How to Report a Drunk Driver in TX

So you’re walking down the street, biking around the neighborhood, or driving down the highway, and you see a vehicle moving erratically. You’re thinking about whether you should mind your own business or call the police. Yes – you should. It’s crucial to protect the roads and other road users’ safety by not driving while drunk and reporting a suspected drunk driver to the authorities.

In Texas, you can report a suspected drunk driver by calling The Motorists Helpline at 1-800-525-5555. You can also find this number on the back of your license. If you see a crash or an emergency situation, dial 911 right away. You can report the incident anonymously if you prefer not to disclose your personal information.

Before calling the authorities, you should ideally take the following steps to collect the necessary details (if possible) to give the police a better chance of finding the drunk driver.

Warning Signs of Drunk Driving

In some instances, it can be hard to determine whether a driver is actually drunk or just reckless. While reckless or unsafe driving behaviors don’t guarantee that the driver is drunk, they are still a threat to others’ safety and must be reported. When you’re driving, biking, or walking down the street, particularly at night, you must be extra careful of your surroundings to avoid an accident. Make sure to watch out for:

• Abrupt and sudden turns
• Erratic acceleration and braking
• Slowing down or swerving below the posted speed limit
• A vehicle traveling on the wrong side of the roadway
• A vehicle traveling in both lanes or the center of the roadway
• Failure to properly respond to traffic lights
• Stopping or moving inappropriately in traffic

Details You Need For Reporting a Drunk Driving Incident

Give the operator specific details about the vehicle. The authorities cannot pull over the suspected drunk driver if they do not know what to look for. If possible, collect the following details:

• The vehicle’s color, make, model, and license plate number
• The vehicle’s location, including intersections or street names

If you are not driving, take a photo of the vehicle using your phone. Also, be ready to describe why you reasonably think that the driver is drunk. Describe in detail the unsafe or reckless driving behaviors you witnessed.

What Happens to The Drunk Driver?

Because drunk driving or driving while intoxicated (DWI) is illegal in Texas and all states, the police will try to find the suspected drunk driver and evaluate whether they’re intoxicated. If they reasonably suspect that the driver is intoxicated, they’ll ask the driver to undergo a field sobriety test (FST) and a breath test. If the driver fails the test, they’ll be arrested.

Consult with a Skilled Fort Worth DWI Defense Attorney Now

Facing a DWI charge in Texas? Reach out to the law office of Kyle Whitaker right away. You can explore the best legal options for your case in a consultation with our Fort Worth DWI defense attorney. Call 817-332-7703 or contact us online to schedule your appointment.