Common Reasons for a DUI Stop

It seems we can't go more than a week of night time driving without seeing someone on the side of the road undergoing some kind of questioning. I'd say in the past month I've seen three people taking what is commonly known as "field sobriety tests," on the side of the road. I always ask myself, what did they do to get themselves there? After a little research, the answer(s) is surprisingly obvious. Below, I'll detail some of the common reasons for which people are pulled over and sometimes ultimately arrested for a DUI.

If you've ever watched an episode of "Cops," then you know the most common side effect of drunk driving is weaving in and out of your lane. This is exaggerated, like most things on TV, but it has its roots in reality. Often drunk drivers are staying in their lane, but the keep "touching" the boundaries. In effect they are like a pinball, bouncing from side to side in an effort to stay in their lane. This is a cue to the police that the person's coordination might be impaired, as they cannot keep a straight line with their eyes.

Next are what are known as "judgment" impairments. These basically include making simple and common mistakes that are slight traffic infractions. Rolling through a red light when making a right turn, changing lanes without a signal, and accelerating too rapidly are all things which are minor infractions on their own, but are cues to an officer that the person might be impaired if they are making several judgment mistakes. The best way to avoid this issue is simply to take your time at night; even if you're in a hurry, since just a few beers can put you over the technical limit, drive slowly and carefully to avoid drawing attention to yourself.

The last common mistake I'll go over is failure to maintain a speed. Many drunk drivers enter a heightened state of paranoia where they will drive fine with one mistake: they will spend way too much time in the mirror! They may be straight within the lines, and driving according to all necessary statutes, but it's too much to watch the road, the mirror, and the speedometer all at the same time. If the speed limit is 45, they will consistently wander below 43 or so, and then speed back up to around 46. This is a cue that a person is both not focusing on what they should be, and that they are probably impaired if they are having a hard time keeping their foot in one position.

If you find yourself arrested for a DUI or DWI, contact a DUI attorney. A DUI lawyer will often offer a free consultation on your case to determine if there are mitigating circumstances which may allow your penalties to be reduced or your case to be thrown out altogether. Don't go it alone; hire an experienced DUI attorney.