Drinking and driving is a serious safety issue. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every day almost 30 people in the United States die in motor vehicle crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver—one death every 48 minutes. The annual cost of alcohol-related crashes totals more than $51 billion. Thankfully, there are effective measures that can help prevent injuries and deaths from alcohol-impaired driving.
How Big Is the Problem?
In order to be considered a drunk driver, a person's blood-alcohol level must surpass legal limits (typically .08%) when operating a motor vehicle.
- In 2009, 10,839 people were killed in alcohol-impaired crashes, accounting for approximately 32% of all vehicular deaths in the United States.
- Of the 1,314 deaths involving children up to age 14, 14% involved an alcohol-impaired driver.
- Over 1.4 million drivers were arrested in 2009 for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.
- Drugs other than alcohol are involved in roughly 18% of motor vehicle driver deaths, often combined with alcohol.
Spotting Drunk Drivers
Rental car drivers can spot drunk drivers in a variety of ways. Although every case is different, most exhibit several consistent actions:
- Wide turning radius
- Straddling the center of the road or lane marker
- Appearing visibly impaired (eye fixation, face close to windshield, drinking in the vehicle)
- Almost striking objects or other vehicles
- Weaving or zigzagging across the road
- Swerving or turning abruptly
- Driving slower than 10 mph below the speed limit
- Stopping without cause in a traffic lane
- Erratic braking or driving into opposing traffic
- Driving with headlights off
How to React
If your socializing may involve alcohol, plan ahead: have a designated driver, don't let friends drive impaired, and if you've been drinking, call a taxi. If you spot a drunk driver on the road:
- Call 911 and report it—you do not have to give your name.
- Give the exact location, including road name and direction of travel.
- Provide a complete vehicle description: make, model, color, and license plate.
- Describe the manner in which the vehicle is being driven.
- Do NOT follow or try to stop the car. Leave that to trained professionals.
- KEEP YOUR DISTANCE. The closer you are, the greater the danger.
Drinking and driving is a deadly combination. Remember to stay safe and sober on the roadways, wherever you may be.
Review more rental car safety tips and accident tips to stay prepared on the road.