Law enforcement is constantly on the hunt for motorists driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs and alcohol. After all, an inebriated driver is a safety concern not just for themselves, but for others. Interestingly enough, I learned about one of the absent-minded behaviors police officers look for among drunk drivers.
Police officers look for more than swerving when searching the streets for drunk drivers
Years ago, I accompanied a police officer in a major Central Texas city on a ride-along. The police officer, let’s call him Officer Pete, seemed pleased that I was willing to share his shift with him. The experience covered Officer Pete’s entire shift, starting early afternoon and running into the next morning.
During the ride along, the Texas law enforcement officer (LEO) pulled over motorists, responded to emergency calls, and assisted with a vehicle rollover crash . However, Officer Pete was always looking for drunk drivers as night fell. Now, My first inclination was to look for swerving or sluggishness. However, Pete told me that he tends to look for lights. Or a lack thereof.
That’s right; he and several of his cohorts claimed they look for drivers who neglect to turn on their vehicle’s lights in the dark. Forgetting to turn on your headlights happens. However, the neglectfulness of driving in complete darkness could be due to intoxication. In fact, Officer Pete pulled over one motorist for just that reason. However, the driver was simply forgetful, not inebriated…