What should I do when I see a drunk driver?
I get off work around 1- 2 in the morning, and I see drunk drivers all the time. Its really bad where I live. If I were to pick up my phone and call the police I would then be distracted and unsafe, not to mention breaking the law in my state.
Do I as a sober driver have any responsibility?
What are the precautions, if any, I can take as a sober driver to protect myself and others?
In California, CalTrans has electronic signs up often saying to call 911 to report drunk drivers. I think the cell phone while driving ban makes an exception for 911/emergency calls.
British Columbia just started a campaign against drunk drivers. It’s like so:
That’s really all there is to it.
You have the responsibility to call and report it to the police. (yes you should pull over to make the call)
Lets hope this doesn’t evolve into a liability if you don’t.
Ram them.
Put 911 (I think in parts of NY *77 works) on voice or speed dial; use an ear piece.
They might be on the cell phone. it looks the same when you drive near them.
In Milwaukee I don’t even do it half the time anymore, the 911 dispatchers don’t seem to care.
TWICE I’ve had a conversation go like this
Me: Hi, I’m on the freeway and there’s a drunk driver in front of me.
911:What kind of car is it
Me: Black Suburban, he’s weaving from the far left lane to the far right and his headlights aren’t on
911: What is his plate number
Me:xxx-xxx OR I can’t read it from here and I don’t feel comfortable enough to get close enough to him
911: Okay, thank you sir, we’ll send an officer right over.
Me: Ummmmmm, do you want me to tell you where he is?
Upon telling that story to others I’ve heard other people tell me the same thing.
I should say that I try to call them in when I see them, but it’s kinda discouraging when they don’t seem to care. OTOH, If I ever read about a drunk driver hitting someone and killing them, I’d like to be able to call the media and let them know that I reported it and they ignored me.
Jebus, there used to be a cellphone hotline where you’d make $150 after a successful conviction. Where’s the fun without the mercenary aspect?
You should pull over even if you don’t call, just to let the drunk driver get farther away from you. You don’t want to be near them at all.
But watch out that another drunk driver doesn’t rear-end you while you are pulled over. It’s best to pull off onto another road rather than just onto the shoulder.
Come on, man, you’re harshing their mellow!
Kidding.
Realistically, I’ve wondered this myself – the fact that you see someone and know they’re drunk means (unless you’re psychic) that they’re REALLY, REALLY drunk. Meaning, I’m assuming that you’re observing serious weaving, crossing center lines, and so on. I’ve actually seen this less than I would have expected (given that I too often drive in the wee hours), but on a couple occasions, I’ve called the police. When I did, I actually called the local police dept instead of 911, but 911 is presumably ok if you immediately state why you’re calling (since I don’t know that this qualifies as an emergency along the lines of “someone’s in my house”, etc). As far as a responsibility goes, my take is, if I can tell you’re drunk, then you’re dangerous, and I feel I have to call.
Again, this has happened, I believe, twice – I’m kinda wondering if you may be being a tiny bit overzealous, if you claim to see this nightly. With all due respect. But yeah, if you see it, call.
I mean, what kind of world is it where you can’t do a citizen’s Pit? Illegal I’m sure, but if I’m on your jury I’ll vote to acquit.
Do they need you to tell them? I thought they know that already from your cell phone–granted that’s your position specifically, and not the drunk driver’s. But the offender is still presumably close enough that they can start with your position.