lane road, especially in rural areas, the risk of being hit by a drunk driver from the oncoming lane is that much higher. Stay to the right whenever you see oncoming traffic in order to give them as wide a berth as possible, and give yourself the chance to get out of the way should they unexpectedly drift or swerve into your lane.
Limit driving late at night
The majority of drinking happens at night, as does the majority of drunk driving. If you can plan ahead and avoid it, skipping nighttime drives is optimal. After the sun goes down, the roads become significantly more dangerous. If you must drive at night, go straight to your destination, and limit detours.
Avoid driving on drinking holidays
There are certain holidays where drinking and drunk driving are especially common. To the extent possible, limit driving on holidays such as New Year’s Eve, July 4th, St. Patrick’s Day, and Superbowl Sunday. Even during the daytime, these days see heavier drunk driving traffic.
Stay vigilant at all times
Possibly the most important thing to do while driving in order to stay safe is to assume nothing about the other drivers on the road. Do not assume they are a safe driver; do not assume they have their full faculties. Watch for any erratic behavior such as swerving, drifting, stops and starts, or switching lanes without signaling. Be ready to move or stop if they make an unexpected move. The more you are on top of everyone on the road, the safer you will be.
Report suspicious drivers
If you do spot suspicious driving behavior, report it to the authorities. You are doing everyone on the road a favor, including the intoxicated driver, by reporting. The fewer drunk drivers on the road, the safer everyone else will be.
HELP WITH YOUR MARTINSBURG DRUNK DRIVING ACCIDENT CLAIM
If a drunk driver in West Virginia has hurt you or someone you care about, call the zealous and effective Martinsburg personal injury attorneys Burke, Schultz, Harman & Jenkinson at 304-263-0900 or (304) LAWYERS for a free consultation.
