Drunk driving is a risky venture with severe consequences for the offender. Often, police officers look for warning signs of alcohol influence on South Dakota’s roads. If they identify actions that seem unsafe, they might stop you and evaluate your sobriety. Law enforcement agents might consider some of the following actions on the road.
Warning signs of drunk driving
If you drive frequently, you may have encountered reckless drivers. They engage in risky behaviors that can result in accidents and legal charges. Drivers under the influence also have a distinct way of operating a vehicle that can trigger traffic stops and sobriety evaluations. In South Dakota, police officers may actively look for warning signs of drunk driving.
Speed and pace
The speed and pace of an impaired individual can also be signs of impaired driving. If you are speeding or driving unusually slowly, a police officer may pull you over. The same logic applies to drivers who uncommonly change their speed. Stopping without a reasonable cause and being too close to the surrounding vehicles will also look suspicious.
Violating the law
Drivers who violate traffic laws will certainly attract a police officer’s attention. For example, an individual driving on the opposite side of traffic or in the emergency lane is highly likely to be stopped. Understanding and abiding by local traffic laws is the best way to avoid this.
Atypical behavior on the road
Sometimes, atypical behavior can trigger a DUI traffic stop. A drunk driver is more prone to making wide turns, being close to crashing and weaving across lanes. Other tell-tale signs can be unusual driving poses, like driving with a body part out the window or ignoring lane markings.
Safe driving is crucial to avoid getting stopped on the roads. Moreover, you should be especially careful if you have past DUI convictions. Repeated offenses can aggravate penalties for driving under the influence. To prevent traffic stops, it is best to steer clear of reckless driving in all circumstances.