City of Merced, CA
Home MenuDrink. Drive. Get arrested.
If you drink and drive, plan to get arrested. Drinking and driving is against the law. Simple as that.
How to Spot an Alcohol-Impaired Driver
- Accelerating or decelerating quickly
- Almost striking an object, curb, or vehicle
- Appearing to be drunk (e.g., eye fixation, face close to windshield)
- Braking erratically
- Drifting; or moving in a straight line at a slight angle to the roadway
- Driving anywhere other than on a road designated for vehicles
- Driving into opposing crossing traffic
- Driving on the wrong side of the road
- Driving slower than 10 mph below the speed limit
- Driving with headlights off at night
- Following too closely
- Signaling that is inconsistent with driving actions
- Slow response to traffic signals
- Straddling center or lane marker
- Straddling lanes or tires on the center line
- Stopping inappropriately (other than in a traffic lane)
- Stopping without cause in traffic lane
- Swerving
- Tailgating
- Tires on center marker or lane marker
- Turning with wide radius
- Turning abruptly or illegally
- Weaving
- Stopping without cause or erratic braking
- Slow response to traffic signals (e.g. sudden stop or delayed start)
- Weaving or zigzagging across the road
Spotting Drunk Drivers (PDF)
What to do when you spot an Impaired Driver
- Stay far behind the suspected drunk driver.
- Get out of the way and expect the unexpected.
- Wear your safety belt (and make sure that any children or other passengers have their safety belts fastened as well) - It is one of your best defenses against a drunk driver.
- Stop right away and look for a phone.
- Report suspected and impaired drivers to the CHP or local police by dialing 911. Give the location, direction of travel, and description of the car and driver's behavior.
What not to do when you spot an Impaired Driver
- Do not try to pass the car!
- Do not try to stop the vehicle.
- Do not follow too closely. The car may stop abruptly.
- Do not attempt to act in the capacity of the police.
- Do not try to detain or confront the driver.
- Call the local police or 911 and let them take care of it!