Reader’s Question:

Hi, my name is Reid and I live in Renton, Washington and I really like driving but I don’t drink and drive. Is it true that we can judge a driver’s impairment just by looking at their personal appearance or behavior?

Reid

Renton, WA

One of the cues of alcohol impairment is actually one or more of a set of indicators related to the personal behavior or appearance of a driver. There are a lot of indicators which include driving with one’s face close to the windshield, gripping the steering wheel tightly, staring straight ahead with eyes fixed and slouching in the seat. Some police officers routinely scrutinize the faces of motorists in oncoming traffic and look for the indicators of impairment.

Having thick and/or slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, the odor of alcohol on the breath, fumbling with a wallet to get the driver’s license, flushed face, unsteady gait, difficulty following directions and leaning on the car for support are other personal behaviors and appearance that show a driver is impaired. Some of these like having slurred speech, odor of alcohol and bloodshot eyes are encountered so often that some officers are already trained to expect them and include them in their arrest reports even if they are not actually present. If you notice a driver in Renton, Washington who appears to be impaired, research showed that there is an excellent chance that you are correct in your judgment.

Tags: driver’s license, DUI, DUI lawyer