Safe Roads
Impaired drivers - how to spot them, what to do


According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, one in 10 drivers has admitted to driving near or over the legal alcohol limit at least once in the past year. That’s just one too many times for an organization focused on motorists’ safety. Here are things you can do to help protect you and other drivers.

Look for these signs that a driver may be impaired by alcohol or drugs:

  • Driving too fast or too slow for conditions.
  • Crossing the center line repeatedly.
  • Signaling inconsistent with driving.
  • Weaving, swerving or drifting between lanes and the sides of the road.
  • Accelerating and braking erratically.
  • Driving with the headlights off at night.
  • Making wider turns than necessary.
  • Responding slowly to traffic signals (sudden stops, delayed starts).
  • Driving into opposing traffic.
  • Coming too close to other vehicles or objects.
  • Stopping without cause.
  • Turning abruptly or illegally.

If you suspect a driver is impaired:

  • Keep your vehicle at a safe distance.
  • Do not try to intervene by stopping or following the impaired driver.

How to report an impaired driver:

  • Call your local law enforcement agency. Dial *CSP (*277).
  • Tell them you wish to report a suspected impaired driver.
  • Describe how the vehicle is being driven—be specific.
  • Describe the vehicle in detail—color, make/model, license number, distinguishing marks or decoration.
  • Give the exact location including road, direction traveling, and mile marker (if applicable).

14.4% of drivers randomly stopped at night tested positive for alcohol or drugs. Daytime drivers tested positive 11 percent of the time. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2007.

1/3 of nearly all traffic-related deaths in 2009 involved alcohol. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

AAA Connection

  • AAA Colorado has several resources and brochures in regards to safe driving. Visit our website for more information.

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