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What Do Officers Look For When Identifying Drunk Drivers?

Many drunk driving arrests start out with routine traffic stops. Police officers are required to have extensive training before graduating from the academy. Part of the training officers undergo is learning what to look for when identifying drunk drivers. For representation in your drunk driving case contact a Bergen County DWI attorney today.

What is a DWI?

A DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) is the crime of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. When an individual consumes a certain amount of substances they are no longer capable of safely driving a car. Drugs and alcohol diminish reaction times, cause people to act recklessly, and limit vision. If you are caught driving while intoxicated you can receive a DWI which is punishable by fines, license suspension, jail time, and more.

What Signs of Impairment Do Officers Look for When Identifying Drunk Drivers?

When a police officer suspects a driver of being intoxicated by drugs or alcohol they use their training and experience to determine whether or not the driver is truly impaired. The following are common signs of drunk driving.

  1. Swerving: The inability to maintain in one lane is one of the most common signs of intoxicated driving. Weaving across lanes, swerving into other lanes, and drifting are all signs of drunk driving.
  2. Braking: Cars that are stopping suddenly or braking then driving then braking again show signs of drunk driving. Aggressive braking can happen when an individual cannot control their motor functions. Stopping too short, too far, or too jerky can be a telltale sign.
  3. Speeding: A driver who is speeding aggressively or is inconsistent in the speed they are traveling may be intoxicated. They may not realize how fast they are driving due to their intoxication. Accelerating or slowing down for no apparent reason is a hint that they could be drunk.
  4. Poor judgment: Any dangerous action could be a sign of drunk driving because alcohol lessens your judgment. Following too closely to the car ahead, making illegal turns, and more can all lead an officer to believe the individual is intoxicated.
  5. Poor coordination: Once the officer pulls over the driver, they will look for signs that their coordination and motor skills are impaired. Slurred speech, fumbling while gathering documents, slow responses, or difficulty getting out of the car could point to intoxication.
  6. Appearance: If the driver has bloodshot or glassy eyes it could relate to drug or alcohol consumption. Any smell of drugs or alcohol could be probable cause as well as the presence of a container in the car.
  7. Field sobriety tests: While field sobriety tests are not surefire ways to identify drunk driving, if the individual does poorly, cannot stand up straight, or is unsteady on their feet it may be a result of intoxication.

Contact a DWI Attorney Today

If you were arrested for drunk driving it is important that you obtain help from a skilled attorney who will advocate on your behalf. Contact a lawyer from the Law Office of Kevin T. Conway for more information.

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