It is never a good idea to drive under the influence. In addition to putting your life and the lives of others at risk, you could face severe penalties. Sometimes, though, police stop a sober person who they suspect of DUI, and that individual winds up facing charges.
One easy way to avoid this scenario is to learn the signs that police use to identify drunk drivers. Having this knowledge will also help you identify and avoid intoxicated motorists.
If you are facing DUI charges, keep in mind that the consequences of a DUI conviction can affect almost every aspect of your life – from career opportunities to relationships. Repeat offenders could face a lengthy jail sentence. Despite the potential penalties, many people who are facing DUI charges choose to represent themselves rather than enlist the help of an experienced attorney. If you were arrested for DUI, it is important that you explore all possible defense strategies because there may be one that convinces the court to reduce your penalties or to dismiss your case altogether.
Darren DeUrso is a DWI lawyer in White Plains who will investigate your arrest and identify the defense strategies that apply to your case. Do not trust your freedom to an overworked public defender. Call 914-772-8614 to discuss your case in a free initial consultation with Darren DeUrso, Attorney at Law.
Read on to learn four signs that police use to identify drunk drivers:
- Straddling the Lane Markers
Inebriated drivers often struggle to stay in their lane and may straddle either the centerline or the outside lane marker and then swerve to overcorrect. Swerving is a sign of texting and driving, as well as drunk driving, and if police spot you swerving, they will likely pull you over regardless of the cause.
- Weaving in and out of Traffic
While it is perfectly acceptable to pass cars on the left in most cases, weaving in and out of traffic in an erratic manner is not normal, and police consider it a sign of drunk driving.
- Stopping without Cause
Police know that motorists are more likely to run red lights than to stop at green ones, so they consider stopping without cause especially suspicious. Blocking intersections, failing to proceed after stopping at a stop sign, or just stopping for no apparent reason are all signs of drunk driving.
- Driving Slower Than the Speed Limit
Different levels of inebriation result in different signs of drunk driving. Drivers who are only slightly inebriated and are aware of it are actually more likely to drive slowly than erratically because they are worried about getting caught. If police see someone driving more than 10 mph below the speed limit, they will find it suspicious and may conduct a traffic stop.
If you spot a motorist doing any of the above, MADD recommends staying as far away from the vehicle as possible. If the driver is actually inebriated, he or she may be unpredictable and erratic, and it is in your best interests to stay away in order to avoid a collision.
Because drunk driving is so dangerous, police may feel inclined to act first and ask questions second. If you are facing charges after police have accused you of drunk driving, a criminal attorney will help you determine the best way to proceed.
Call Darren DeUrso, Attorney at Law at 914-772-8614 to schedule an initial consultation with a White Plains DWI lawyer. You can learn more about DWI charges in New York by visiting USAttorneys.com.