Being a licensed driver in Texas has its benefits but also its downsides. For instance, you’ve likely sat in bumper-to-bumper traffic a time or two. That can be a great source of frustration, especially if you’re already late for an important meeting. Danger often lurks on busy highways as well. Another driver’s irresponsible choice or negligence can have lasting, if not permanent consequences in your life.
If you were to state what you believe the top 10 dangers happen to be when driving in Texas, you might be one of many people who would include drunk drivers on the list. In fact, knowing the signs of drunk driving might help improve your chances of avoiding a collision. It’s also a good idea to know where to seek support if a problem arises on the road.
Drunk drivers have trouble with depth perception
Alcohol affects every person’s brain differently. However, drunk drivers often have trouble with depth perception due to the negative cognitive effects that drinking alcohol often has on the brain. This often presents itself in various ways, such as those included on the following list:
- Drunk drivers often take turns far too widely.
- Parked vehicles and other roadside objects pose challenges for those who are driving while intoxicated. If you notice a car coming too close to a curb or parked vehicle, the driver might be impaired.
- Tailgating is often a common sign of driver intoxication.
- Drunkenness makes people forgetful. That’s why many drunk drivers forget to turn their headlights on at night.
- Random braking or acceleration suggests driver impairment as well.
- When a driver gets behind the wheel after consuming alcohol, he or she might have difficulty maintaining proper lane position.
Other signs of possible drunk driving are a bit more obvious, such as if you’re heading northbound and a southbound vehicle suddenly crosses into your lane. If you know what to look for ahead of time, it might turn out that you can quickly and safely avoid a collision if you notice suspicious driving behavior in another vehicle.
What if that’s not possible?
There’s little to nothing you can do about another driver’s actions. Adhering to traffic laws and safety regulations isn’t always enough to keep you safe. If a drunk driver hits you, it’s critical that you know where to seek support. A high priority is proper medical attention. You’ll also have to connect with your insurance agent and police officers who respond to the scene.
Beyond that, many Texas accident victims connect with legal advocates who help them seek financial recovery for their losses by filing injury claims in civil court.