Sharing the roadway means putting our lives partly in the hands of other drivers, hoping they will drive carefully to avoid causing an accident. Reasonable measures require drivers to follow traffic laws and avoid distractions. Like all states, Colorado expects drivers to adhere to traffic laws, including the law prohibiting drunk driving.
Impaired drivers cause nearly 30% of all traffic deaths in the U.S. and thousands of serious injuries. Recognizing and reporting a drunk driver in Colorado could save the lives of other vulnerable motorists on the road.
Recognizing a Drunk Driver
Police officers are trained to recognize the signs of drunk driving, but this isn’t included on driving exams for average motorists. Recognizing a drunk driver not only helps a motorist avoid an accident by removing themselves from the other driver’s proximity, but it also allows them to report the driver and possibly stop a terrible accident from impacting other lives. The following indicators of drunk driving may alert other motorists to danger:
- Swerving or drifting in and out of lanes
- Closely tailgating other drivers
- Making erratic speed changes or slowing down and speeding up without cause
- Riding the center line
- Weaving or zig-zagging erratically through traffic
- Driving without headlights at night
- Making excessively wide turns
- Driving much slower than the speed limit
- Driving through stop signs and traffic signals
- Frequent random braking
- A driver leaning forward and hunching over the steering wheel as they drive
Motorists should report a drunk driver as soon as possible if they suspect they’ve encountered an intoxicated driver on the road to help avoid serious car accidents. It’s also important to report a drunk driver in other situations, such as witnessing an intoxicated person leaving a bar or restaurant and driving themselves instead of calling a ride.
What To Do If You Suspect a Drunk Driver In Colorado?
Reporting a drunk driver is critical for the driver’s safety, but more importantly, it helps to protect the lives of vulnerable motorists on the road. If you witness any of the above signs or otherwise suspect a drunk or impaired driver, there are several options. First, note the make and model of the vehicle and the direction in which they are traveling. Then, find a safe place to pull off the road to use your cell phone.
If the driver has already crashed or caused an accident, dial 911 to report the accident. If no accident has occurred but you suspect a driver is impaired, call *CSP (or *277) to report the drunk driver through the non-emergency line. Dialing *277 connects drivers directly to the Colorado State Patrol.
Once you’ve connected with law enforcement, describe the vehicle and the driver’s behavior that led to your suspicions. If you noted the suspected drunk driver’s license tag number, you can give that to law enforcement, as well as telling them the type of car, location, and the direction they were heading.
Reporting a Drunk Driver In Colorado
No motorist should think twice about reporting a suspected drunk driver. Even if it turns out that the other driver isn’t impaired, they could be having a medical emergency or experiencing excessive drowsiness, both of which place their lives and the lives of others at risk.
Never chase or confront a drunk driver; it’s a far safer option to dial 911 or *277 so you aren’t escalating the risk to yourself. Contact our personal injury law firm in Westminster for a free consultation today.