It’s difficult to hide the fact that you’re driving under the influence of alcohol. Police are trained at spotting people who may be drunk, as getting them off the road is one of their primary concerns.
Here are some of the many signs that police look for when trying to spot drunk drivers:
- Driving too fast or too slow: While your speed is sure to vary, driving excessively fast or slow gives the officer reason to believe something is wrong. And even if you’re not under the influence, it can still result in a traffic citation.
- Swerving: Drunk drivers often find it difficult to stay within their lane of travel. They swerve, float from lane to lane and make sharp maneuvers to correct their course.
- Slow response time: For example, if you’re sitting at a red light with a police officer behind you, they’ll wait to see if you immediately pull away after the signal changes. Should it take you several seconds to respond, it may appear that you’re under the influence.
- Aggression: Many people become aggressive when they’re under the influence of alcohol. Subsequently, they drive in the same manner, all while becoming confrontational with other drivers.
The best way to avoid a drunk driving arrest is to vow to never drink and drive.
If you make a mistake and find yourself faced with criminal charges related to drunk driving, it’s time to revisit the circumstances of your arrest. This will help you better understand your charges, as well as the steps you can take to defend yourself. Remember, criminal charges don’t always result in a conviction and associated penalties.