Drunk driving accidents in New Mexico killed 176 people in 2022 and left another 1,441 people with injuries, according to state reports. Despite these harrowing statistics, many drivers continue to drink and drive, putting themselves and everyone on the roads at risk.
The Hunt Law Firm believes proper education is crucial to preventing drunk driving accidents in northern New Mexico. Here are a few tips for recognizing drunk drivers and what to do if you spot an impaired driver:
Tips for Recognizing Drunk Drivers
Some signs that a driver may be intoxicated include:
- Swerving or Drifting Between Lanes: Drunk drivers often have poor coordination and struggle to maintain control of their vehicles. They may drift between lanes or swerve as they fail to stay focused on the road or react to changing traffic conditions.
- Abrupt Stops or Slow Driving: Intoxicated drivers may slam on their brakes suddenly or drive well below the speed limit. Alcohol impairs drivers’ reaction times and judgment, making it difficult for them to gauge distances or time their stops correctly.
- Delayed Responses at Traffic Signals: Drivers under the influence often take longer to notice and react to changes in traffic signals, such as a green light. This hesitation is often a sign that their motor skills and attention are impaired.
- Tailgating: Drunk drivers may follow other cars too closely because their judgment is impaired, and they may not realize they are driving dangerously. This puts them and other drivers at risk of rear-end collisions.
- Weaving or Straddling Lanes: Impaired drivers may weave erratically or ride the line between lanes because they have trouble focusing and maintaining their position on the road.
What To Do If You Spot a Drunk Driver
If you suspect a nearby driver is drunk or otherwise intoxicated, take the following steps to protect yourself and others on the road:
- Stay at a Safe Distance: Keep a good distance between your vehicle and the suspected drunk driver. This reduces your risk of being involved in an accident if the driver suddenly swerves, stops, or makes erratic movements.
- Avoid Passing the Driver: Refrain from trying to pass the suspected drunk driver. Their unpredictable behavior could cause them to swerve into your lane or hit your vehicle.
- Take Note of Key Details: Safely observe and remember important details like the vehicle’s make, model, color, and license plate number. These details will help authorities locate and stop the driver.
- Pull Over and Call 911: Once you’re in a safe location, pull off the road and call 911 to report the drunk driver. Provide as much information as possible, including the direction they’re traveling and the details of their vehicle. Reporting the driver helps get them off the road and prevents potential accidents.
- Do Not Engage: Avoid trying to stop or interact with the drunk driver. Let law enforcement handle the situation to keep yourself and others safe.
What If a Drunk Driver Hits You?
Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to avoid a collision with a drunk driver. Here’s what to do if a drunk driver hits you:
- Seek medical attention: See a doctor immediately after the accident, even if you feel OK. First, you might have internal injuries that haven’t manifested and may require immediate treatment. Second, your doctor can document your injuries, which is essential for a personal injury claim.
- Save all your medical records and receipts: You’ll need these records for your personal injury claim, so hold on to them and keep them in a secure place.
- Don’t discuss the accident: Do not say anything about the crash in public or on social media. Insurance companies can use your statements against you to reduce your compensation or deny your claim.
- Hire a drunk driving accident lawyer: You have the right to compensation for your losses if a drunk driver injured you in a collision. A personal injury attorney can file the claim, handle the settlement negotiations with the insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.
Contact Our Personal Injury Attorneys in Santa Fe
Hunt Law Firm is ready to protect your rights and fight for fair compensation after a New Mexico drunk driving accident. Call us today or complete our contact form for a free consultation.