Law Enforcement Officers Are Watching for Impaired Drivers

Keeping the roads safe is one of the priorities for police officers who are on patrol. One of the hazards that they have to try to fight on a daily basis is drunk drivers. Each time a drunk driver is able to operate a vehicle on the road, they can put themselves and others in danger.

As the Memorial Day weekend approaches, anyone who is going to be around alcohol needs to remember that they can face criminal charges if they try to drive anywhere after having a few drinks. With the increases in patrols that come with holiday weekends and the summer months, knowing what police officers look for when they are trying to spot impaired drivers can help you immensely.

One point to remember in these cases is that police officers don't have to have probable cause to stop your vehicle. They only need reasonable suspicion, which is a much lower standard. This means that they can initiate the stop even if they only notice that you have one of the following signs of impaired driving.

• Drifting between lanes or straddling the centerline

• Almost hitting things on the side of the road

• Braking frequently or unnecessarily

• Driving too fast or too slow for conditions

• Making illegal turns or failing to obey traffic signs and signals

If you are pulled over for any reason, make sure that you remember your rights. Make mental notes of what happens so that you can determine if there are any civil rights violations or anything else you can use in your defense strategy. Sometimes, these can be key components in your case.