When commuting to work or running to the store, drunk drivers may not be on the top of your mind. It isn’t always a pressing concern for many motorists on the road, but statistics suggest it may be something worth considering the next time you’re behind the wheel.
In 2018, there were 3,303 fatal crashes in Texas; alcohol played a part in 850 of them. That is 26% of the accidents in which someone died. Probably a more significant number than many drivers realize and one that definitely constitutes a risk.
Avoiding drunk drivers
It’s impossible to avoid drunk drivers entirely but knowing more about the crash statistics may help you steer clear of them. According to national data collected in 2017 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the majority of accidents involving alcohol occurred:
- At night
- During the summer (particularly in July)
- In urban areas
- When the weather was clear or cloudy
- Over a weekend
This information can help drivers make some informed decisions about when to drive. If you need to get somewhere, it would be best not to drive during weekends at night.
Spotting drunk drivers
The sad truth is that no one can avoid all drunk drivers. It’s best to be prepared and know the signs of an intoxicated motorist. These can include:
- Drivers swerving side to side
- Cars crossing the median or going off the road
- Wildly overcorrecting after a mistake
- Erratic driving
If you suspect a driver may be intoxicated, you should put as much distance between yourself and them as possible. You can also call 911 to report them to the police. The more drivers that remain vigilant and contact authorities when they are suspicious that alcohol may be involved, the safer roads will become.