Police can sometimes tell if a driver is drunk — can you?

In a perfect world, you could always get behind the wheel of your car and enjoy an uneventful trip where you ultimately safely arrive at your chosen destination. In reality, any number of problem issues can arise that delay or impede your travel plans. For instance, you might arrive late to work because of unexpected traffic that has come to a halt due a collision in the roadway.

It pays to be cautious and alert at all times when you drive. However, when you’re sharing the road with other drivers, you have no control over their actions. This is why it’s always a good idea to know how to recognize signs of drunk driving. If you witness suspicious driving behavior, you might be able to create a safe distance between you and the person who appears to be driving erratically. Drunk drivers cause a high number of injuries and fatalities.

Noticeable problem signs

If you’re driving along a Florida highway, you have cause for concern if you witness another driver exhibiting any of the following behaviors:

• Random application of brakes or gas pedal
• Tailgating
• Trouble navigating turns, either too widely or clipping a curb
• Not proceeding when a red light turns to green
• Failing to use headlights after dusk
• Sitting close to the steering wheel and leaning forward toward the windshield
• Veering left or right in a traffic lane
• Drifting clear across a yellow line
• Coming dangerously close to parked vehicles, stationary objects or pedestrians

Any of the issues in this list could be a sign that the driver of the vehicle in question is acting under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you’re able to safely exit traffic, it’s wise to do so. You can also report a suspicious driver to local authorities by calling 911.

What if a drunk driver hits you?

The sudden impact of a drunk driving collision typically has disastrous results. Even if the injuries you suffer are non-life threatening, you might have to take time off work during recovery. If your injuries are moderate to severe, you might spend several days or longer in a hospital. Medical bills, lost wages at work and other issues can have a devastating financial effect.

A top priority in the immediate aftermath of a drunk driving collision is to seek medical attention. At some point, police will no doubt want to speak with you and ask questions about the events that led to your injuries. In the days and weeks following a collision, you’ll want to connect with any and all people who can provide personal care assistance and practical support.

There is a lot of new construction going on in Florida and many other states. The industry has a high risk of worker injuries. Employers are obligated to provide proper training and safety equipment to help construction employees stay as safe as possible on the job. A community in another state is grieving the loss of one of its workers, who was killed in a workplace accident on a recent Tuesday, just before noon. The workers’ compensation program can be a great asset to grieving family members in situations like this.

A state university was adding a new residence hall to one of its campuses, which is why the construction worker was on-site that day. Investigators say they still do not have all the details regarding the tragedy. They do know, however, that the worker was hit with construction materials at some point, and he was transported to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead. 

The investigators did not elaborate beyond saying the worker’s injuries proved fatal. It is uncertain at this time whether the materials fell from somewhere above the worker or whether someone was holding or using the material that struck him. It is not uncommon for work accident investigations to take weeks, even months, to conclude. 

In the meantime, a representative of the construction company said the company’s focus is on providing support to the deceased worker’s friends and family members. In similar cases in Florida and elsewhere across the country, families have relied on experienced workers’ compensation law attorneys to help them navigate the system regarding benefits to help those who have unexpectedly lost loved ones in workplace accidents. Insurance complications or other issues may arise that make it difficult for family members to obtain the assistance they need in the aftermath of a loved one’s death.