Q: I worry about being safe on the road, especially during the holidays. What can I do to protect myself from impaired drivers?

Ask Our Expert About Avoiding Drunk and Impaired Drivers

Q: I worry about being safe on the road, especially during the holidays. What can I do to protect myself from impaired drivers?

A: You have good reason to be extra cautious during the holidays when people are partying, and the roads can be icy. Avoid being on the roads after midnight, if you can. Be alert to any unusual driving behaviors of people around you. Specifically, be aware of the following:

• Swerving from lane to lane
• Erratic speeding or braking
• Approaching a traffic signal too fast or too slow
• Driving with windows open in the cold or rain (an attempt to stay awake)
• Tailgating you or another car
• Driving without headlights at night
• Driving on the wrong side of the road
• Making unusually wide turns
• Narrowly avoiding a collision with another car or the guardrail

If someone driving near you is exhibiting any of these behaviors, you can take action to protect yourself.

• Maintain a safe distance. If the driver is ahead of you, slow down to let him get out of the way.
• If the drunk driver is behind you, get off the highway at the next exit or turn right at the next intersection.
• If the driver is coming toward you, move to the right shoulder and stop. Honk your horn and flash your lights.
• Never try to pass a drunk driver.
• Get the license number if you can, and call the police.

While the winter holiday season can indeed be dangerous, it’s a good idea to be extra cautious on other holidays and holiday weekends, too. There has been an increase in alcohol-related accidents on Halloween, St. Patrick’s Day and the Fourth of July. Holiday or not, make sure you are not the impaired driver endangering others on the road.

• Have a designated driver.
• If you choose to drink alcohol, do so prudently.
• Impairment begins with the first drink.
• Make more trips to the buffet table than the bar.
• If you are the host, don’t make alcohol the focus of the party.
• If you are already tired, don’t consume alcohol, which will make you even sleepier.
• Never get into a car with a driver who has been drinking, even your spouse.

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