What do police officers look for when searching for drunk drivers?
The following is a list of symptoms in descending order of probability that the person observed is driving while intoxicated. The list is based upon research conducted by the National Highway Traffic Administration:
(1) Turning with a wide radius;
(2) Straddling center of lane marker;
(3) "Appearing to be drunk";
(4) Almost striking object or vehicle;
(5) Weaving;
(6) Driving on other than designated highway;
(7) Swerving;
(8) Speed more than 10 mph below limit;
(9) Stopping without cause in traffic lane;
(10) Following too closely;
(11) Drifting;
(12) Tires on center or lane marker;
(13) Braking erratically;
(14) Driving into opposing or crossing traffic;
(15) Signaling inconsistent with driving actions;
(16) Slow response to traffic signals;
(17) Stopping inappropriately (other than in lane);
(18) Turning abruptly or illegally;
(19) Accelerating or decelerating rapidly;
(20) Headlights off.
Speeding, incidentally, is not a symptom of DUI; in some circumstances it may suggest quicker reflexes and sobriety.
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