Auto accidents are a common occurrence in and around the metro Atlanta area. The number of vehicles on highways and roads at any given time often lead to crashes. Perhaps the most unfortunate types of accidents are those caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Drunk driving accidents occur across Atlanta often, which is disturbing because someone chose to operate a vehicle under the influence. These incidents are unfortunate because injuries and deaths are truly the fault of the intoxicated driver, regardless of their intentions when they made the decision to drive inebriated.
Just last month, a man from DeKalb County decided to drive under the influence for over 15 miles. His vehicle hit more than 12 vehicles during this tirade. The 70-year-old’s trip ended when he wrecked his truck into a restaurant in Gwinnett County after causing a fatal wreck near Snellville. The wrongful death occurred when the man rear ended another vehicle and pushed it beneath a flatbed truck. One passenger died and the other was taken to the hospital with life threatening injuries. The drunk driver was charged with DUI, vehicular homicide, reckless driving, following too closely, and more.
These types of incidents could be prevented if Georgians made the decision to not drive while intoxicated. Unfortunately, there will always be people who decide to drive drunk regardless of the law. In an effort to eliminate drunk driving on metro Atlanta roads, we urge Georgians to report motorists showing signs of intoxication. Common signs that a vehicle is being operated by someone under the influence include:
- Straddling the center lane of the road
- Holding their face closer to the windshield than necessary or drinking inside the vehicle
- Narrowly avoiding objects, other vehicles, or curbs
- Passing objects or vehicles too closely
- Making very wide turns
- Weaving/swerving on the road (and sometimes off the road)
- Driving at an extremely slow speed
- Following other vehicles too closely (tailgating)
- Rapid acceleration
- Braking unpredictably
- Driving into oncoming traffic or on the shoulder
- Driving at night without headlights
- Not signaling appropriately with what they are doing
- Stopping inappropriately, such as at green lights, etc.
If you spot a vehicle that you believe is being operated by someone under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you should get out of the way and stay a safe distance behind the vehicle. If you are not already wearing a seat belt, this is a good time to fasten it. Immediately find a safe stopping point so that you can call 911. You may be asked where the vehicle in question is located, in what direction it is traveling, what type of vehicle it is, what behavior was witnessed, and for a tag number if you were able to retrieve it.
The attorneys at Jones & Swanson have extensive experience representing victims of drunken driving accidents. It is unfortunate that the person usually injured or killed is an innocent bystander. If you or someone you know have been injured in a Marietta DUI accident, contact our personal injury attorneys today for a free consultation and information on what to do next. We understand the negative impact this incident can have on your life and want to help. Our attorneys are available at any time by online form or during office hours at (770) 427-5498.
