Hawaii is no different from other states when it comes to highway dangers. Anything from inclement road conditions to someone driving at excessive speeds can place you at risk for injury if a collision occurs. Drunk drivers often plague the roadways in this state, as well, often causing serious injury to those unfortunate enough to share the road with them.
If you know how to recognize the signs of possible driver impairment, you may be able to safely react in time to avoid disaster. That’s not always the case, however, for even if you notice a particular driver’s behavior as erratic, there may be little to nothing you can do to avoid a crash. That’s why it’s also good to know what steps to take following a motor vehicle accident to achieve as full a recovery as possible.
Driving behavior that suggests intoxication or other impairment
No matter how cautious and alert you are behind the wheel, you have no control over the actions of other drivers. Any of the following road situations are cause for great concern:
- If you witness someone traveling at night without headlights on, it’s a sign that the driver may be impaired.
- Have you ever seen someone use a turn signal but turn the opposite way? This is a common sign of drunk driving.
- If a driver appears to be applying brakes randomly or otherwise accelerating and decelerating in a pattern that doesn’t match current traffic flow, be especially wary, as this person may be intoxicated.
- Drunk drivers often come dangerously close to parked cars or slightly bump into curbs as they navigate bends in the road.
- If you notice a driver sitting far at the front edge of the driver seat, as though he or she is straining toward the windshield, it is definitely a sign that he or she might be intoxicated.
- Any car that is veering over the yellow line or swerving in its lane may have an impaired driver at the wheel.
If you can safely pull off the road and alert 911, you may be able to help save lives, perhaps even your own. If a driver makes the irresponsible choice to consume alcohol before driving, then hits your vehicle and causes you to suffer injury, you are entitled to seek justice in a civil court.
Who pays the medical bills?
You should not have to bear the full financial burden prompted by a collision that someone’s negligence caused. Many accident victims file injury claims and receive court-awarded compensation that they can use to pay medical expenses and other costs associated with their injuries.
