If you suspect that you’re sharing the road with a drunk driver, it’s essential to gather as much information as possible about them and their vehicle and call 911 to report it.

Drunk drivers are a danger to themselves and others. Whether you notice a stranger driving recklessly out on the road or someone you know gets behind the wheel after a few drinks, reporting them can be lifesaving.

Here to walk you through how to report a drunk driver is

Jerry

, the

trustworthy broker app

that saves drivers time and money when shopping for

car insurance

"I’m earning

awesome rewards

every week, just for driving safe!”

How to report a drunk driver

Drunk driving is incredibly dangerous, and it’s essential to report drunk drivers to local law enforcement as soon as possible.

Before doing anything, take the time to ensure your own safety. Stay a safe distance from the vehicle you suspect is being operated by a drunk driver and do not attempt to pass them or ride next to them. Do not try to follow the vehicle or detain the driver. If you are a passenger in the vehicle, demand that the driver pull over to the side of the road and let you out.

Once you’re safe and able, use your cell phone to contact your local law enforcement agency’s emergency line by dialing 911. Since prompt action is essential, do not waste time by attempting to contact a non-emergency number.

The dispatcher will ask you for as much information as you can provide. Even if you know very little about the seemingly impaired driver, any and all of the following information can be incredibly helpful:

Any information you have about the suspected drunk driver, including a physical description

The motor vehicle’s license plate number

A description of the vehicle, including make, model, color, etc.

The location of the vehicle, including the nearest intersections and direction of travel

A description of the motorist’s driving behavior

MORE:

How to report dangerous driving

Jerry Rating

Jerry Rating

Jerry Rating

Jerry Rating

Make safe driving pay

Get rewarded for safe driving. Earn points and unlock benefits. Totally free.

Start earning now

How to recognize drunk driving behavior

How, exactly, can you tell that another driver is under the influence of alcohol? Here are a few erratic driving behaviors to look out for:

Sudden acceleration or deceleration

Sudden or erratic braking

Tailgating or following too closely

Driving without headlights at night

Weaving, swerving, or drifting

Ignoring traffic signals or slowly responding to them

Signaling that is inconsistent with driving

Abrupt or wide turns

Driving significantly above or below the speed limit

Straddling the center lane marker

Driving on the wrong side of the road

Collisions with curbs, objects, or vehicles

Fleeing the scene of a car accident

Of course, you may be able to stop a drunk person from driving before they get behind the wheel of a car. If you notice a friend or loved one has had several drinks and indicates their intention to drive, do what you can to de-escalate the situation and prevent drunk driving.

You may suggest they take a cab or Uber, offer them a ride, or encourage them to sober up before leaving. If all else fails, call law enforcement and report them as quickly as possible. It’s better for your friend to be arrested than injured or killed.

What is the penalty for a DUI?

Once you report a drunk driver, law enforcement officials will hopefully locate the suspect and issue a sobriety test, either on the side of the road or back at the police station. If there is evidence of impairment, the driver will likely be arrested for driving under the influence, commonly called a DUI.

Exact punishments for a DUI vary from state to state. They may also change depending on the driver’s history. Repeat offenders generally face harsher consequences.

Finally, exact penalties may depend on the severity of the offense. In some states, for example, DUIs are differentiated from DWIs, or driving while intoxicated. Typically, whether you are issued a DUI or DWI depends on your blood alcohol level. However, in some states, these terms are used interchangeably.

Typical penalties for DUIs and DWIs include:

Fines

License suspension or revocation

Jail time

Points on your license

Mandatory driver safety courses

MORE:

What is a DUI? (DUI vs. DWI)

How to find cheap car insurance

A great

car insurance

policy is essential for protecting yourself against drunk drivers, but you don’t need to spend an arm and a leg.

If you want to save money on car insurance, the

Jerry

app is a good place to start. A licensed broker, Jerry does all the hard work of finding cheap quotes from the top name-brand insurance companies and buying new car insurance. Jerry will even help you cancel your old policy.

And to ensure you always have the lowest rate, Jerry will send you new quotes every time your policy comes up for renewal, so you’re always getting the coverage you want at the best price. This level of service is why Jerry earned a 4.7/5 rating on the App Store and became the top insurance app in the country.

“I’ve gotten pulled over a few times in the past. With
Jerry
, the police never had an issue verifying my insurance. The app is convenient, easy, and cheap!” —Dalton T.

RECOMMENDED

Haven’t shopped for insurance in the last six months? There might be hundreds $$$ in savings waiting for you.

Judith switched to Progressive

Saved $725 annually

Alexander switched to Travelers

Saved $834 annually

Annie switched to Nationwide

Saved $668 annually

FAQs

Can you report drunk driving anonymously?

Yes—when you call 911, you may make a report anonymously. If the dispatcher asks for your information, politely decline to provide it. You will still be assisted as normal.

Should you call 911 if you see a drunk driver?

Yes—call 911 as soon as possible if you suspect that someone is driving under the influence. They will be able to direct your call to the correct authorities as quickly as possible.

Are you overpaying for car insurance?

Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.

Try Jerry