Getting pulled over by the police is never a pleasant experience, but when it happens after a night out with friends, it can be downright terrifying. You may have thought you were okay to drive, but the flashing lights in your rearview mirror tell a different story.
When on the road, law enforcement officers look for signs indicating a driver is under the influence. In this blog, we’ll explore the indicators they look out for to help you build a stronger defense.
Why did law enforcers pull you over?
Police officers can order you to stop your vehicle if they have reason to suspect that you are driving under the influence. Here are four common signs of drunk driving that may lead to a traffic stop:
- Slow driving: Drunk drivers may travel too slowly to avoid attention from law enforcement or other drivers. They may be overcompensating by driving unnecessarily slow, even if the road conditions do not justify their speed.
- Swerving between lanes: Impaired drivers may have trouble staying in their lane, often drifting between multiple lanes. Too much alcohol can lead to blurred vision and difficulty concentrating, which can cause a driver to swerve.
- Erratic braking and speeding: Drunk drivers may exhibit excessive or exaggerated braking and acceleration, trying to appear sober or compensating for loss of muscle control. If law enforcers notice your car braking or speeding up without reason, they may suspect intoxication and pull you over.
- Tailgating: Alcohol also makes it challenging for drivers to accurately gauge distances, leading to tailgating. They may also follow other cars too closely to try to stay on track, even if empty lanes are available.
While sober drivers could also make these mistakes, police can use these reasons to stop your car. That said, there is always room for errors in judgment.
Establishing a strong defense
Understanding the facts that led to your arrest can help you challenge the evidence against you. If you are facing this issue, remember that you have the right to a fair trial, and you can consult an experienced attorney professional at any point in the legal process.