What Are Some Signs of Impaired Driving?

Whenever you're on the road, it's important to know the signs of drunk driving. Certain driving behaviors may give the police a reason to suspect you of being impaired while behind the wheel.

Since Arizona DUI laws are incredibly strict, you should know what these signs are to avoid potential trouble. Often, drivers who are tired, lost, or have a medical condition may be mistaken for intoxicated drivers. You may not have had a drop to drink but still wind up on the wrong side of the law.

Signs Police Look for When Pulling Over Drivers on Suspicion of Drunk Driving

What actions get you noticed by the police? Here is a list of the behaviors that they may observe before pulling you over:

• Not turning the headlights on after dark
• Swerving, weaving, or drifting through the lanes or even straddling the center lane marker
• Driving under the speed limit
• Improper use of the turn signal or not using it at all
• Hovering close to a lane marker or almost striking an object, curb, or another vehicle
• Slow response to traffic signals or stop signs
• Quick acceleration or deceleration
• Tailgating
• Driving where there are no designated roads
• Stopping without cause or erratic braking
• Turning abruptly or illegally
• Driving the wrong way on a road

How to Avoid Getting Pulled Over for a Traffic Stop

Every time you get behind the wheel, you should take the right actions to avoid getting pulled over. The first thing you should do is make sure you fasten your seatbelt. If it's after dark, make sure your headlights are on. Many newer vehicles simplify this by automatically turning on headlights at night.

You should always carry your driver's license and make sure that your tags are current, too. Once on the road, pay attention to the task of driving. You should obey all traffic laws and remember to signal when turning or changing lanes.

Additionally, the later it is in the evening, the more likely it is that you could be pulled over on suspicion of DUI. More people drink in the evenings, and especially on weekends or holidays. The police will be watching for the more subtle signs intoxicated drivers tend to exhibit. You can avoid this by obeying the law and being prudent behind the wheel.

Do You Know What to Do If You Get Pulled Over on Suspicion of DUI?

If you get pulled over by the police, try to stay calm. Remember to be respectful to the police officer, even if you do not agree with them for pulling you over. Getting argumentative can only cause more trouble. The officer will tell you why they pulled you over. If they suspect you were drinking, this is not the time to get defensive. Instead, you should know the law. In Arizona, the law states that you are permitted to speak to a Tucson DUI lawyer before taking chemical tests.

Police officers must conduct their traffic stops in accordance with the law. They must have a reasonable suspicion that you have committed a traffic violation to pull you over. Often, drivers aren't aware of these rights, which can land them in hot water.

The police can't arrest you without having probable cause that you were driving while under the influence. One could argue that failing to signal when merging into traffic was a lapse in judgment rather than a sign of being intoxicated.

In other words, the police need to articulate the facts to support the reason for the traffic stop. If they can't produce this, then your criminal defense attorney can work to suppress the evidence from this traffic stop and arrest. When that happens, the prosecution has nothing to go on, which will result in either dismissing your case or providing a plea bargain.

Plenty of people drive after dark and forget to signal or drive in other ways that can get a police officer's attention. This doesn't necessarily mean they are intoxicated. If your traffic stop turns into an arrest for a DUI, you should not hesitate to contact a DUI attorney to discuss your case.