In New York, you report a drunk driver by calling 911 immediately and giving the dispatcher key details to help law enforcement respond quickly, catch the driver, and prevent potential accidents.
These details include:
- The vehicle (make, model, color, and license plate if possible)
- Its location (road name, direction of travel, and nearby landmarks)
- The driver’s behavior (swerving, speeding, ignoring traffic signals, etc.)
Drunk driving is a serious offense that endangers the lives of everyone on the road. New York State takes impaired driving very seriously, as it is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents and fatalities.
If you have been in an accident with an intoxicated driver, our Long Island car accident lawyers can lead your case against the liable driver and pursue maximum compensation for your damages.
How Can You Safely Report a Drunk Driver in New York State?
To report a drunk driver in New York State, follow these steps:
Dial 911 Immediately
Reporting a drunk driver is considered an emergency. Call 911 to connect with local law enforcement. Provide the dispatcher with as much information as possible, including:
- The make, model, and color of the vehicle.
- The vehicle’s license plate number (if visible).
- The location of the vehicle, including the road name, direction of travel, and any nearby landmarks.
- A description of the driver’s behavior (e.g., swerving, speeding, or ignoring traffic signals).
Stay Safe
Do not attempt to stop the vehicle or interact with the driver. Maintain a safe distance to avoid being involved in an accident.
Stay on the Phone Line
Remain on the call with the 911 dispatcher to answer any additional questions and provide updates on the driver’s location if necessary.
Why Should You Report a Drunk Driver?
Drunk driving is not only illegal but extremely dangerous. Alcohol and other drugs impair a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and coordination, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
According to New York State Police, over 30% of fatal crashes in the state involve alcohol. By reporting a suspected drunk driver, you could prevent a serious accident or even save a life.
Can You Report a Drunk Driver Anonymously?
You can report a drunk driver anonymously in New York State. When you call 911, you do not have to give your name or contact information if you prefer to remain anonymous. However, sharing your details may help law enforcement follow up if additional information is needed.
How to Recognize an Intoxicated Driver in New York
While it can be difficult to determine if someone is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, certain behaviors are common among impaired drivers. These include:
- Swerving or weaving between lanes.
- Driving significantly below or above the speed limit.
- Ignoring traffic signals, such as running red lights or stop signs.
- Tailgating or following other vehicles too closely.
- Abrupt or erratic braking.
- Delayed reactions at intersections or stop signs.
- Driving without headlights at night.
- Making wide turns or drifting into other lanes.
If you notice any of these signs, act quickly and report the driver to the proper authorities.
Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today
What Should You Avoid When Reporting a Drunk Driver?
When reporting a suspected drunk driver, put safety first. Avoid the following:
- Do not pursue the driver: Chasing or following the driver can put you and others in danger.
- Do not confront the driver: Confronting a potentially impaired person could escalate the situation.
- Do not attempt to stop the vehicle: Only trained law enforcement officers should intervene in such situations.
What Happens After You Report a Drunk Driver in N.Y.?
Once you report a suspected drunk driver, the police will try to find the vehicle as quickly as possible. Officers will look for the car based on the details you provide, like the vehicle’s description and location.
If they spot the car, they may follow it for a short time to observe the driver’s behavior. If the driver is swerving, running red lights, or showing other signs of impairment, the officers may pull them over and ask them to do a sobriety test or take a breathalyzer test to measure their alcohol level.
If the officers find the driver to be drunk or under the influence of drugs, they could face serious consequences. This may include being arrested, paying fines, losing their driver’s license, or even going to jail.
How Can Our Lawyers Help If A Drunk Driver Has Hurt You?
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, our Long Island personal injury lawyers can help you seek justice and compensation.
Our legal team will:
- Investigate the accident and gather evidence of the driver’s impairment.
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
- File a lawsuit to recover damages for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other accident-related losses.
Why Reporting a Drunk Driver Matters and How Levine And Wiss Can Help
Reporting a drunk driver can help protect lives on New York’s roads and make our communities safer. By staying alert and taking action, you empower law enforcement to prevent accidents and hold impaired drivers accountable.
Always remember to prioritize your safety when making a report. If you have questions about how to report a drunk driver or need legal help after an accident, reach out to Levine And Wiss.
With over 100 years of combined legal experience and millions of dollars recovered in settlements and verdicts, our dedicated legal team will fight for you. To explore your legal options and start your path to justice, call us today for a free consultation.
