Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends, to remember all that we have to be thankful for, and of course, to stuff yourself with delicious foods. It is not a time to worry about deaths or injuries attributable to drunk drivers, but sadly, you must. People tend to drink more around the holidays, and the Wednesday before Thanksgiving has even become known as “Blackout Wednesday” due to its reputation as a night for younger people to party with old friends.
What to do if You Spot a Suspected Drunk Driver in Fargo
Drunk driving is not only illegal under North Dakota Century Code § 39-08-01, but it puts others on the road at extreme risk. Maybe you are driving home from an early holiday party on a Saturday night or from Thanksgiving dinner with family when suddenly you spot a car driving suspiciously. Drunk drivers tend to exhibit one or more of the following behaviors:
- Driving down the center lane or on the lane marker
- Nearly striking an object or another vehicle
- Turning widely
- Weaving from one side of the road to the other side
- Driving on the shoulder or the wrong side of the road
- Inconsistently signaling with their driving behavior
- Driving without headlights
- Following other cars too closely
- Erratic braking
If you suspect that a driver has had too much to drink, stay as far away from them as possible. Expect the unexpected and ensure that everyone in your vehicle is wearing their seatbelts. You might even consider calling law enforcement if a reckless driver is placing you or others in danger by driving erratically.
Stay Safe Around Fargo Drunk Drivers
While you may feel outraged or feel you need to immediately take charge of the situation to mitigate damages or even save lives, it is essential that you let the law enforcement officers do their job and do what you can to stay out of their way. Do not attempt to pass the drunk driver or to stop the vehicle. Be aware that the car could come to an abrupt stop, so do not follow too closely. Do not act as if you are an officer of the law by attempting to detain or confront the suspected drunk driver.
Call Us Today to Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with a Personal Injury Lawyer in Fargo
You can count on our firm to help you after sustaining damages as a result of a drunk driving accident around Thanksgiving or any other time of year. For help after a serious injury-causing crash, hire one of our experienced personal injury attorneys. Tatum O’Brien, Tim O’Keeffe, or Sara Monson. O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Attorneys can be reached via email or phone at 701-235-8000 or toll-free at 877-235-8002.
