Houston is a large city with over 2.2 million inhabitants, and more than its fair share of motor vehicle accidents. We all know that drunk driving is not an accident. It is a negligent and reckless act by an individual under the influence of drugs or alcohol. These types of incidents should never occur. There is something you can do about it.
What To Do If You See a Drunk Driver
You need to review the situation to ensure that you are reporting a viable issue. When a motorist exhibits continued adverse behavior, it is time to start assuming that something is wrong (intoxication). There is a vast difference between a bad driver, and someone who is possibly under the influence.
Drunk drivers may appear as though they are trying to change lanes by constantly swerving or bobbing left and right to try and maintain their control. Drunk drivers are also notorious for driving twenty miles under the speed limit to retain control of their vehicles. Whether or not the driver is aware of the danger they are placing on people, they are still putting you and other drivers in harm’s way.
Your Role in Houston’s Accident Ratings
Failing to report a drunk driver does not come with a penalty. It is subjective based on the information you perceive, and you are not penalized for not reporting a situation. Staggering statistics indicate that nearly three people die every single day in Houston as a direct result of DUIs (987 people in 2016 across the state of Texas).
Reporting a drunk driver is not simply the “right thing to do.” It could be a matter of life and death for other drivers and pedestrians on the road.
Do Not Pass
One of the worst things you can do is pass a drunk driver. Passing a drunk driver can enrage the drunk driver and cause them to do something erratic. The best thing you can do is maintain a comfortable distance behind them (about one-hundred and fifty feet behind them). Then use the number we have listed below to allow the police to take action. They are trained to follow proper protocol for these situations.
Contact Houston’s Non-Emergency Hotline
Call 800-525-5555 if you see an intoxicated or suspected intoxicated driver on the road. This toll-free number (since 1989) has been designed to help keep roads and highways safe, and enforce the law: you cannot drink and drive. If you suspect someone is operating under the influence, follow these steps and contact this number.
If you have been injured as a result of a drunk driver, you are not at-fault, but you are entitled to compensation. Contact our office today through the chat system or by placing a call. Whether it is the weekend or the middle of the night, someone is standing by to hear your call.
