One of the most deadly things that Americans do every day is to get into a car. Driving a car is dangerous for multiple reasons, and inebriated drivers only help to up the death toll significantly. Driving while drunk is a serious problem in Florida and across the United States. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 10,000 Americans died as a result of drunk driving in 2016.

With this statistic being as horrific as it is, it is important to do what we can to keep our roads safe here in Florida. There are many indications that another motorist on the road may be drunk. Drunk drivers tend to drive erratically, normally either too slow or too fast. You may also notice that a driver is leaning very close to the windshield due to their impaired vision.

If you do believe a fellow motorist may be inebriated, the first thing to do is to ensure your own security. You do not want to get close enough to the inebriated driver to result in an accident. Once you have ascertained your own safety, try to remember as many details as you can about the car as possible. Getting the license plate is very helpful, but do not get close enough to potentially run into the driver. It is also helpful to get any other defining characteristics of the vehicle, such as the make, model, color, and any identifying marks like rust spots or cracked windows.

Once you have this information, pull off the road and call 911. Give the dispatch officer this information in addition to any information you have about where you think the inebriated driver may be headed if you are able to do so.