What do the police look for when searching for drunk drivers?
According to the National Highway Traffic Administration, the following is a list of symptoms, in descending order, of probability that the person observed is driving while intoxicated:
- Turning with a wide radius
- Straddling center of lane marker
- Almost striking object or vehicle
- Weaving
- Driving on other than designated highway
- Swerving
- Speed more than 10 mph below limit
- Stopping without cause in traffic lane
- Following too closely
- Drifting
- Tires on center or lane marker
- Braking erratically
- Driving into opposing or crossing traffic
- Signaling inconsistent with driving actions
- Slow response to traffic signals
- Stopping inappropriately (other than in lane)
- Turning abruptly or illegally
- Accelerating or decelerating rapidly
- Headlights off
