When motorists navigate the North Carolina roadways, they may be in danger of getting hit by a drunk driver. Many people underestimate the number of motorists who choose to drive while intoxicated and the hazards they bring to everyone on the road.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 10,000 people die every year as a result of drunk driving accidents. Furthermore, more than 800 people receive injuries from a DUI accident. One in five child car accident fatalities involves a drunk driver. These accidents, deaths and injuries are preventable and there are ways to minimize the risk to motorists.
How can ignition interlock devices help?
In many states, including North Carolina, courts require certain drunk drivers to have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicles. This requires motorists to blow into a device, which measures their blood alcohol content level, and will not allow the car to start if it reads over a certain limit. In 2017 alone, interlock devices prevented 324,372 drunk driving attempts, according to MADD.
How can motorists prepare?
The best way for drivers to avoid a drunk driving accident is to drive cautiously. People should keep an eye out for hazardous behaviors and report any incidents to law enforcement as soon as possible. Signs of a drunk driver include the following:
- Swerving in and out of lanes
- Driving too slow or too fast for the posted speed limit
- Cutting off other vehicles
- Operating a vehicle in an otherwise reckless manner
In addition to driving under the influence of alcohol, motorists could be on prescription medication or other drugs that inhibit their ability to drive. By alerting law enforcement you could help to prevent an accident and save lives.
