to report a drunk driver

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How to Report a Drunk Driver in the U.S.

Last Updated: June 2, 2021 References

This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff . Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 32,562 times. Learn more...

Every year, over 10,000 people in the United States die from drunk driving accidents. [1] X Trustworthy Source National Highway Traffic Safety Administration U.S. government agency responsible for writing and enforcing Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards Go to source Knowing how to identify potential drunk drivers and reporting them successfully can help keep the roads safe for all travelers and, in some cases, may even save someone's life.

Calling the Police

The street you last saw it on.
Nearby intersections, mile markers, and notable landmarks.
The direction the car is traveling.
How fast the car is going.

Step 4 Describe the vehicle in as much detail as possible.

License plate number.
Make and model.
Production year.
Dealership logos.
Bumper stickers.
Damage marks.

Spotting Drunk Drivers

Step 1 Look out for cars that are swerving and driving erratically.

Driving in the center line
Swerving between multiple lines.
Drifting toward the side of the road.
Coming dangerously close to road signs, barriers, and other cars.

Step 2 Be aware of cars driving significantly over or under the speed limit.

Tailgating.
Using the incorrect turn signal.
Turning illegally.
Driving with the headlights off.
Driving the wrong way.
Running red lights.

Staying Safe

Step 1 Be vigilant around drunk drivers.

Drive in spots where the areas around your car are not occupied, that way you can change lanes at any time.

Step 4 Do not follow or try to stop the vehicle.

Community Q&A

↑ https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving
↑ https://www.chp.ca.gov/notify-chp/reporting-drunk-drivers
↑ http://www.reportadrunkdriver.com/reporting-a-drunk-driver/
↑ https://www.thelaw.com/law/how-police-visually-detect-drunk-drivers.185/
↑ http://www.reportadrunkdriver.com/spotting-a-drunk-driver/
↑ https://www.alcoholproblemsandsolutions.org/protect-yourself-from-drunk-drivers/

About This Article

If you see someone you think is driving drunk, call 911. Be prepared to tell the emergency hotline operator what street the car is on, what direction it’s traveling, and about how fast it’s going. To the best of your ability, recall details about what the vehicle looks like and, if possible, its license plate number. Make sure to tell the operator what illegal and unsafe things you saw the driver do. For tips on spotting drunk drivers, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Home | Car Safety | How to Report a Drunk Driver

How to Report a Drunk Driver

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You’re driving down the street or freeway when you notice a vehicle driving erratically. Should you notify the police? If you suspect a drunk driver is behind the wheel, please report the car and its driver to law enforcement.

Before you dial 911 , take the following steps to provide the best description of the driver and vehicle to law enforcement. The more details you include, the better chance police have of finding the car and getting the driver off the road before they cause an accident.

Learn the telltale signs of drunk driving, which number to call to report a drunk driver, and how to report the event to authorities.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Spot the Signs of Drunk Driving

There are telltale signs that the driver of a vehicle is impaired. While these behaviors do not guarantee that a driver is drunk, they still indicate the driver is a safety threat and should be reported to the police. ¹

Signs of drunk driving:

Swerving or slowing below the speed limit
Erratic braking and acceleration
Sudden, abrupt turns
Driving down the center of a road, straddling lanes
Driving on the wrong side of the road
Stopping inappropriately in traffic
Failure to respond to traffic signals

If you do spot a driver showing signs of impairment, make sure you’re safely out of their path of travel before calling 911. The last thing you need is to become involved in a traffic accident while trying to report the driver. ²

To report a drunk driver, call 911. Give the operator as complete a description of the vehicle as possible. Local police or highway patrol can’t pull over the drunk driver if they don’t know who they’re looking for.

Details to Provide When Reporting a Drunk Driver

Gather these details for the dispatcher before calling 911 to report a vehicle for erratic driving:

License plate number
Make, model, and color of the car
Location of the vehicle, including street names or intersections

If you’re not driving, taking a picture of the vehicle and the license plate number with your phone may be helpful. If you’ve got a dash cam that can capture those details, even better.

Be prepared to describe why you have a reasonable suspicion the driver is drunk, including any unsafe driving behaviors you witnessed.

Numbers to Call to Report a Drunk Driver

If a driver seems drunk, it’s best to dial 911 and the dispatcher will relay your report to the right law enforcement agencies.

If you’re unsure whether the driver is impaired, call these police non-emergency numbers to relay your concerns.

New York City: 311

Los Angeles: 1-877-ASK-LAPD, 1-877-(275-5273)

Chicago: 311

Dallas: 214-744-4444

Houston: 713-884-3131

Washington DC: 311

Miami: 305-4-POLICE (305-476-5423)

Philadelphia: (215) 686-8686

Atlanta: 404-614-6544

Boston: 617-343-4500 or 1-800-494-TIPS

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Because drunk driving is illegal , when you report a drunk driver, law enforcement will attempt to find the vehicle and assess whether the driver is impaired. If they have reasonable suspicion of alcohol or drug use, police conduct a field sobriety test. If the motorist fails the field sobriety test, they will be arrested and their vehicle impounded.

In order to prevent drunk driving deaths and other fatalities, police encourage drivers to report any behavior on the road that seems unsafe. You’re not required to provide your name if you’d prefer to anonymously report a drunk driver or aggressive driving.

Can you report a drunk driver after the fact?

While it’s best to report a drunk driver immediately so law enforcement can get them off the road and prevent crashes, it’s also important that you stay safe. That may mean you need to wait until you arrive home to report a drunk driver.

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Submit a Crime Tip Anonymously

WeTip makes it easy to submit a confidential tip. To report a crime anonymously online, all you need is to submit a crime tip. WeTip promises and ensures absolute anonymity, not just confidentiality. WeTip provides intelligence and information to local, state, federal and international law enforcement agencies relating to criminal activity obtained from an online and telephone crime reporting hotline.

Submit A Crime Tip - FAQs

If you’re wondering where to report online threats without having to worry about confidentiality, WeTip is the service you need. When you call WeTip’s line to submit an anonymous police tip (or you submit an anonymous police report online), your name is never disclosed publicly. Instead, the tipster is given a code number that he or she uses for all future communications with WeTip. The tipster is asked to keep full confidentiality and anonymity when they report crime anonymously.

After that, WeTip provides intelligence and information to local, state, federal, and international law enforcement agencies relating to the reported criminal activity, much like calling a police anonymous tip line . The main difference between using an anonymous police tip line and WeTip to anonymously report a crime is that WeTip adds a middle-man for additional identity protection during anonymous crime reporting .

You have several options to report a crime anonymously online, thanks to WeTip’s effective toolkit for anonymous reporting . When trying to decide how to anonymously report a crime, we know that it's important to have options. Whether you need to report drug trafficking, report self harm, report suspicious activity, report someone with warrants, report theft, report crimes against children, or report prostitution to police, anonymous reporting services like WeTip can keep your identity hidden and you safe.

That includes anonymous tip web forms, text tips (very similar to when you text a tip to police authorities), QR codes, and mobile app. Anyone can report an anonymous tip to police authorities. You can even submit multiple crime tips online, like a police theft report and a report of cyberbullying.

The police would review the submitted crime tip, like a theft report, and confirm its legitimacy. If the information of the reported crime tip turns out to be part of an ongoing investigation, the information is included in a warrant affidavit. That alone won’t be enough to issue a search or arrest warrant but the submitted crime tip information could play a key role in the follow-up actions that would lead to a warrant.

On many occasions, the submitted crime tips could be traced by a criminal defense attorney, thus revealing the identity of the tipster. However, the tipster is listed as a “confidential witness”.

If you're concerned about your safety it's only natural to wonder how to report drug dealers or how to report a drug house anonymously. It’s recommended to use a crime reporting agency such as WeTip that guarantees your anonymous tips to police remain anonymous. By using an anonymous drug tip line or a probation violator tip line, you can send a tip to report drug activity online (or other criminal activity) without giving your name.

WeTip offers access to anonymous crime reporting online, via a mobile app, or via a hotline. After that, a six-digit case number is given to you that you use for all subsequent communications with the agency. Moreover, you are asked to keep full confidentiality. That's the best way to submit crime tips online.

With the opioid epidemic ravaging the United States, concerned citizens are wondering how to anonymously report a drug dealer and how to report drug trafficking. At WeTip, we have a dedicated online anonymous tip line for drugs, a drug tip hotline for the phone, and an app that enables you to submit an anonymous police report online. Whether you call our anonymous drug tip hotline, or report drunk driver anonymously online, our system makes it easy to learn how to report a drug dealer without the risk of retaliation. When you wonder how to report a drug crime anonymously, submit an anonymous tip to police with WeTip, because your identity is secure and the only "identifying" information associated with the tip is your 6-digit case number.

Yes, you can remain anonymous when reporting a crime. In fact, you’re asked not to reveal your identity. When reporting drug users to police, there is often a need to report drug activity anonymously. In addition, mandated reporters are obligated to report possible crimes against children. These situations can be tense without the veil of anonymity whenever the parties have to interact. Even if you’re not sure how to report suspicious activity in my neighborhood anonymously, WeTip’s technology makes it easy.

An anonymous report to police can help law enforcement locate and stop criminal activity. When you submit a tip to our anonymous tip line police receive only the information you share. That means that submitting your anonymous police tip online with WeTip will protect your identity and the confidential tip gives law enforcement the information they need to act.

Once you report a crime tip to a crime reporting agency, they provide the reported information to local, state, federal and international law enforcement authorities, all while keeping your identity safe.

With WeTip, anonymous police reports are easier than ever. When you report anonymous crime tips to WeTip, using any of our various reporting tools, we submit the police anonymous tip for you.

You don't have to call the police yourself; simply use our web forms, app, or one of our tip hotlines to report criminal activity safely and anonymously.

If you’re wondering how to report threats, submit a confidential tip, you can call any of WeTip's phone lines. You can also do that via confidential web forms or by using text tips or the mobile app. Your identity is never revealed.

When researching how to file a police report for vandalism, you can choose to report the crime directly to the police or via an anonymous tip line. When you use our app to report graffiti, you eliminate many stages of the process and no longer need to wonder how to report graffiti or “Who do I report graffiti to?”

There are many questions that surround mandated reporting. Do therapists have to report self harm? Do teachers have to report self harm? Where do you report cyber crimes against children and where can I report criminal sex crimes? Mandated reporters, such as healthcare workers, social workers, and school staff, can use WeTip to make an anonymous call online to take the guesswork out of how to report cyber sex crimes and crimes against children.

When trying to learn how to report arson anonymously, you need to learn how to report suspicious activity with tools like WeTip. We offer a range of anonymous tipping options to accommodate your communication preferences. Knowing your options for reporting crimes like arson allows conscientious citizens to make an informed choice about how to report arson without putting themselves at risk.

Yes. If you’re wondering how to report people with warrants, you can use an anonymous tip service like WeTip to protect your anonymity with an added layer of confidentiality.

Yes. You may submit tips to WeTip for any suspicious or criminal activity and it will be passed on to the relevant authorities to investigate.

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Should I call 911 to report a reckless driver?

We see it all the time. A car swerving on the road, cutting people off, the driver oblivious to the danger they are causing. Is there something you can do? Yes, drivers should speak up to ensure their safety.

We spoke with Lieutenant J. Paul Vance from the Connecticut State Police for some tips on how you can report an incident before it becomes a tragedy.

If you see someone driving recklessly--whether it be from texting, drunk or drowsy driving, being overly aggressive, or otherwise careless driving--report it by calling 911. But only call if you feel it's a dangerous situation. Remember, the 911 system is intended to render urgent assistance in true emergencies. "911 should not be used for simple motor vehicle violations. The driving behavior must be a danger to the public and place people in harm's way," says Vance.

If you do call 911, pull over and tell them your location, description of the driver and their direction of travel. Don't attempt to follow the car, nor shoot a cell-phone picture, as these actions may magnify the potential roadway dangers. In fact, because you have identified this driver as a threat, be sure to exercise caution and maintain a safe distance from their vehicle.

The license plate number, state of origin, vehicle make, model, and color are also helpful for police to find the offender. Vance notes that by calling 911, you are a witness if a case ever were to come to trial. Before any action can be taken, a witness or police need to observe a violation.

Cell phone use, and in particular texting while driving, has contributed to a national driving-while-distracted epidemic, with over 3,000 people killed and over 387,000 injured each year. Safety experts and government officials caution that the number is likely under reported.

Remember, no text or call is worth a life. Pull over or wait until you are safely at your destination to communicate. If you must stay connected while in motion, use hands-free technologies, such as speaker phone or Bluetooth connectivity , or task a passenger with this duty.

For more on distracted driving, see our special section including our latest driver survey and what is helping to combat the problem.

— Liza Barth

E-mail Newsletters

Safety News

We know what it takes to end drunk driving, fight drugged driving and educate the next generation of drivers. But we still need help to reach the day that no one experiences a broken heart due to impaired driving.

Answering the call for help is at the heart of Mothers Against Drunk Driving’s mission. Whether you have questions about services, or need support after a crash, MADD cares about you and we want to help. If you or someone you know has experienced injury or was killed or experienced another kind of impact, you are not alone, MADD is here for you.

Get Involved

Behind every drunk and drugged driving statistic is a person whose life was full of family and friends, love and life, joy and laughter. Mothers Against Drunk Driving has several ways you can help create a future of No More Victims ® .

At Mothers Against Drunk Driving, we’re focused on one goal: ending impaired driving for good. Since our founding, we've served as a lifeline for thousands of victims and survivors, and drunk driving fatalities have been cut in half — but we refuse to stop there. Together, we can end this 100% preventable crime.

Solving the Problem

Concerned Citizen

Without you, there is no us.

We count on concerned citizens like you to help us put an end to impaired driving and underage drinking.

Here are ways you can help put an end to these 100% preventable crimes.

How to prevent someone from driving impaired

If you are faced with a situation where someone who's impaired is trying to drive, here are some tips on how to stop them and keep everyone safe.

The best way to prevent someone from driving impaired is to plan ahead — make sure you have a sober designated driver, and everyone agrees to it ahead of time.

But, sometimes even the best laid plans don’t turn out as expected. If you are faced with a situation where someone who’s impaired is trying to drive, here are some tips on how to stop them and keep everyone safe:

Be as non-confrontational as possible.
Suggest alternate ways of getting to their destination—a cab, rideshare, a sober driver, or public transportation.
Remember that the person you are talking to is impaired—talk a bit more slowly and explain things more fully than if you were speaking to a sober person.
Explain that you don’t want them to drive because you care and you don’t want them to hurt themselves or others.
Suggest that they sleep over.
Enlist a friend to help you or to act as moral support—it’s more difficult to say “no” to two (or three or four) people than one.
If possible, ask friends who plan to drink to give up their keys before they start drinking.
If all else fails, call law enforcement. It’s better to have a friend arrested than injured or killed.

Driving impaired with a child in the vehicle is child abuse

No child should be in danger from drunk or drugged driving, especially by someone entrusted to keep them safe—like a parent or caregiver. Minor children often have no choice when it comes to riding with an impaired driver.

Over half of all children killed in drunk driving crashes are killed while riding with the drunk driver. We believe that drunk driving is not only irresponsible but criminal. And having a child in the car elevates this criminal act to child abuse.

2018 CHILD ENDANGERMENT REPORT

A leading cause of traffic death for America’s children: being trapped in a car with an impaired driver. Divorced parents face legal challenges, including subjecting themselves to civil contempt actions if they refuse visitation privileges to protect their children from an impaired caregiver. Many victims do not have the financial resources to seek relief in the civil court system.

What can you do to help?

To start, you can call our toll-free, 24/7 Victim Help Line at 877-MADD-HELP (1-877-623-3435).

Driving under the influence with a child in the vehicle constitutes child abuse. That’s why MADD believes additional sanctions should be placed on those who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs with a child in the vehicle—regular sanctions and treatment are not enough.

48 states and the District of Columbia have laws enhancing penalties for those who drive drunk with a child passenger in a vehicle. The laws vary widely in severity and definition of a child passenger. For example in New York it is a felony to drive drunk with a child passenger under the age of 16, whereas in Wisconsin, the same offense is a misdemeanor.

How to spot a drunk or drugged driver

Here are a few signs that a fellow motorist may be driving while impaired:

Quick acceleration or deceleration
Weaving or zig-zagging across the road
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
Driving slower than 10 mph below the speed limit
Turning abruptly or illegally
Driving into opposing traffic on the wrong side of the road

MADD does not suggest that you ever take the law into your own hands or put yourself in danger. Read what to do if you’re on the road with an impaired driver.

What you can do if you see an impaired driver

Once you know how to spot an impaired driver, what can you do to ensure this driver gets off the road as quickly as possible, without endangering yourself or others? You can start by following these three steps.

Stay as far away from the other vehicle as possible. Don’t try to pass the vehicle or get the driver’s attention—you’ll only put yourself and others at risk of a crash.

Try to get a good look at the license plate number and any other distinguishing details of the vehicle—the make, model and color, etc. Just make sure you don’t compromise your own safety while trying to get this information.

Step three:

Call 911. If you have a hands-free way to make calls from your car, great. Otherwise, pull over before making the call. Give the exact location of the vehicle, including the name of the road or cross streets and the direction the vehicle is traveling. Give a complete description of the vehicle and the reasons you for suspecting the driver may be impaired.

Then leave the rest up to the heroes that work hard to make our roads safe.

Victim assistance

We're here for you..

What to Do If You See a Drunk Driver

If you’re driving and notice someone exhibiting signs of intoxication, you should know what to do to stay safe. Once you see someone swerving between lanes, braking erratically, or speeding, it could mean that they are drunk. In these situations, be sure to do the following.

Stay Away from the Drunk Driver

Most people feel that the most effective way to get away from the drunk driver is to pass them. However, this is dangerous to do on most roads. If the road is only two lanes, passing the vehicle may be a dangerous thing to do.

Instead of trying to pass the driver or drive next to them, it’s safer to stay back and watch for the driver’s reactions. Passing the driver puts you at risk of a sideswipe accident if the driver swerves lanes. If the driver speeds up after you pass them, you may experience a rear-end accident.

Report the Drunk Driver

Use your hands-free device (make sure you are not distracted) to report the drunk driver to local authorities. Reporting the drunk driver does a few different things. First, it helps determine if the driver is intoxicated or tired. Second, it allows you to get the driver off the road.

Reporting the drunk driver can keep you and others on the road as safe as possible. However, make sure you are being safe, as well. Don’t hold onto your cellphone to make the call, and focus on what the drunk driver is doing.

At Lowe Law Group , we want to help you understand your rights. Our car accident attorneys go above and beyond to pursue the compensation you need, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we handle all of your legal needs. Drunk driving is one of the worst forms of negligence, and we’ll be there to help prove your case and pursue the justice you deserve.

Call our firm today at (801) 900-4681 for a free consultation.

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How to Identify, Avoid, and Report a Drunk Driver

Vigilance is part of safe driving, which means you should always be looking out for hazards on the road. One of the most dangerous problems you can spot on the roadway is a drunk or drugged driver. By knowing how to identify individuals who are impaired by drugs and alcohol behind the wheel, you can keep yourself safe. You can also keep others safe by reporting drunk drivers to the proper authorities.

Signs of Impaired Driving

Impaired drivers will not behave the same as other drivers on the road. Someone who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol may:

Accelerate or decelerate quickly
Slam on the brakes without cause
Brake erratically
Tailgate other drivers
Weave or zig-zag across the road
Drift in and out of traffic lanes
Drive on the shoulder or a part of the road not meant for cars
Straddle the center lane marker
Make abrupt or illegal turns
Use turn signals that are inconsistent with driving actions
Respond slowly to traffic signals
Drive with their headlights off at night
Drive more than 10 mph below the speed limit
Drive on the wrong side of the road
Collide or nearly collide with other vehicles, objects, or curbs

If you see someone driving like this, stay as far away from their vehicle as possible.

Giving Space and Getting Information

It is safer to have a drunk driver in front of you than behind you. If you notice a drunk driver, stay behind their vehicle and do not try to pass or get the driver’s attention.

Instead, make a mental note about the vehicle’s make, model, and color, and try to memorize the license plate number. If you have a passenger with you, ask them to write the information down, but never compromise your safety while gathering intel about a drunk or drugged driver.

Do not break any laws to keep the vehicle in view nor follow the vehicle too closely. If the driver stops, do not try to get involved. Keep driving and alert the authorities when it is safe for you to do so.

Calling 911

When you’re ready, pull over or use your hands-free cell phone system to call 911. Let the dispatcher know where you saw the vehicle and which direction the driver was heading. Include the name of the road you are on, any nearby cross streets, and a complete description of the vehicle. Make sure you detail the dangerous driving you saw and indicate why you suspect the driver may be impaired.

Once the dispatcher has the information they need, they will hang up the call and send law enforcement to find – and hopefully detain – the drunk driver. Finish your journey carefully and know that your actions may have saved a life.

Drunk Busters

If you don’t feel comfortable calling 911, the New Mexico Department of Transportation's ENDWI Campaign has a special hotline called Drunk Busters , where you can report drunk drivers.

You can call using the toll-free hotline, 877-394-4258 (877 DWI Halt) and the cellphone key #394 (#DWI).

Read our blog, “ Reporting Drunk Drivers ,” for more information on how to report a drunk driver.

Handling an Accident

Anytime you witness a drunk driving accident , pull over and dial 911 immediately. Stay nearby until police arrive and volunteer your statement to the responding officers.

If you are involved in a crash due to the negligent behavior of a drunk driver, check yourself and your passengers for injuries and dial 911. Be sure to indicate any serious injuries to the dispatcher and wait for help to arrive. When the police arrive, answer all their questions honestly and indicate your belief that the driver is impaired. Ask for a copy of the police report and accept medical treatment if you need it.

Drunk driving is illegal in all 50 states, and drunk drivers often face both civil and criminal consequences. The driver – or their insurance policy – will likely be responsible for your medical bills, missed wages, and other damages.

When you’re ready to recover the compensation you’re entitled to, Michael J. Doyle, Attorney At Law is here to help.

Call us at (505) 219-2176 or contact us online to request a consultation – we do not charge any fees unless we win your case.

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Hotlines To Report Drunk Drivers

State officials have made a call to all citizens to report any potential drunk drivers to local authorities by calling 911 or their local jurisdiction. Under no circumstance are citizens encouraged to attempt to follow the driver or interfere with the incident.

Leaving a tip at an emergency hotline can lead to a faster response time by officials. Officers will attempt to locate the offender through the reported:

Direction headed.
Make and model of the vehicle.
License plate number.
Description of the driver.

Depending on the individual report given by the caller, the dispatcher will send out or redirect an officer to the scene of the reported DUI. It then becomes a matter of time and luck. The call to a scene is fully dependent on the accuracy presented by the caller.

Due to the high number of inaccurate or purposely misleading reported DUIs, some have begun to question the legality of DUI citizen reports. In a legal system that centers on a concept that all are innocent until proven guilty, it seems counterintuitive that a driver be pulled over upon mere suspicion from an unknown or anonymous citizen’s report.

For this reason, some states have now implemented specific criteria required for the legal questioning of a possible DUI offender on the otherwise sole basis of a citizen’s report. These criteria generally include:

The accuracy of the citizen’s report — the reported location, direction headed, make and model of the vehicle, license plate number, and description of the driver must be somewhat similar to the description left with the hotline.
Harmful or illegal behavior in the description — caller’s description involves actions that are sure to cause imminent harm or danger.
Informant’s observations suggest driving under the influence — must be sufficient reasoning for the suspected DUI. The description of swerving, misconduct, driving violations, etc. must match what happened, or what could have believingly occurred, and must be typical of drunk driving behavior.

Although reported DUIs often lead to the successful conviction of drunk drivers, many times, the officers do not find the car and driver in time. In some cases, when a license plate is known, a letter of warning about the report may be sent to the address of the vehicle owner.

In addition to reporting DUIs to 911 or the local authorities, several hotlines and 24-hour emergency lines and counseling are available for DUI-related calls. Some organizations, such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), have 24-hour hotlines open to lend support to victims of drunk driving and their friends and family. MADD’s number–1-877-MADD-HELP–can be contacted for emotional support, guidance, and referrals.

Another similar 24-hour hotline, the National Council on Alcohol–1-800-NCA-CALL–can give advice on reporting DUIs as well.

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Drunk Driving Reports: Should You Make One?

Home » Blog » DUI » Drunk Driving Reports: Should You Make One?

Posted on: July 11, 2019

Everyone knows that drunk driving is bad but the statistics are still alarming. Every 48 minutes someone in the United States dies because of a drunk driver and experts estimate that alcohol is a factor in nearly a third of all auto accidents.

Obviously the best way to combat drunk driving is to designate a driver and not get behind the wheel after you’ve been drinking, but what if you see someone else on the road who seems impaired?

What Should You do If You See a Drunk Driver?

Maybe you watched someone do a shot and stumble out of a bar toward their vehicle, keys in hand. Or perhaps you’re already on the road and the car in front of you begins to swerve dangerously. There are many times you encounter other drivers who may be impaired and wonder exactly what your responsibility is.

When it comes to reporting drunk driving, some people think you should mind your own business. Unless you watched someone drink and then get behind the wheel, you don’t actually know if the driver is swerving because he’s drunk or because he’s extremely tired after a long day at work. Should you really call law enforcement just because of your suspicion?

For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185

Is Reporting a Drunk Driver the Right Thing to Do?

Although reporting drunk drivers to law enforcement may seem like a drastic step, it is almost always the right call to make. Even if a driver isn’t drunk, if their actions on the road are enough to make other drivers concerned, this is when an officer should step in and evaluate the situation.

At the least, a sober driver is now alerted of their dangerous driving habits. At most, you may have helped get a drunk driver off the road and prevented an accident.

Can You Report a Drunk Driver Anonymously?

There are not many people who are happy about helping get someone arrested for DUI. If you want to report a drunk driver anonymously, you can decline to give your name to dispatch when you are making your report.

You should not feel guilty for reporting a drunk driver. A first DUI offense is a wake-up call for most people, and in most cases it won’t be a felony . As tough as it may seem, DUI laws are in place for a reason. Their enforcement is critical for keeping the roads safe for everyone.

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How do You Report a Drunk Driver?

Simple—call law enforcement! Timing is crucial because every second a drunk driver is on the road can be dangerous. If something seems off to you, it’s probably best to call it in. If you are driving, make sure to pull over to dial or have a passenger make the call for you.

When you make your report, you’ll want to communicate as many details as possible about the vehicle. What does the car look like? What is happening that makes you believe the driver is drunk? In particular, you should describe where you are and what direction the vehicle is traveling.

What Number do You Call to Report a Drunk Driver?

You can dial 911 to report a drunk driver. When innocent people are sharing the road with a drunk driver, everyone’s lives are at risk. This constitutes an emergency, so it is important to report it to an emergency dispatcher as quickly as possible. Every minute you wait is another minute that someone could be seriously injured or killed.

What Happens When You Report a Drunk Driver?

After you’ve shared what you’ve seen with law enforcement, usually they will dispatch someone to the area to look for the reported vehicle. At this point, your biggest responsibility is now keeping yourself safe. Many people will want to continue to follow a driver to see if they are apprehended, but this can become a dangerous situation for many reasons.

How do You Stay Safe When You’re Sharing the Road With a Drunk Driver?

No matter what is happening, if you suspect a drunk driver is on the road with you, you should take action. Make sure your seatbelt is on and you are driving defensively. Keep a generous following distance, or turn off the road to let the driver safely pass you.

Because the NHTSA reports that most drunk driving accidents happen at night, it is always wise to use extra care at dark intersections.

Have You Been Injured in a Drunk Driving Accident?

If you were injured in an accident, contact a New Orleans drunk driving accident lawyer for a free case evaluation. We will work with you on a contingency-fee basis to gather this evidence and prove your case. You may be eligible to file a claim for medical costs, emotional distress and further damages.

DUI charges are serious business, and the consequences of a DUI can follow someone for a lifetime. However, so can the injuries and grief that result from losing someone in an accident. Every driver knows what is and isn’t safe behind the wheel, and no one should feel bad for doing their part to keep our roads as safe as possible.

Questions? Call 800-537-8185 to find a Morris Bart office near you.

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Impaired Driving: Get the Facts

The Problem
Impaired Driving Statistics
Risk Factors
What Individuals Can Do
What States and Communities Can Do
Related Pages
Additional Resources
Related Data Sources
In 2020, 11,654 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers, accounting for 30% of all traffic-related deaths in the United States. 1 This was a 14.3% increase compared to the number of crash deaths involving alcohol-impaired drivers in 2019. 1
32 people in the United States are killed every day in crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver—this is one death every 45 minutes. 1
The annual estimated cost of crash deaths involving alcohol-impaired drivers totaled about $123.3 billion * in 2020. 2 These costs include medical costs and cost estimates for lives lost.
Drug-impaired driving is also an important public health problem 3 ; however, less is known about the harmful effects of drug-impaired driving compared to alcohol-impaired driving because of data limitations. 4
62% of people who died in crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers in 2020 were the alcohol-impaired drivers themselves; 38% were passengers of the alcohol-impaired drivers, drivers or passengers of another vehicle, or nonoccupants (such as a pedestrian). 1
229 children ages 0–14 years were killed in crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver in 2020. This was 21% of traffic-related deaths among children ages 0–14 years. 1
It is not known how many people are killed each year in crashes involving drug-impaired drivers because of data limitations. 4 However, some studies have assessed drivers for alcohol and drugs in their systems. For example, a study at 7 trauma centers of 4,243 drivers who were seriously injured in crashes found that 54% of drivers tested positive for alcohol and/or drugs from September 2019 to July 2021. Of these, 22% of the drivers were positive for alcohol, 25% were positive for marijuana , 9% were positive for opioids , 10% were positive for stimulants, and 8% were positive for sedatives. 5

Safe driving requires focus, coordination, good judgment, and quick reactions to the environment. Any alcohol or other drug use impairs the ability to drive safely.

The amount of alcohol in a person’s system can be measured. This measurement is called blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Most states have set the legal BAC limit for driving at 0.08 grams of alcohol per deciliter (g/dL); the limit is 0.05 g/dL in Utah. 6 However, impairment starts at lower BAC levels. Information on the effects of alcohol on driving at a range of BACs is available here .

We know a lot about alcohol’s effects on driving, but more research is needed to fully understand the impact of drugs on driving skills. 7 However, research has shown that both legal and illicit drugs impair the skills needed to drive safely. For example:

Some of the effects of being impaired by marijuana that can affect driving include slowed reaction time and decision making, impaired coordination, and distorted perception. 7–10
Other drugs (such as cocaine or illicit amphetamines) can also impair skills like perception, memory, and attention in the short or long term. 7
Prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause many side effects that can impact driving, such as sleepiness, impaired vision, and impaired coordination. 11
Use of multiple substances (such as marijuana and alcohol) at the same time can increase impairment. 10,12

About 1 million arrests are made in the United States each year for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. 13,14 However, results from national self-report surveys show that these arrests represent only a small portion of the times impaired drivers are on the road.

Results from the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) indicated that the estimated number of U.S. residents ages 16 years and older who drove under the influence in the past year was:

18.5 million for alcohol (7.2% of respondents ages 16 years and older),
11.7 million for marijuana (4.5% of respondents ages 16 years and older), and
2.4 million for illicit drugs other than marijuana (0.9% of respondents ages 16 years and older). 15

Data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System indicated that 1.2% of adults drove after having too much to drink in the past 30 days in 2020. This resulted in an estimated 127 million episodes of alcohol-impaired driving among US adults. 16

Annual Self-reported Alcohol-impaired Driving Episodes Among US Adults, 1993–2020

Source: CDC. Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), 1993–2020. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/brfss .

Note: Annual estimated alcohol-impaired driving episodes were calculated using BRFSS respondents’ answers to this question: “During the past 30 days, how many times have you driven when you’ve had perhaps too much to drink?” Annual estimates per respondent were calculated by multiplying the reported episodes during the preceding 30 days by 12. These numbers were summed to obtain the annual national estimates. (See Alcohol-impaired driving among adults—USA, 2014–2018 for more information).

Teen drivers and passengers

Drinking any amount of alcohol before driving increases crash risk among teen drivers. 17,18 Teen drivers have a much higher risk for being involved in a crash than older drivers at the same blood alcohol concentration (BAC), even at BAC levels below the legal limit for adults ages 21 years and older. 18
Among U.S. high school students who drove in 2019, about 5% drove after drinking alcohol in the prior 30 days. 19 Also, among all high school students, about 17% rode with a driver who had been drinking alcohol in the prior 30 days. 19
Among U.S. high school students who drove in 2017, about 13% drove when they had been using marijuana in the prior 30 days. 20,21

Young adult drivers

Among drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2020, the percentage of drivers who were impaired by alcohol was highest among drivers 21–24 years old and 25–34 years old (26% each). 1
Adults ages 21–24 had the highest prevalence of driving after having too much to drink in the past 30 days (3.3%) when compared with all adults in 2018. 22
Driving while impaired is more common among men. 22% of male drivers involved in fatal crashes were impaired by alcohol at the time of the crash compared with 16% for female drivers in 2020. 1
Self-reported driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or illicit drugs is higher among men than women. 3,19,22

American Indian and Alaska Native People

Non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native people have the highest alcohol-impaired driving death rates among all racial and ethnic groups. 23
Alcohol-impaired driving death rates among non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native people are 2 to 11 times higher than other racial and ethnic groups in the United States. 23

Motorcycle drivers

A higher proportion of motorcyclists drive while impaired compared with drivers of other types of vehicles. For example, 27% of motorcycle drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2020 were impaired by alcohol, compared with 23% of passenger car drivers. 1

Drivers who don’t always wear a seat belt

Not always wearing a seat belt is more common among people who drive after drinking alcohol. 19,22
A higher percentage of alcohol-impaired drivers killed (66%) † were not wearing a seat belt compared with drivers with no alcohol in their system (44%), among all drivers killed in crashes in 2020. 1

Drivers with prior DWI (driving while impaired) convictions

The percentage of drivers with prior DWI convictions was four times higher among alcohol-impaired drivers involved in fatal crashes than among drivers with no alcohol in their system in 2020. 1

What drivers can do

Plan ahead. If you plan to drink alcohol or use drugs, make plans so that you do not have to drive.
Get a ride home. If you have been drinking alcohol and/or using drugs, get a ride home with a driver who has not been drinking or using drugs, use a rideshare service, or call a taxi.
Agree on a trusted designated driver ahead of time. If you are with a group, agree on a trusted designated driver in the group who will not drink alcohol or use drugs.
Be aware of prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines. It’s not just alcohol, marijuana, and illicit drugs that can impair your ability to drive. Many types of prescription medicines and some over-the-counter medicines can also affect your ability to drive safely, either on their own or when combined with alcohol. Avoid driving if you are unsure how a medicine may affect you, if it has side effects that can harm your ability to drive, or if your doctor tells you not to drive after using a medicine.

What everyone can do

Don’t let your friends drive while impaired by alcohol and/or drugs.
Don’t ride with an impaired driver.
If you’re hosting a party where alcohol or drugs will be available, remind your guests to plan ahead. Arrange for alternative transportation or agree on a trusted designated driver who will not drink alcohol or use drugs. Offer alcohol-free beverages, and make sure all guests leave with a driver who has not been drinking alcohol and/or using drugs.
If you or someone you know is having trouble with alcohol or drugs, help is available .
Always wear a seat belt on every trip—regardless of whether you’re the driver, the front seat passenger, or a back seat passenger. Wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of dying or being seriously injured in a crash by about half. 24

Effective measures for preventing alcohol-impaired driving include:

Laws and enforcement

Globally, most high-income countries have BAC laws set at 0.05 g/dl or lower, 26,27 and these laws are effective for reducing crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers and deaths from these crashes. 25 These laws serve as a general deterrent and reduce alcohol-impaired driving, even among drivers who are at highest risk of impaired driving. 25
Utah implemented a 0.05 g/dL BAC law in 2018; the other 49 states and the District of Columbia (DC) have a BAC limit of 0.08 g/dL. 6,28 Utah’s 0.05 g/dL BAC law was associated with an 18% reduction in the motor vehicle crash death rate per mile driven in the first year after it went into effect. The new law was also associated with lower alcohol involvement in crashes. 28
An estimated 1,790 lives could be saved each year if all states adopted a 0.05 g/dl BAC limit. 29
Maintaining minimum legal drinking age laws and zero tolerance laws for drivers younger than 21 in all states. 25,30,31
Requiring alcohol ignition interlocks for all people convicted of alcohol-impaired driving, including first-time offenders. 32 Additionally, incorporating alcohol use disorder assessment and treatment into interlock programs shows promise in reducing repeat offenses even after interlocks are removed. 33
Implementing publicized sobriety checkpoints 30,34 and high-visibility saturation patrols . 30

Screening, Assessment, and Treatment

CDC’s Alcohol Screening Tool can be used by adults to assess their drinking and create a personal change plan.
Implementing alcohol use disorder assessment and treatment, if needed, for people who are convicted of alcohol-impaired driving. 25,30

Population-Level Strategies

Supporting affordable alternative transportation options, such as nighttime and weekend public transportation hours. 25
Using strategies that increase the price of alcohol and make it less convenient to buy, such as increasing alcohol taxes and regulating alcohol outlet density. These strategies are effective for reducing drinking to impairment and also help to prevent alcohol-impaired driving. 25,37–39
Implementing programs that combine prevention efforts (such as sobriety checkpoints and limiting access to alcohol) with the involvement of a community coalition or task force. 40
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommends that all new vehicles should be equipped with technology that prevents or limits the vehicle from operating if the driver is impaired by alcohol. 41 The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law calls on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to issue a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard requiring all new passenger vehicles to come equipped with advanced technology for the prevention of impaired driving. 42 This technology has significant potential to reduce impaired driving fatalities. 25

Less is known about effective measures for the prevention of drug-impaired driving compared to alcohol-impaired driving. 30 However, the following strategies are promising:

Drug recognition experts (DREs) and law enforcement officers with Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) training are important to the enforcement of these laws. DREs are officers with specialized training who can recognize signs of impairment by alcohol and/or other substances. 30
Standardized toxicological testing of drivers, both those stopped for suspicion of impaired driving and those involved in fatal crashes. 3,43

* In 2020 U.S. dollars

† These percentages are based on passenger vehicle occupants for which seat belt use/nonuse was known.

What Works: Strategies to Reduce or Prevent Alcohol-Impaired Driving
Sobering Facts: Alcohol-Impaired Driving State Fact Sheets
Increasing Alcohol Ignition Interlock Use
Impaired Driving: Publications
Drug-Impaired Driving Fact Sheet [PDF – 2 pages]
Marijuana and Public Health
Motor Vehicle Prioritizing Interventions and Cost Calculator for States (MV PICCS)
Teen Drivers and Passengers: Get the Facts
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS): Alcohol and drugs
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): Drunk Driving
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): Drug-Impaired Driving
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Countermeasures That Work: A Highway Safety Countermeasures Guide for State Highway Safety Offices, Tenth Edition, 2020 [PDF – 641 pages]
The Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF) Findings for Motor Vehicle Injury
CDC: WISQARS (Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System)
CDC: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)
CDC: Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS)
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH)
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS)
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Traffic Safety Facts 2020 Data: Alcohol-Impaired Driving (Report No DOT HS 813 294) . Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, National Center for Statistics and Analysis; April 2022.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). WISQARS — Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System . U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control; 2022.
Azofeifa A, Rexach-Guzmán BD, Hagemeyer AN, Rudd RA, Sauber-Schatz EK. Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana and Illicit Drugs Among Persons Aged ≥16 Years — United States, 2018 . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep . 2019;68(50):1153–1157.
Berning A, Smither D. Traffic Safety Facts Research Note: Understanding the Limitations of Drug Test Information, Reporting, and Testing Practices in Fatal Crashes (DOT HS 812 072) . Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), National Center for Statistics and Analysis. April 2022.
Thomas FD, Darrah J, Graham L, Berning A, Blomberg R, Finstad K, Griggs C, Crandall M, Schulman C, Kozar R, Lai J, Mohr N, Chenoweth J, Cunningham K, Babu K, Dorfman J, Van Heukelom J, Ehsani J, Fell J, Whitehill J, Brown T, Moore C. Alcohol and Drug Prevalence Among Seriously or Fatally Injured Road Users (Report No. DOT HS 813 399) [PDF – 73 pages] . Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Office of Behavioral Safety Research. December 2022.
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI). Alcohol and Drugs . Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute; 2022.
Busardo FP, Pichini S, Pellegrini M, Montana A, Lo Faro AF, Zaami S, Graziano S. Correlation between Blood and Oral Fluid Psychoactive Drug Concentrations and Cognitive Impairment in Driving under the Influence of Drugs . Curr Neuropharmacol . 2018;16(1):84–96. doi:10.2174/1570159X15666170828162057
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Health and Medicine Division; Board on Population Health and Public Health Practice; Committee on the Health Effects of Marijuana: An Evidence Review and Research Agenda. The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Current State of Evidence and Recommendations for Research . Washington, DC: National Academies Press (US) ; 2017.
Compton R. Marijuana-Impaired Driving – A Report to Congress (Report No. DOT HS 812 440) [PDF – 44 pages] . Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); July 2017.
Hartman RL, Huestis MA. Cannabis effects on driving skills . Clin Chem . 2013;59(3):478–492. doi:10.1373/clinchem.2012.194381
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Medicines Risk Fact Sheet . U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2020.
Lacey JH, Kelley-Baker T, Berning A, Romano E, Ramirez A, Yao J, Compton R. Drug and alcohol crash risk: A case-control study (Report No. DOT HS 812 355) [PDF – 190 pages] . Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; December 2016.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Crime in the United States 2018: Persons Arrested, Table 29 Estimated Number of Arrests—United States, 2018 . Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Criminal Justice Information Services Division, Uniform Crime Reporting Program.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Crime in the United States 2019: Persons Arrested, Table 29 Estimated Number of Arrests—United States, 2019 . Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Criminal Justice Information Services Division, Uniform Crime Reporting Program.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). 2020 NSDUH Detailed Tables . Rockville, MD: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. January 2022.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System . Unpublished analyses, 2020 data.
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute. Fatality Facts 2020: Teenagers . Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute; May 2022.
Voas RB, Torres P, Romano E, Lacey JH. Alcohol-related risk of driver fatalities: an update using 2007 data . J Stud Alcohol Drugs . 2012;73(3):341–350. doi:10.15288/jsad.2012.73.341
Yellman MA, Bryan L, Sauber-Schatz EK, Brener N. Transportation Risk Behaviors Among High School Students — Youth Risk Behavior Survey, United States, 2019 . MMWR Suppl . 2020;69(Suppl-1):77–83. doi:10.15585/mmwr.su6901a9
Kann L, McManus T, Harris WA, Shanklin SL, Flint KH, Queen B, Lowry R, Chyen D, Whittle L, Thornton J, Lim C, Bradford D, Yamakawa Y, Leon M, Brener N, Ethier KA. Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance — United States, 2017 . MMWR Surveill Summ . 2018;67(8):1–114. doi:10.15585/mmwr.ss6708a1
Li L, Hu G, Schwebel DC, Zhu M. Analysis of US Teen Driving After Using Marijuana, 2017 . JAMA Netw Open . 2020;3(12):e2030473. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.30473
Barry V, Schumacher A, Sauber-Schatz E. Alcohol-impaired driving among adults—USA, 2014–2018 . Inj Prev . 2022;28(3):211–217. doi:10.1136/injuryprev-2021-044382
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Unpublished 2015–2019 data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, National Center for Statistics and Analysis; August 2022.
Kahane CJ. Lives Saved by Vehicle Safety Technologies and Associated Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, 1960 to 2012 – Passenger Cars and LTVs – With Reviews of 26 FMVSS and the Effectiveness Of Their Associated Safety Technologies in Reducing Fatalities, Injuries, and Crashes (Report No. DOT HS 812 069) . Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); January 2015.
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Health and Medicine Division; Board on Population Health and Public Health Practice; Committee on Accelerating Progress to Reduce Alcohol-Impaired Driving Fatalities. Getting to Zero Alcohol-Impaired Driving Fatalities: A Comprehensive Approach to a Persistent Problem . Negussie Y, Geller A, Teutsch SM, editors. Washington, DC: National Academies Press (US) ; 2018.
World Health Organization (WHO). Global status report on road safety 2018 . Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization; 2018.
Yellman MA, Sauber-Schatz EK. Motor Vehicle Crash Deaths — United States and 28 Other High-Income Countries, 2015 and 2019 . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep . 2022;71(26):837–843. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm7126a1
Thomas FD, Blomberg R, Darrah J, Graham L, Southcott T, Dennert R, Taylor E, Treffers R, Tippetts S, McKnight S, Berning A. Evaluation of Utah’s .05 BAC per se law (Report No. DOT HS 813 233) . Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; February 2022.
Fell JC, Scherer M. Estimation of the potential effectiveness of lowering the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for driving from 0.08 to 0.05 grams per deciliter in the United States . Alcohol Clin Exp Res . 2017;41:2128–2139. doi:10.1111/add.12365
Venkatraman V, Richard CM, Magee K, Johnson K. Countermeasures That Work: A Highway Safety Countermeasures Guide for State Highway Safety Offices, 10th Edition, 2020 (Report No. DOT HS 813 097) [PDF – 641 pages] . Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); July 2021.
Guide to Community Preventive Services. CPSTF Findings for Motor Vehicle Injury: Reducing Alcohol-Impaired Driving . 2021.
Guide to Community Preventive Services. Motor Vehicle Injury – Alcohol-Impaired Driving: Ignition Interlocks . 2021.
Voas RB, Tippetts AS, Bergen G, Grosz M, Marques P. Mandating treatment based on interlock performance: evidence for effectiveness . Alcohol Clin Exp Res . 2016;40(9):1953–1960. doi:10.1111/acer.13149
Guide to Community Preventive Services. Motor Vehicle Injury – Alcohol-Impaired Driving: Publicized Sobriety Checkpoint Programs . 2021.
Tansil KA, Esser MB, Sandhu P, Reynolds JA, Elder RW, Williamson RS, Chattopadhyay SK, Bohm MK, Brewer RD, McKnight-Eily LR, Hungerford DW, Toomey TL, Hingson RW, Fielding JE; Community Preventive Services Task Force. Alcohol Electronic Screening and Brief Intervention: A Community Guide Systematic Review . Am J Prev Med . 2016;51(5):801–811. doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2016.04.013
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Final Recommendation Statement – Unhealthy Alcohol Use in Adolescents and Adults: Screening and Behavioral Counseling Interventions . U.S. Preventive Services Task Force; November 2018.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Preventing Excessive Alcohol Use . U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2022.
Guide to Community Preventive Services. Alcohol – Excessive Consumption: Increasing Alcohol Taxes . 2021.
Guide to Community Preventive Services. Alcohol – Excessive Use: Outlet Density . 2021.
Shults RA, Elder RW, Nichols J, Sleet DA, Compton R, Chattopadhyay SK; Task Force on Community Preventive Services. Effectiveness of multicomponent programs with community mobilization for reducing alcohol-impaired driving . Am J Prev Med . 2009;37(4):360–371. doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2009.07.005
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Safety Recommendation H-22-022 . Washington, DC: National Transportation Safety Board. 2022.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Bipartisan Infrastructure Law . Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
D’Orazio AL, Mohr ALA, Chan-Hosokawa A, Harper C, Huestis MA, Limoges JF, Miles AK, Scarneo CE, Kerrigan S, Liddicoat LJ, Scott KS, Logan BK. Recommendations for Toxicological Investigation of Drug-Impaired Driving and Motor Vehicle Fatalities—2021 Update . J Anal Toxicol . 2021;45(6):529–536. doi:10.1093/jat/bkab064

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How to Report Drunk Driving Anonymously

March 6, 2023 in Car Accident, Motor Vehicle Accidents

focus is on a man's arm while he is holding a beer bottle. The other arm is gripping a steering wheel inside a vehicle.

Motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) in the United States cause tens of thousands of deaths and injure millions of drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians yearly. The leading causes of MVAs include the following:

Distracted driving. Distracted driving refers to cognitive, manual, and visual distractions that take a driver’s focus off the road.
Speeding. Breaking traffic laws by exceeding the speed limit reduces the time drivers have to respond to changes in road conditions, increasing the likelihood they’ll lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident.
Drunk driving. Drunk drivers include those who consume enough alcohol to elevate their blood alcohol content above 0.08% (or 0.05% in Utah) . Drunk driving is categorized as driving under the influence (DUI), which includes impairment by legal or illegal drugs.

Drunk driving is among the most common causes of MVAs in the United States. From 2017 to 2019, drunk driving was a factor in 20% of traffic accidents in Florida, while New York cites drunk driving as a cause or contributing factor in 30% of crashes with fatalities.

Since drunk driving isn’t rare, you may find yourself in a situation where you see a drunk driver operating a vehicle. In that case, you wonder who do you call to report drunk driving or if you can report drunk driving anonymously.

Contact the drunk driving injury attorneys with Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, to find out how we can help you receive fair compensation after a drunk driving accident. Contact us now

How can you know if someone’s drunk driving?

Before you report a driver, you may wonder how to be sure they’re intoxicated. Some of the signs of a drunk driver include the following:

Observed consuming alcohol before operating vehicle
Observed consuming alcohol while operating vehicle
Swerving without cause
Erratic driving speeds
Driving in the wrong lane or shoulder
Stopping without cause
Ignoring traffic signs

Unless you witness the driver consuming alcohol, it’s almost impossible to be sure they’re driving under the influence. However, you should always report unsafe driving practices to prevent accidents, whatever the cause.

How to report drunk driving

Cities and states have designated phone numbers you can use to report drunk driving. Suppose you witness someone driving erratically on a highway in Florida. You can call the Florida Highway Patrol at *FHP(347) . You can also dial 911 if you’re unsure who has jurisdiction in your location. The 911 operator will identify and notify the appropriate law enforcement agency.

Can you anonymously report someone drunk driving?

You aren’t obligated to provide your name or contact information when reporting a drunk driver. The essential information you should provide when reporting a suspected drunk driver includes the following:

The location. Specific information is helpful. Ideally, you can identify the street, the direction the driver’s going, and the names of intersecting streets to help law enforcement locate the driver.
Description of the driver’s behavior. The operator will ask why you suspect drunk driving.
License plate number. The vehicle’s license plate offers the quickest way to identify the vehicle you’re reporting.
Vehicle description. Information about the vehicle, including its make, model, and color, can help law enforcement officers identify the right vehicle.

How to report drunk driving anonymously

Some people don’t want to be involved in legal matters. Suppose you suspect a family member is driving while intoxicated, and you don’t want to cause conflict with other family members for reporting your suspicions. Can you report drunk driving anonymously?

You can phone and report a suspected drunk driver without giving your name. When the police intercept the driver, they’ll look for signs of intoxication. They’ll perform a field sobriety test if they suspect the driver’s drunk. The police can request the driver complete a breathalyzer test if the driver fails the field sobriety test. Based on the tests given and their observations, they can arrest the driver and charge them with a DUI.

How can you know if a drunk driver caused your accident?

Suppose you were in an accident. Motorists are required to report MVAs to the police. The police investigate and assign fault for the crash. Victims of drunk driving accidents may discover the cause of their accident by requesting a copy of the police report for their insurance claim.

How will a drunk driving accident lawyer help you after an accident?

a gavel placed next to an image of two vehicles in a drunk driving accident. The blue car is flipped upside down and the white car is smashed into the blue one.

You have the option of suing the drunk driver who caused your accident. Drunk drivers may be liable for the following damages:

Economic damages. These are expenses related to the accident, such as car repair costs and medical bills.
Non-economic damages. These damages compensate victims for the personal impact of the accident and include things like pain and suffering.
Punitive damages. Juries award punitive damages when a person’s negligence or gross misconduct causes injuries. Since drunk drivers are breaking the law and taking actions they know may cause bodily harm or death, juries may award victims punitive damages.

Your drunk driving lawyer will investigate the crash and gather the evidence to build your case. Our legal team will handle the paperwork and negotiations while you focus on your recovery, and your attorney will always be just a phone call away, ready to answer your questions and update you on the status of your case.

At Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, we offer free consultations, and we charge contingency fees. If we don’t win, you don’t pay. Contact us now

Gaines, M. (2022). What is a High BAC for a DUI? 2023 Guide .

Florida Highway Patrol: Contact FHP . (2023).

Impaired Driving . (2023).

Newly Released Estimates Show Traffic Fatalities Reached a 16-Year High in 2021 . (2022).

Number of road traffic-related injuries and fatalities in the U.S. from 1990 to 2020 . (2023).

T, B. (2022). Field Sobriety Tests to Assess Drunk Driving .

The information contained herein is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.

How To Report A Drunk Driver [Steps & Tips]

Published on June 22, 2023

Mark Simons

Driving while drunk is an extremely serious offense that presents considerable dangers to not only the impaired driver but also to others on the road. Reporting suspected drunk driving is one of the most important things a citizen can do to promote road safety and prevent accidents.

In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through the steps you need to take to effectively report a drunk driver. Reporting incidents is a proactive way to protect your community, potentially preventing loss of life and promoting a safer road environment for all.

Table of Contents

Recognizing Signs of Drunk Driving

If you want to report a drunk driver promptly, you should be able to identify the indicators of intoxication while on the road. Here are the key signs to watch out for that may suggest a driver is impaired by alcohol :

Erratic or Aggressive Driving Behavior

Keep an eye out for drivers who exhibit behaviors such as drifting between lanes, making sudden lane changes without signaling, tailgating other vehicles closely, excessively speeding or slowing down, and abruptly braking without apparent reason. These erratic and aggressive driving actions are often indicative of impaired judgment and a severe lack of control over the vehicle.

Inconsistent Speed Control

Pay attention to drivers who consistently drive significantly above or below the speed limit. Speed fluctuations are extremely dangerous and mainly indicate poor driving skills or drunk driving. Erratic acceleration or deceleration and struggling to maintain a consistent speed are indicators of a lack of focus, and these mostly result in terrible accidents.

Poor Judgment and Reaction Time

Watch for drivers showing slowed-down responses to traffic signals and delayed reaction times while braking or accelerating when the light changes. They may also make abrupt stops or starts, fail to yield the right-of-way when required or disregard traffic rules, signs, or signals altogether. These signs point to diminished cognitive capacities and a reduced ability to make sound judgments.

Distracted Driving

Notice some actions that may point to limited or no attentiveness, which are common traits of an intoxicated driver. If a driver is swerving within their lane, weaving from side to side, driving in the wrong direction on a one-way street, or coming dangerously close to colliding with other vehicles, objects, or curbs.

Observable Impairment Indicators

Keep an eye out for physical signs that may suggest impairment, signs that can strongly suggest that the driver is under heavy alcoholic influence and hence unsuitable to handle a vehicle safely. These include slurred speech, bloodshot or watery eyes, the odor of alcohol coming from the vehicle or the driver, or visibly impaired coordination.

If you notice any of these behaviors, contact local authorities and provide them with every little detail that you noticed so they can respond responsibly. Remember, when it comes to potential drunk driving accidents, it is always preferable to err on the side of caution.

Steps to Report a Drunk Driver

Here are some steps you can take to effectively report such incidents and assist law enforcement in their investigation:

Ensure Your Own Safety First

If you think a driver is intoxicated, you must prioritize your safety first and foremost before moving on to others. Keep a safe distance from the car in question and avoid engaging or confronting the driver immediately. Keep in mind that your primary goal is to report the incident, not to intervene actively. However, any necessary action you intend to take, like saving others or reporting the crime, must be done once you are safe.

Collect Vital Information

Gathering accurate and detailed information is key in helping law enforcement in their investigation. Take note of essential details, including the license plate number, make, model, and color of the vehicle involved. Additionally, record the location, date, and time of the incident. Providing these specifics will greatly assist authorities in locating and apprehending the suspected drunk driver, ensuring everyone’s safety.

Contact Local Law Enforcement

After you are done with the above-mentioned steps, immediately dial the appropriate emergency services number (such as 911 in the United States) or the non-emergency police line to report the incident. Stay calm and provide a clear and concise description of the situation, emphasizing the suspected impairment, the exact location, and the direction in which the vehicle is traveling.

Be a Reliable Witness

As a witness, your account of the incident holds significant value. When speaking to law enforcement, maintain a calm demeanor and provide accurate information. Describe the driver’s behavior and appearance objectively, without exaggeration or speculation. Your cooperation and reliability as a witness can greatly contribute to building a stronger yet genuine case against the offender.

Utilize Smartphone Apps or Hotlines

Many regions offer specific smartphone apps or hotlines dedicated to reporting drunk driving incidents. Familiarize yourself with these resources, as they may streamline the reporting process and provide additional features, such as photos or videos for evidence. These tools can enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of your report.

Avoid Following the Vehicle

While it is important to maintain visual contact with the suspected drunk driver, it is strongly advised not to pursue or follow the vehicle. Engaging in pursuit can significantly increase the risk of an accident or escalate the situation further. It might also put you in harm’s way. Instead, let law enforcement professionals who are trained to handle such matters safely and effectively do their jobs.

Provide Feedback When Possible

In some instances, law enforcement agencies may request feedback on the outcome of your report or ask for additional information. If you feel comfortable doing so, provide any requested feedback to assist authorities in their investigation and improvement of their processes. Your input can help refine their strategies for combating drunk driving and enhancing public safety.

Conclusion

Reporting a drunk driver is a responsibility we all share to ensure the safety of our loved ones, our communities, and ourselves. By recognizing the signs of impaired driving and promptly reporting suspected incidents, we can play an active role in preventing accidents and potentially saving lives. Remember, your vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement authorities can make a significant difference in promoting road safety.

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Underage Drinking and Driving

Teenagers drink and drive less often than adults but are more likely to crash when they do drink and drive (Williams, 2003). Teenagers’ brains are still developing, and teenagers are inexperienced with both driving and drinking. In addition to inexperience, teenagers do not fully understand risks and consequences (Tymula et al., 2012). Consequently, they have a higher crash risks than adult drivers no matter the BAC (Mayhew et al., 1986; Zador et al., 2000). Alcohol-related crashes among teenagers are typically at night, on weekends, and with passengers (Bingham et al., 2009).

Many countermeasures in previous sections of this chapter apply both to adults and teenagers as well. However, some countermeasures to reduce drinking and alcohol-related crashes are directed specifically to those under 21.

Since 1988 minimum-drinking-age laws in all States prohibit youth under 21 from possessing alcohol. Most States also prohibit minors from buying and drinking alcohol. These laws influence all youth impaired-driving strategies. For people 21 and older, drinking is legal, but driving with BACs of .08 g/dL or higher is not. Utah is currently the only State that has an illegal BAC limit law of .05 g/dL effective since the end of 2018. The message for those under 21 is unambiguous: they should not be drinking at all, and they certainly should not be driving after drinking.

Zero-tolerance laws in all States reinforce this message by setting a maximum BAC limit of less than .02 g/dL or less for drivers under 21. This effectively prohibits driving after drinking any amount of alcohol. Presently, zero-tolerance laws are not actively publicized or enforced by many States. In addition, compliance checks of alcohol vendors can reduce the availability of alcohol to those under 21, though again this strategy is not used as widely as it could be. Many other policies and programs reinforce the no-drinking message directed primarily at adults (beer keg registration, social host liability) or take place in schools or youth organizations (Students Against Destructive Decisions chapters, alcohol-free prom and graduation parties). Youth receive limited education and information about alcohol and alcohol-impaired driving in schools and colleges, through licensing agencies, and through media directed to youth.

The minimum-drinking-age laws and the no-drinking message for youth mean that youth impaired-driving activities must work hand-in-hand with activities to control youth drinking. Except for zero-tolerance law enforcement and alcohol vendor compliance checks, many countermeasures discussed next require cooperation between traditional highway safety organizations, law enforcement, motor vehicle departments, and community, health, and educational organizations with social agendas broader than traffic safety.

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How to Report a Drunk Driver in California

Posted in Car Accidents , General , Personal Injury on April 18, 2022

California Impaired Driving Stats

Information available from the California Office of Traffic Safety indicates that there were 949 total fatalities caused by drunk driving during the latest reporting year across the state. Additionally, more than 27,000 individuals suffered from alcohol-related traffic injuries during that same period. Year after year, drunk driving remains one of the leading causes of traffic injuries and fatalities across the state.

Do Not Attempt to Stop the Driver

There may be various signs that a driver around you is operating while impaired by alcohol or drugs. We do want to point out that it is imperative that you not try to stop the driver on your own. Do not try to get their attention or try to cut them off. Even if you think you are doing the right thing, this will only create more of a hazard and put other people in harm’s way.

Some of the main signs that a driver is drunk behind the wheel include:

Weaving, drifting, or swerving through traffic
Illegal or abrupt turns
Driving with no headlights at night
Erratic stopping or breaking
Driving slowly for no reason
Slow response to traffic signals
Striking objects on the side of the road
Rapid acceleration
Riding down the center lane
Making wide turns
Driving on the wrong side of the road

These accidents can be fatal, especially if the offending driver is in a commercial truck, if you are hit by one of these semis, a Long Beach truck accident lawyer can help you navigate your financial recovery.

Information is Important

The California Highway Patrol strongly encourages you to report any suspicions of drunk driving to them as soon as possible. They say that as soon as you notice a possible drunk driver, you should pull to the side of the road to a safe location and call 911. If you have a passenger in your vehicle, you can ask them to call 911 while you continue driving, but do not get too close to the suspected drunk driver.

It is important for you to relay the following information to the dispatcher when you call 911:

The location of the allegedly impaired driver
The approximate direction the driver is going
The make, model, and color of the vehicle
The license plate number and state if you can see that
A description of the driving behavior

What Phone Number do You Call to Report a Drunk Driver in California?

You need to call 911 if you see a suspected drunk driver on the roadway in California. This will put you through to the police dispatcher, and the dispatcher can route you to California Highway Patrol dispatch if necessary.

Because a drunk driver poses a risk of causing a fatal car accident on the roadway they are an emergency, please do not take the time to find the local police non-emergency number. Everyone knows that 911 gets them through to the police dispatcher, and this is an appropriate time to dial 911.

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Advice and support

How to report a drink driver

Drink driving can kill. If you need to report a drink driver, here’s how to do it

Everybody knows drink driving is against the law. Yet, in 2019 in England and Wales alone, over 55,000 people were caught over the limit by the police. 1

Drink driving wrecks lives. An estimated 7,800 people were killed or injured in drink driving accidents in the UK in 2019. 2

Perhaps even more shockingly, in 2019/20 more than one in twenty drivers in England and Wales (5%) admitted they thought they’d been over the limit while behind the wheel in the previous 12 months. 3

That’s why the police advice is clear – if you see a car driving dangerously, or you suspect someone who is drunk is planning to drive, you should report them to keep the roads safe.

But how do you do it? Read on to find out more.

Lose your license? Jail? Find out more about drink driving penalties

How much alcohol puts someone over the limit?

There are strict legal alcohol limits for UK drivers. It’s not possible to say how much alcohol you can drink and stay below the limit, as everyone’s affected differently depending on their weight, age, sex and metabolism – or even what they’ve eaten, or their stress levels. In fact, the safest advice is not to drive if you have had any alcohol at all.

So, what does that mean if you think someone else has drunk too much and is planning to drive? Ultimately, if you think they aren’t fit to drive, you should report it.

Can I talk someone out of drink driving?

The police advise you should only try to talk to someone if you feel it is safe to do so.

So, while it’s a smart idea to talk to a friend, think twice if it’s a stranger – there’s a possibility they might get violent or abusive.

If you’re out at a bar, tell security or bar staff that you’re worried. They’re trained to safely intervene.

Worried about someone you know’s drinking?

Four steps to reporting a drink driver

Talk to them (but only if it’s safe) If they’re a friend, try and talk them round to sharing a taxi or an Uber home
Tell the bar staff If you’re out, talk to the bar staff or security, they should be trained to deal with the situation
Phone 999 If you see someone about to drink and drive call 999 and ask for the police
Have the facts Be prepared to tell police the car’s registration number, a description of the vehicle and the person involved, if you can

Reporting someone after they’ve been drink driving

If you want to report a drink driver after the drink driving has taken place, you can call the police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Remember, someone can still be over the legal alcohol limit the day after drinking .

Further advice and information

Arming yourself with strategies and tips can help you or a loved one take small steps towards big results.

[1] Reported roadside screening breath tests and breath test failures: England and Wales (RAS51016)

[2] Gov.uk website. Reported road casualties in Great Britain, final estimates involving illegal alcohol levels: 2019 (Accessed 6 October 2021)

[3] Crime Survey for England and Wales. Dataset RAS51101. [Accessed 8 September 2021]

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Last Reviewed: 28th October 2021

Next Review due: 28th October 2024

Tips to change your relationship with alcohol

East Bridgewater police sergeant arrested on drunk driving charge in Raynham. What we know

RAYNHAM — An East Bridgewater Police sergeant was arrested in Raynham Saturday night on drunk driving charges.

Thomas E. Flint, 50, of Bridgewater , was arraigned Monday morning in Taunton District Court on charges of drunk driving, negligent driving, a marked lanes violation and speeding.

He was released on personal recognizance.

On the night of Saturday, Nov. 18, at 11:21 p.m., Raynham Police Officer Brian D. Silva saw a black Mercedes SUV accelerating quickly and “with loud exhaust” at the four-way intersection of Orchard, North Main, South Main and Pleasant streets — prompting Silva to follow it, according to his police report.

Silva said he saw the Mercedes SUV crossing “over the yellow line several times as we went down Pleasant Street.”

'Severely overburden town services' Raynham tries to block giant 40B housing. Can it?

Police report: 70 mph in 20 mph school zone

As the Mercedes entered the school zone around LaLiberte Elementary, Silva saw it cross over the double yellow line, pass both vehicles that were in front of it and accelerate to 70 mph in a posted 20 mph zone, according to the police report.

Silva pulled over the Mercedes and radioed dispatch for a second cruiser to respond, noting that “due to the erratic operation, I believed the vehicle may attempt to flee upon my approach.”

Silva approached the vehicle. He noted in his report that he noticed “a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from the vehicle” and that the driver “had bloodshot and glossy eyes.” Silva added that when he asked the suspect for his license and registration, “he seemed to have trouble answering, tripping over his words.”

1 East Bridgewater worker cracked $200K Here are the town's top 10 highest paid

Were field sobriety tests conducted?

When the second officer arrived, the suspect, identified as Flint, told the second officer he was unwilling to perform any standardized field sobriety tests, Silva said. Silva again noted in the report he could smell alcohol on the suspect’s breath, and then notified the suspect he was being placed under arrest.

The suspect was compliant and didn’t resist, Silva said.

While in booking, Silva noted in the report, the suspect refused to take a chemical breath test. His driver’s license was seized and he was told his license would be suspended.

Silva also notes in the report that during booking, the suspect “began to become irritated,” refused to answer any more questions, “demanded to be put in a cell” and stated several times that he was “not drunk.”

Flint’s pre-trial hearing is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 21.

The East Bridgewater Police Department placed Flint on leave on Saturday, Nov. 18, and he will remain on leave pending the results of an internal investigation and court proceedings, Police Chief Michael Jenkins said in a written statement Tuesday.

Nevada state troopers killed by drunken driver on Las Vegas freeway identified: 'Deep sorrow'

Posted: December 1, 2023 | Last updated: December 1, 2023

The Nevada Highway Patrol identified the two troopers killed in the line of duty Thursday morning after a drunken driver hit them while they were assisting another motorist on the side of a Las Vegas freeway near the Spaghetti Bowl.

Sergeant Michael Abbate and Trooper Alberto Felix were both killed when they stopped at around 3:23 a.m. to check on a driver who appeared to be sleeping in his car off Interstate 15 in the area of D Street, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, which is investigating the incident.

Shortly after they stopped, police said a white Chevrolet HHR collided with the troopers and then fled in an unknown direction.

One of the men died at the scene while the other died at UMC Trauma Hospital.

2 NEVADA STATE TROOPERS KILLED ON LAS VEGAS FREEWAY, SUSPECT ARRESTED: REPORT

The car was located unoccupied in an apartment complex near J Street and Monroe Avenue about five hours later by Las Vegas police, who determined the suspect to be 46-year-old Jemarcus Williams.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Williams was arrested on two counts of each charge: reckless driving resulting in death, driving under the influence resulting in death and duty to stop at the scene of an accident involving death.

He was booked into the Clark County Detention Center at 9 a.m. Thursday, according to jail records.

According to Nevada State Police, Abbate joined the department in December 2013 and was promoted to sergeant in November. Felix joined NSP in January 2019 after serving in the United States Air Force.

"Both Sergeant Abbate and Trooper Felix dedicated their careers to serving the State of Nevada with exceptional commitment and pride," NSP said in a statement. "The Nevada State Police extends its heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of our fallen heroes. We respectfully request that the media maintain the privacy of the families and the Department during this challenging time."

NEVADA OFFICER RESCUED BY GOOD SAMARITAN AFTER BEING SHOT IN THE LEG DURING SHOOTOUT

Las Vegas police also posted two tributes to the fallen troopers on X, formerly Twitter, Thursday afternoon.

"We are devastated by the loss of two @NVStatePolice Highway Patrol Troopers. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those mourning the loss of these two men who leave behind their families and loved ones. We honor their service and sacrifice," the department wrote.

In a video posted later in the day, police can be seen escorting the bodies of Abbate and Felix, taking their flag-draped caskets out of a van and carrying them into a building while dozens of officers stand at attention and salute.

An investigation into the deadly incident remains active and is being led by Las Vegas police's Homicide Section.

Original article source: Nevada state troopers killed by drunken driver on Las Vegas freeway identified: 'Deep sorrow'

Nevada Highway Patrol Sergeant Michael Abbate (left) and Trooper Alberto Felix (right) were killed after a drunken driver hit them while they were assisting another motorist on a Las Vegas freeway. <a>Nevada State Police</a>

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Suspected DUI driver arrested after fatal pedestrian hit-and-run crash in San Jose

November 27, 2023 / 2:15 PM PST / CBS/Bay City News Service

Police arrested a suspected DUI driver who allegedly hit a pedestrian and fled early Sunday in South San Jose.

The collision was reported at about 12:30 a.m. near Capitol Expressway and Bluefield Drive . A woman was driving a 2016 white Range Rover with two juvenile passengers, headed east on Capitol Expressway, when the SUV reportedly hit a man in a crosswalk, according to San Jose police.

The victim was taken to a hospital, where he died. His name has not been released.

The driver allegedly fled the scene but was later found at her home and arrested without incident, police said. She was booked at Santa Clara County Main Jail on suspicion of felony hit-and-run, vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and child endangerment.

The death is the city's 44th fatal collision this year and the 25th pedestrian death of 2023.

Anyone with information on the collision is urged to contact Detective Aldinger #4183 of the San Jose Police Department's Traffic Investigations Unit at [email protected] or (408) 277-4654.

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IMAGES

How to Report Drunk Drivers
Spotting a Drunk Driver
How to Spot a Drunk Driver
How to Identify a Drunk Driver
Can You Report a Drunk Driver After the Fact?
How To Spot A Drunk Driver

COMMENTS

3 Ways to Report a Drunk Driver in the U.S.
1 Call 911. If you're driving on your own, pull over so you can use your phone without putting yourself and others in danger. If your phone has a hands-free option, feel free to use that so you can keep driving. If you're traveling with multiple people, ask one of your passengers to make the call instead. [2] 2
How to Report a Drunk Driver
To report a drunk driver, call 911. Give the operator as complete a description of the vehicle as possible. Local police or highway patrol can't pull over the drunk driver if they don't know who they're looking for. Details to Provide When Reporting a Drunk Driver
Reporting Drunk Drivers
Get drunk drivers off the road by dialing 9-1-1 and reporting them - before it's too late. Our Partner Agencies The Office of Traffic Safety, the Department of Motor Vehicles, Caltrans, Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, and local law enforcement want everyone to drive safely and responsibly. Back to Top
Submit A Crime Tip
Submit a Crime Tip Anonymously WeTip makes it easy to submit a confidential tip. To report a crime anonymously online, all you need is to submit a crime tip. WeTip promises and ensures absolute anonymity, not just confidentiality.
How to Report a Drunk Driver
Updated on Oct 25, 2022 Table of Contents If you suspect that you're sharing the road with a drunk driver, it's essential to gather as much information as possible about them and their vehicle and call 911 to report it. Drunk drivers are a danger to themselves and others.
Should I call 911 to report a reckless driver?
Yes, drivers should speak up to ensure their safety. We spoke with Lieutenant J. Paul Vance from the Connecticut State Police for some tips on how you can report an incident before it becomes a ...
Concerned citizen
At Mothers Against Drunk Driving, we're focused on one goal: ending impaired driving for good. Since our founding, we've served as a lifeline for thousands of victims and survivors, and drunk driving fatalities have been cut in half — but we refuse to stop there. ... 2018 CHILD ENDANGERMENT REPORT. What can you do to help? To start, you can ...
Drunk Driving
English Español Every day, about 37 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes — that's one person every 39 minutes. In 2021, 13,384 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths — a 14% increase from 2020. These deaths were all preventable. Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving How alcohol affects driving ability
What to Do If You See a Drunk Driver
Report the Drunk Driver. Use your hands-free device (make sure you are not distracted) to report the drunk driver to local authorities. Reporting the drunk driver does a few different things. First, it helps determine if the driver is intoxicated or tired. Second, it allows you to get the driver off the road. Reporting the drunk driver can keep ...
How to Identify, Avoid, and Report a Drunk Driver
Drunk Busters. If you don't feel comfortable calling 911, the New Mexico Department of Transportation's ENDWI Campaign has a special hotline called Drunk Busters, where you can report drunk drivers. You can call using the toll-free hotline, 877-394-4258 (877 DWI Halt) and the cellphone key #394 (#DWI). Read our blog, "Reporting Drunk ...
Hotlines To Report Drunk Drivers
State officials have made a call to all citizens to report any potential drunk drivers to local authorities by calling 911 or their local jurisdiction. Under no circumstance are citizens encouraged to attempt to follow the driver or interfere with the incident. Leaving a tip at an emergency hotline can lead to a faster response time by officials.
DUI Laws By State (2023 Guide)
In every state, there is a legal blood alcohol content limit. That limit in 49 of the 50 states is .08% BAC. Utah is the only state with a lower .05% BAC. If you are above the limit, this is ...
Should You Report a Drunk Driver?
If you want to report a drunk driver anonymously, you can decline to give your name to dispatch when you are making your report. You should not feel guilty for reporting a drunk driver. A first DUI offense is a wake-up call for most people, and in most cases it won't be a felony. As tough as it may seem, DUI laws are in place for a reason.
Notify the CHP
Report Driving Under the Influence. You're driving down the freeway, and see a car weaving ahead of you. The driver clearly should be off the road - what do you do? First, stay far enough away to avoid danger. Second, either pull over or have your passenger call 9-1-1, let the dispatcher know your location, direction, and a description of the car.
Impaired Driving: Get the Facts
In 2020, 11,654 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers, accounting for 30% of all traffic-related deaths in the United States. 1 This was a 14.3% increase compared to the number of crash deaths involving alcohol-impaired drivers in 2019. 1. 32 people in the United States are killed every day in crashes ...
How to Report a Drunk Driver Anonymously
How to Report a Drunk Driver Anonymously | Jack Bernstein Schedule your Free Consultation. No Fees Unless We Win. Practice Areas Car Accidents Wrongful Death Distracted Driving Accident Locations Bradenton Brandon Clearwater Englewood Palm Harbor Pinellas County Sarasota St Petersburg Tampa Venice About Firm Overview Jack G. Bernstein Tim Shanahan
Physicians' Legal Responsibility to Report Impaired Drivers
A report to the relevant driver's licensing authority may be a service to the patient as well as to the public. While loss of driving privileges is almost certainly an inconvenience and can even be detrimental to a patient's well-being, the risk of injury or death to both the patient and third parties due to a medical impairment is too ...
How To Report A Drunk Driver [Steps & Tips]
Steps to Report a Drunk Driver Here are some steps you can take to effectively report such incidents and assist law enforcement in their investigation: Ensure Your Own Safety First If you think a driver is intoxicated, you must prioritize your safety first and foremost before moving on to others.
Underage Drinking and Driving
Since 1988 minimum-drinking-age laws in all States prohibit youth under 21 from possessing alcohol. Most States also prohibit minors from buying and drinking alcohol. These laws influence all youth impaired-driving strategies. For people 21 and older, drinking is legal, but driving with BACs of .08 g/dL or higher is not.
How to Report a Drunk Driver
How go report a drunk driver including as to call 911 and how on gift the location, product, and user plate of the vehicle up law enforcement.
How do I report drunk driving online?
If you spot a drunk driver, make sure to keep your distance. In most states, you can't report drunk driving online though you may be able to submit a driving complaint after the fact. To do so, you'll need the following details: If you see a suspected drunk driver, always call 911.
A Guide To Reporting Drunk Driving
Posted in Car Accidents,General,Personal Injury on April 18, 2022. Drunk drivers are dangerous drivers. Each year in California, impaired driving is a leading cause of traffic fatalities. If you see a drunk driver while you are operating your own vehicle, there are steps that you can take to report the driver to law enforcement officials so that they can take the steps necessary to ensure ...
How to report a drink driver
If you need to report a drink driver, here's how to do it On this page Drink driving can kill. If you need to report a drink driver, here's how to do it.
Raynham: East Bridgewater Police Sgt. arrested on drunk driving charge
What we know. RAYNHAM — An East Bridgewater Police sergeant was arrested in Raynham Saturday night on drunk driving charges. Thomas E. Flint, 50, of Bridgewater, was arraigned Monday morning in ...
Nevada state troopers killed by drunken driver on Las Vegas ...
2 Nevada State Troopers killed on Las Vegas freeway, suspect arrested: report. The Nevada Highway Patrol identified the two troopers killed in the line of duty Thursday morning after a drunken ...
3News Meteorologist Hollie Strano arrested for drunk driving
According to the Cuyahoga Falls Police Department, officers were dispatched after a report came in about a possible intoxicated driver at around 7:30 p.m. Strano's SUV was spotted on Akron ...
Quora
We would like to show you a description here but the site won't allow us.
Suspected DUI driver arrested after fatal pedestrian hit-and-run crash
Police arrested a suspected DUI driver who allegedly hit a pedestrian and fled early Sunday in South San Jose. The collision was reported at about 12:30 a.m. near Capitol Expressway and Bluefield ...

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