When operating a motor vehicle on a Colorado roadway, the driver’s blood alcohol content level must be below .08 (and, in some instances, lower). A driver who is intoxicated may exhibit certain behaviors or execute dangerous maneuvers moments before hitting another vehicle or a pedestrian. A drunk driving collision often results in serious personal injury to the occupants of any vehicle that is hit.
Witnessing questionable driving behaviors does not guarantee that a motorist will be able to avoid a crash. If a drunk driver careens into another lane or fails to stop at a red light, a collision may occur in an instant. In some cases, however, it may be possible to create distance between one’s vehicle and another driver who is showing signs of intoxication.
Drunk drivers often veer left or right just before a collision
A motorist acting under the influence of alcohol may have a difficult time controlling the vehicle. In fact, veering left or right is a common sign of drunk driving. If another motorist sees a vehicle drifting out of its lane, it’s best to exit the roadway or change positions to increase the distance between the two vehicles.
Driving too slowly is another sign of intoxication
If a driver is traveling much slower than current traffic patterns, it may be a sign of intoxication. Drunk drivers also often randomly apply their brakes because they have difficulty judging the distance between their car and the one in front of them. Lack of depth perception and impaired cognitive ability may also cause a drink driver to take a turn too widely or narrowly, sometimes clipping a curb or striking a parked car. If a collision occurs that results in personal injury, a recovering victim of a drunk driving accident may seek restitution in civil court, and if DUI charges are filed, any conviction secured can be used to help substantiate a personal injury claim.