According to MADD, North Carolina had 388 fatalities in 2011 due to drunk drivers, leaving NC ranking 22nd in the nation for drunk driving accidents. It may not always be easy to spot a drunk driver; however, MADD does offer some signs to keep an eye out for:
- Quick acceleration or deceleration
- Tailgating
- Weaving or zig-zagging across lanes
- Driving anywhere other than on a road designated for vehicles
- Almost striking an object, curb, or vehicle
- Stopping without cause or erratic braking
- Drifting in and out of traffic lanes
- Signaling that is inconsistent with driving actions
- Slow response to traffic signals (e.g. sudden stop or delayed start)
- Straddling the center lane marker
- Driving with headlights off at night
- Swerving
- Driving slower than 10 mph below the speed limit
- Turning abruptly or illegally
- Driving into opposing traffic on the wrong side of the road
(Source: MADD)
ABC 11 recently did an investigative story exposing how one Holly Springs resident received two DWI’s in four hours. He was let go so quickly after the first arrest, he was able to get behind the wheel again while still intoxicated. View more about the incident here.
Other statistics published by MADD state an average person will drive drunk 80 times before being arrested for a DWI and one in five teens binge drinks . “Binge drinking occurs when someone consumes more than five alcoholic drinks on the same occasion on at least one day in the past 30 days,“ according to MADD.
If you have lost a loved one due to a drunk driving accident or have suffered injuries due to a drunk driver, contact the Law Office of D. Hardison Wood so we can discuss how we can assist you.
