Caught a Drunk Driver on the Road? Here’s How to Report Them Immediately

Every day, negligent drivers put other people at risk on the road. Some still choose to get behind the wheel after drinking, which is extremely dangerous. If you’ve spotted someone who appears to be driving under the influence, taking immediate action could prevent a tragic accident.

At Allen Accident Lawyer, we’ve seen firsthand the devastation drunk driving can cause. Knowing how to respond safely and responsibly is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and others on the road.

Let’s look at how to report a drunk driver and what information to provide. Reporting drivers like this could save lives.

Signs Someone Might Be Driving Drunk

Before you can report a drunk driver, you need to be sure. Drivers under the influence often show noticeable behaviors. Some possible signs include:

• Swerving between lanes or drifting across lane dividers
• Driving very slowly or very fast
• Stopping suddenly for no reason
• Having trouble staying in their lane
• Making wide turns
• Braking unexpectedly 

If you notice multiple behaviors from this list, it could mean the driver is under the influence of alcohol. Keep a safe distance and get ready to report them. Paying attention to small details can help authorities catch dangerous drivers before an accident happens.

Emergency Numbers to Call for Drunk Drivers

When you’ve identified a potentially impaired driver, knowing who to contact immediately is crucial. 

The fastest way to report a drunk driver is to call your local emergency number. In the United States, dial 911. Please provide the operator with clear information. If you are outside the U.S., check your local police number. 

You can also call non-emergency police lines if the situation is concerning but not immediately dangerous.

The operator might ask you:

• Your location and the driver’s location
• Description of the vehicle 
• Behavior that raised concerns

Step-by-Step Guide to Reporting a Drunk Driver

Taking the right steps when reporting a drunk driver helps law enforcement to respond effectively and quickly. Follow these steps:

1. Do not try to stop the car yourself.
2. Before making the call, pull over and make sure you are in a safe place.
3. Call 911 or the appropriate number and calmly explain the situation.
4. Describe the driver’s behavior and location.
5. Follow the operator’s instructions—-they are trained professionals who know what to do.

We emphasize that safety always comes first. Never put yourself in danger while trying to report someone else’s risky behavior.

What Information Should You Provide When Reporting

The more details you give, the easier it is for authorities to act. Here’s everything you should tell them:

• The driver’s location and direction of travel
• The type of vehicle, color, and license plate number
• Any dangerous actions you observe, such as the driver leaning out of the window
• The driver’s speed and lane position
• Whether there are more passengers in the car
• Whether the driver is showing visible signs of intoxication, like slurred speech

The quality of your report directly impacts law enforcement’s ability to stop the impaired driver and prevent an accident.

Legal Consequences of Drunk Driving

Drunk driving is against the law. Police take it very seriously. Understanding the consequences of drunk driving is important. Drivers caught drunk under the influence can face:

• Fines
• License suspension
• Jail time
• Criminal charges

Reporting a drunk driver helps police act quickly and keeps roads safer for everyone. Even if the driver seems okay now, reporting may prevent future accidents.

If a drunk driver has injured you or someone you love, Allen Accident Lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and guide you through your next steps. 

Tips for Staying Safe While Reporting a Drunk Driver

Your safety must be your top priority when reporting these incidents. Here’s how to protect yourself while still being a responsible citizen:

• Keep several car lengths between your vehicle and the suspected drunk driver.
• Stay in your car with the doors locked.
• Keep your phone ready to call.
• Give clear but short information to the operator.
• Don’t engage in a chase. If the suspected driver drives away, tell the operator the last known location.
• Keep an eye on traffic around you, not just the drunk driver.

Safety comes first. You can help without putting yourself at risk.

Can You Report a Drunk Driver Anonymously?

Yes, in many places you can report a drunk driver without giving your name. Police understand that some people do not want to share their information. Giving detailed information about the negligent driver is more important than sharing your identity. Anonymous reports are still taken seriously and can help prevent accidents.

Benefits of Providing Your Information

While anonymous reporting is an option, there are advantages to giving your information:

• Officers may need additional details that only you can provide.
• If the case leads to an arrest, your witness testimony could be valuable.
• You may receive feedback about the outcome of your report.

Why Reporting Drunk Drivers Helps Save Lives

Here’s why reporting matters.

• According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 34 people die every day in drunk-driving crashes in the United States — that’s one person every 42 minutes.
• In 2022, there were 13,524 fatalities in motor vehicle traffic crashes in which at least one driver was alcohol impaired. This represented 32 percent of all traffic fatalities in the United States for the year.

Your one phone call, taking just a few minutes, could help prevent a serious tragedy.

Take Action Today

If you see someone driving drunk, don’t hesitate. Call 911 or your local police immediately. Your quick action could save lives. The sooner authorities know, the sooner they can act.

If you or a loved one was injured due to drunk drivers on the road, contact us today to get the justice you deserve. You shouldn’t have to suffer for someone else’s negligence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I report a drunk driver if I don’t know their license plate?

Yes, give as much information as possible about the vehicle and its location.

Q: What if the driver is a friend or family member?

It is important for everyone’s safety — including theirs — that you report them.

Q: How quickly do police respond to drunk driver reports?

Response times vary, but reporting immediately helps them respond faster.

Q: Is it illegal to follow a drunk driver before reporting?

It is risky and not recommended. Stay safe and call the police instead.