Drunk driving can affect you even if you drive sober. When other people choose to get behind the wheel after drinking, they can put your life in danger. You may suffer severe injuries or even death.
While you can’t control what other people do before driving, you can control how you drive. Staying cautious and defensive at the steering wheel may help reduce your risk of being in an accident with a drunk driver. Here are a few tips for sharing the road with intoxicated drivers:
- Avoid late-night driving – If you don’t have to go out late on the weekend, try to stay home. There is a higher chance that you will run into drunk drivers at this time.
- Wear a seat belt – Pennsylvania requires drivers to wear seat belts for a reason. They can reduce your risk of injury or death if you do crash.
- Be wary of swerving cars – If you see a vehicle swerving all over the road, stay back. Keeping a distance may help you avoid a crash.
- Watch for cars running intersections – Many drunk drivers don’t pay attention to stop or yield signs. They may tear through an intersection without seeing your car.
You may not be able to prevent an accident
If you can’t avoid a crash, try to stay calm. Gather as much information as possible, including the driver’s insurance information and details of the accident. Take pictures of any damage and call the police so they can make a report.
Reducing your risk of a crash
An accident with a drunk driver can leave you severely injured and even hospitalized. While you can’t always avoid a crash, you may be able to reduce your risk by taking extra precautions.