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What Indicators of Drunk Driving Do Officers Look For?


— May 12, 2023

If drivers are following other vehicles too closely, signaling inconsistently, or driving very slowly then the officer may pull them over due to suspicion.


Police officers are highly trained individuals, and they are experienced in catching drivers who are operating their vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. There are certain indicators that police officers keep an eye out for when they are trying to pinpoint a drunk driver. For starters, they will look out for weaving, swerving, and drifting. They will also look out for drivers who turn with a too-large radius, straddling lanes and vehicles that almost strike objects.

If drivers are following other vehicles too closely, signaling inconsistently, or driving very slowly then the officer may pull them over due to suspicion. Indicators for drunk driving have been outlined by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and drivers who are conducting these behaviors will likely be pulled over and have to deal with the legal consequences of their actions.

When an officer stops the driver, it is necessary that the driver listens, and they act politely. As important as it is for a person to give the officer their basic information and BAC test, they do not have to admit guilt or apologize as this will always make their case a lot more difficult for them. Drivers should also refrain from trying to talk themselves out of the situation as officers look down on this and the more a person talks the more likely they will end up saying something that can be used against them. Before a person makes any moves, they should call lawyers who have experience in the field of driving under the influence cases. They should make sure they speak with their Tulsa DUI lawyers before answering any detailed questions.

Police officer leaning in window of car after accident; image by Matt Chesin, via Unsplash.com.
Image by Matt Chesin, via Unsplash.com.

Police officers will ask drivers to take certain tests to prove they are not intoxicated, though they should give the BAC test, so their license is not suspended they do not have to give a field sobriety test if asked. These tests are not very accurate and are highly subjective. If a driver does not feel comfortable giving the test, they should ask the officer if they are obligated to take the test, in which the response should be a clear no.

Reach Out to a DUI Lawyer Today in Tulsa, Oklahoma 

Oklahoma DUI lawyers can launch an investigation and collect evidence to prove the innocence of the driver, or to at least have their charges minimized as much as possible. Once a driver has the support of DUI lawyers, they can rest assured that their situation is in good hands. If they had connected charges or they also got into a collision while driving under the influence, then DUI accident lawyers can help them figure out the best legal steps for them to take.

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