Have you ever noticed how some areas get a bit of a reputation for being great places to party? The Sunshine State is a perfect example. From spring break to bike week and just about everything else in between, it can seem like everyone’s having a great time. This definitely isn’t a bad thing as long as everyone’s responsible. This includes handing over your car keys after having a little too much fun. With 155 alcohol-related crashes in Brevard County alone, it’s fairly obvious not everyone is acting responsibly. So, do you know what to do if you come across a suspected drunk driver on Florida’s roads?
Alert the Authorities
You’re minding your business and suddenly you notice another driver acting a little erratically. Maybe their vehicle is weaving back and forth on the road or it’s hovering over the lane dividing line. Other common examples of erratic driving include running stop signs and red lights. Driving too fast or going ridiculously slow can also indicate the driver is impaired.
Alerting the authorities doesn’t mean you need to prove the driver is intoxicated. This isn’t your job. You’re only required to report the suspected drunk driving behavior. Even if the driver isn’t under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they may be having a medical emergency.
Your phone call could end up saving a life. In Florida, you can always dial 9-1-1 to report a drunk driver. Yep, this is considered an emergency in the Sunshine State. You can also call the Florida Highway Patrol. Even though there really isn’t a law requiring you to report a suspected drunk driver, it’s definitely the right thing to do.
Watch From a Safe Distance
The operator is going to ask you a set of questions and being able to give a response is extremely helpful. The dispatcher is going to need your location. Try to be as precise as possible. For example, give intersection names in the city and mile marker numbers on highways. Even building names and exit signs can help the authorities narrow down your location.
You should also be ready to let the authorities know which way you’re traveling. We’re not talking about letting them know you just made a left turn but this can be a bit helpful. Instead, try to use directions like north, south, east, and west. We know you’re not a human compass so just do your best. Your vehicle’s dashboard may even display the direction you’re traveling in.
Just to quickly clarify, you’re under no obligation to follow a suspected drunk driver. However, if it’s possible, tail along at a safe distance. This means staying a few car lengths behind. You never want to drive right next to a suspected intoxicated driver. There’s no telling what they may do. They may swerve into your lane resulting in an accident. Unfortunately, injuries sustained in drunk driving accidents tend to be severe.
Never Confront a Suspected Drunk Driver
There’s a good chance you’re going to want to confront the suspected drunk driver. If nothing else you want to know what they’re doing and why. While pretty valid questions, this isn’t the time to get into a debate. Alcohol can do more than impair a person’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. Have you ever heard the term mean drunk? There’s a very good reason the phrase is commonly used. Some people can become aggressive after a few too many adult beverages and you don’t want to end up in a fight.
At the very least, you may sustain injuries. Worse, you may also be facing an assault charge. Keeping your distance is usually the safest and smartest way to go.
Potential Penalties for Driving Drunk in Florida
The Sunshine State takes intoxicated driving extremely seriously. This isn’t an offense that only gets you a scolding by a traffic court judge. At the very least, you’re facing significant fines ranging anywhere from $500 to $5,000. Jail time is also possible, even for first-time offenders. Driving while intoxicated can also result in an automatic suspension of your driving privileges. Getting your driver’s license back after a DUI is expensive, frustrating, and time-consuming.
If you’re facing a drunk driving charge or were injured by a suspected intoxicated driver, it’s probably time to contact an experienced DUI attorney. Your lawyer can help you navigate the legal process whichever side of the law you’re sitting on.