Police officers look for various signs and behaviors to determine if a driver might be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Common driving indicators that can lead to a DUI stop include:
- Erratic Driving: Swerving, drifting, or weaving between lanes.
- Speeding or Driving Too Slowly: Excessive speeding or driving significantly below the speed limit.
- Frequent Braking or Accelerating: Unpredictable changes in speed.
- Ignoring Traffic Signals: Running red lights or stop signs.
- Delayed Response to Traffic Signals: Hesitating at green lights or slow to start after stopping.
- Wide Turns: Making turns that are too wide or sharp.
- Straddling Lane Lines: Driving in between lanes or straddling the center line.
- Near Misses: Almost hitting other vehicles, objects, or pedestrians.
- Driving at Night Without Headlights: Forgetting to turn on headlights when it’s dark.
- Slow or Delayed Reactions: Hesitating or reacting slowly to changes in traffic or road conditions.
- Following Too Closely: Tailgating other vehicles.
- Inconsistent Signaling: Failing to signal, or signaling inconsistently or late.
- Unusual Stopping Patterns: Stopping at inappropriate places, such as intersections or the middle of the road.
- Driving on the Wrong Side of the Road: Crossing into oncoming traffic lanes.
These are the most common driving patterns police look for to pull someone over suspected to be a DUI driver. You are asking to be pulled over for other unrelated issues like a brake or headlight out, or out of date license plates. When you are under the influence you may think you are driving fine when in reality your driving screams “Pull me over!” The best way to avoid a DUI is just use alternative transportation, or have a designated driver. It’s a lot safer and cheaper in the long run.
