Symptoms of Alcohol-Impaired Driving: What to Watch Out For

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How many of us at one time or another have gotten behind the wheel and thought that we were okay to drive after having a few cocktails?

Maybe you met some friends out and drove thinking I’ll have one beer to drink. Without realizing it, you had two or three instead and thought you were ok to drive since you spent some time with your friends and didn’t drink too much, right?

On your way home you’re driving along, you think I’m fine I don’t live too far away and the next thing you know you’re being pulled over by the local police or the state police if you’re on a freeway or interstate. In some cases, you might even encounter DUI checkpoints on your way home.

They ask you to get out of the vehicle to do a field sobriety test and you still think you’re fine, I’ll pass.

You begin the test. The officer asks you to walk in a straight line and you’re thinking I got this, who can’t walk in a straight line right?

Next, they ask you to stand on one foot, lean back and touch your nose while your eyes are closed, and again you think you’re fine, right?

Well, this happens every day to well-meaning people who are not alcoholics or don’t commit crimes or mean to hurt anyone.

When you don’t pass the field sobriety test and are given a breathalyzer or blood test and you are over the legal limit, you will be arrested for DUI and transported to jail.

Despite our most noble intentions, it’s possible to have an excessive amount of alcohol and not realize it while driving.

You were pulled over for a valid reason; the police officer observed certain details in your driving that prompted them to investigate further. This warranted being stopped and subjected to sobriety field tests, which gave the police officer evidence to prove their suspicions correct.

A lot of people don’t know what the most common symptoms associated with alcohol-impaired driving are that the police use when defendants are arrested for DUI in Nevada.

The Most Common Symptoms of Alcohol-Impaired Driving

In the scenario above the police obviously noticed a reason to pull you over and issue a series of alcohol DUI-related testing. These symptoms should also be known by every driver in Nevada so you can gauge your own behavior and avoid drunk driving altogether.

The following are the most common symptoms that officers look for which can lead them to arrest you for DUI:

Poor Driving

Examples of erratic driving that may indicate impairment include weaving, swerving, drifting, running stop signs or red lights, and making wide turns. Oftentimes, drunk drivers are also driving at a slower speed than the rest of the traffic.

This type of driving gives a police officer probable cause to pull you over. If the officer notices any of these symptoms, they will investigate further.

Fumbling With Driver’s License and Wallet

One of the most common signs of impairment is difficulty with providing driver’s license and proof of insurance when asked. A person who is intoxicated might fumble or take longer to respond than usual. They may even drop items while trying to retrieve them from their wallet or purse.

Slurred Speech

Another telltale sign of impairment is slurred speech. Someone who is intoxicated may take longer to respond and the words may be jumbled or incomprehensible.

They might also seem confused about simple things that anyone sober would understand.

Watery or Bloodshot Eyes

A person’s eyes can be a dead giveaway of intoxication. When someone has been drinking, their eyes may be red, glassy, bloodshot, watery or droopy looking.

If you’ve taken some drugs like marijuana, your eyes may also be red and glassy. Remember, DUI isn’t just alcohol-related. Drugs, whether legal in the state or not, nor whether it’s prescribed by your doctor, can also lead to a DUI. It is against the law to drive while impaired by marijuana and other drugs.

Disheveled Appearance

Someone who has been drinking may not take the time to look presentable before going out, or even after being pulled over by the police. Their clothes might be wrinkled and unkempt. They might even have stains from spilling drinks on them.

Someone’s hair could appear disheveled, untidy, or uncombed. All these can be an indication that they’ve been drinking.

Varying Stories

People who have had too much to drink may tell different stories about their whereabouts and activities prior to being pulled over. They may be confused, forgetful, or even defensive when asked questions by the police officer.

This type of behavior indicates that they are not in full control of their faculties due to the influence of alcohol.

Poor Motor Skills

The physical coordination of a person’s body can be affected by alcohol and drug intoxication. People may have difficulty with small tasks such as buttoning their shirts or putting on a seat belt, walking in a straight line, or standing up without assistance.

Falling Over While Standing

A person who is impaired may have difficulty standing up without help or even falling over while trying to stand. This could be a strong indicator that they are not in the right state of mind to operate a vehicle safely.

Key Takeaway

These are the most common signs that police officers use to determine if someone is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Pay attention to these symptoms when you’re out and about, so you don’t get in trouble with the law and keep our roads safe.

Remember, driving while impaired is not just illegal but dangerous to yourself, your passengers, and other people on the road. So always be responsible with your drinking or drug use, make sure to have a designated driver when going out, and avoid drunk driving altogether.

Drunk driving, especially if you caused an accident that resulted in death or injury, has very severe consequences.

Arrested for Drunk Driving?

If you or know someone who has been arrested for drunk driving, seek assistance from an experienced DUI attorney who can help build your defense. A knowledgeable lawyer can work to reduce or dismiss your charges and put you in a position to move on with your life as soon as possible.

A DUI legal expert like The Defenders can provide a reliable defense against DUI charges. Oftentimes, what may be used against you (like breathalyzer tests or field sobriety tests) can be disproven and that can be the difference between a conviction or dismissal of your case.

If you have been charged with DUI in Nevada call The Defenders Today, we have been representing DUI clients for years and have a proven track record for helping our clients win.

Reach out to us for a free case evaluation.

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