Beware of drunk or buzzed drivers on the road

All drivers must be physically and mentally capable of driving a vehicle before they get behind the wheel. Any impairment can have devastating consequences for drivers and those who share the road with them.

Around 32 people are killed in drunk driving crashes each day in this country, according to the United States National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration. Thousands more suffer injuries, some of which are catastrophic. The infuriating point about these is that they were all entirely preventable.

Know the signs of impaired driving

Drivers can sometimes spot the signs of an impaired driver to avoid that vehicle. Don’t try to get the driver off the road if you notice any of these signs. Instead, contact police officers with the information about the vehicle once you can safely do so. A passenger in your car can do this while you drive.

Some of the signs that point to a driver who’s impaired include:

• Suddenly accelerating
• Slamming on the brakes without cause
• Swerving between lanes
• Straddling the center line
• Failing to use proper signaling
• Forgetting to turn on headlights when necessary
• Drifting sideways
• Nearly hitting objects
• Making wide or illegal turns
• Driving the wrong way

Drivers who are buzzed, or impaired by drugs, will usually exhibit these same signs.

Negative impacts of impairment on driving

Buzzed driving can lead to the same devastating effects as drunk driving. All forms of impairment can lead to slowed reaction time, an inability to recognize hazards, loss of sense of safety, inability to control muscles properly, and decreased visual abilities. All these make it impossible for a driver to operate their vehicle safely, so the driver becomes a direct threat to anyone on the road with them.

Even if you’re driving safely and trying to avoid drunk drivers, one may end up slamming into your vehicle. Medical care is crucial after being struck by a drunk driver. The injured party may opt to file a compensation claim to help them recover the costs of the care they need after a catastrophic injury. New Mexico law limits the time victims have for filing claims, so act quickly.