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On average, someone in Florida dies every single day in a drunk driving accident. Far more victims suffer serious but non-fatal injuries in accidents caused by drunk drivers. This is a fact we know all too well—and this is why each Fort Myers car accident attorney at our firm is passionate about helping innocent drivers and passengers avoid these accidents whenever possible.

7 Tips for Avoiding Drunk Drivers

From spring break to prom, and from the NCAA tournament to the return of Major League Baseball, several factors make spring among the most dangerous times of year for encountering drunk drivers. With this in mind, here are seven tips for minimizing your risk of being injured (or worse) in a car accident involving a driver who is drunk behind the wheel:

1. Avoid Driving When Drunk Drivers Are Most Likely to Be on the Road

One way you can protect yourself is by not driving (or minimizing your driving time) when drunk drivers are most likely to be on the road. Some of the times that you are most likely to encounter drunk drivers include:

• Spring break
• Prom night
• Friday and Saturday nights
• Nights when there are local college or professional sports events
• Nights when there are concerts or other events where attendees are likely to be drinking

In many cases, even rearranging your schedule by a few hours can make a big difference. While this might be slightly inconvenient, the inconvenience is worth it if it means getting to your destination safely.

2. Avoid Areas Where Drivers Are Most Likely to Be Drunk

Along with not driving when drunk drivers are most likely to be on the road, you can also reduce your risk by avoiding the areas where drivers are most likely to be drunk. These include downtown areas, roads close to stadiums and arenas, and roads close to other sports and entertainment venues.

3. Know the Signs of Drunk Driving

Regardless of where and when you will be driving, it will be helpful for you to know how to spot the telltale signs of alcohol impairment. While intended for law enforcement officers (and slightly dated), the NHTSA’s pamphlet, The Visual Detection of DWI Motorists, lists several warning signs of which all drivers should be aware. These include:

• Weaving, swerving, and drifting
• Straddling a lane line
• Turning with a wide radius
• Almost hitting vehicles or other objects
• Braking suddenly, gradually, or intermittently
• Accelerating or braking for no obvious reason
• Failing to maintain a consistent speed
• Driving well below the speed limit
• Following too closely
• Driving without headlights at night

These are merely examples. While they are not necessarily indications that a driver is impaired, the fact that they could be signs of drunk driving is enough to keep them in mind while you are driving.

4. If You Spot a Drunk Driver, Give Them Plenty of Room

If you spot a drunk driver (or a driver who you think might be drunk), you should give them plenty of room. Since drunk drivers may swerve or accelerate suddenly, you should not attempt to pass unless you have plenty of room to do so. Maintain a safe distance behind the drunk driver for as long as necessary and consider altering your route if you need to in order to stay safe.

5. When in Doubt, Err on the Side of Caution

This brings us to our next point: When in doubt, err on the side of caution. If you are not sure whether a driver is drunk, if you are not sure whether you can pass safely, or if you feel like you might be better off choosing a different route, make the right choice for you and your family. There is absolutely no shame in being careful—and your family will be glad you made it home. 

6. Stay Focused on the Task at Hand Behind the Wheel

You cannot spot a drunk driver if you are looking at your phone. With this in mind, it is important to stay focused on the task at hand every time you get behind the wheel. It is also worth noting that handheld cell phone use behind the wheel is generally prohibited under Florida law—and, while getting a ticket is nowhere near as bad as getting hit by a drunk driver, this is also an outcome that you can (and should) avoid.

7. Make Sure You Have a Safe Ride Home, if Necessary

Finally, if you have plans to drink during a night out, make sure you have a safe ride home. If your faculties are impaired, not only will you be a risk to others, but you will also be less capable of spotting (and avoiding) drunk drivers. Designated drivers, rideshares, and taxis are all good options for making sure you do not drink and drive.

What if You Cannot Avoid a Drunk Driver?

Unfortunately, while there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of being hit by a drunk driver, there is always a risk that you will encounter circumstances that are beyond your control. With this in mind, what do you need to know if you are not able to avoid a drunk driver?

If you are unfortunate enough to get hit by a drunk driver, you have clear rights under Florida law. For example, you have the right to file a claim for full compensation, and you have the right to hire a Fort Myers car accident attorney to fight for the compensation you deserve. At Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., we handle all drunk driving accident cases on a contingency-fee basis, which means our clients pay nothing out-of-pocket for our legal representation.

Contact a Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney Today to Discuss Your Options

If you need a Fort Myers car accident attorney after you have been injured by a drunk driver in Florida, we strongly encourage you to get in touch. Clients of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. pay no attorneys’ fees or costs unless we obtain a monetary recovery for you. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with Fort Myers car accident attorney Randall L. Spivey, give us a call at (239) 337-7483 or toll-free at 888-477-4839, or get in touch online at Spiveylaw.com today.