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View Full Version : Probably not a drunk driver, but acting like it?


TheRiddler
11-18-2009, 02:16 PM
I've often seen the signs on the freeway that say, "Report drunk drivers, call 911." Today I came across an older driver that had difficulty driving straight.
I first noticed him as he was approaching me from behind since he was straddling two lanes. I let him pass me and followed him until my exit, debating whether or not to call 911.
He never straddled two lanes again, but he did swerve a few times in a way that was more than simply drifting inside of a lane. He made jerky movements, as if he suddenly realized he was drifting over. He could have just been tired.
I decided he wasn't a big enough danger and passed him without calling him in. Of course, right as I did so he almost changed lanes into the back of my truck.

My question is, would you (the CHP) still want us (the average citizen) to call in a driver like this? And what would we say? Driver spotted driving erratically? If I felt he was a big enough threat, I would've been willing to stay on the phone with dispatch and follow him to help CHP find him.

HIPCHIP
11-18-2009, 02:38 PM
The driver could be having a medical problem, IE heart attack, diabetic problem, stroke, etc, so it's always a good idea to call in something that could be a danger to that driver or others. Better safe than sorry, and as long as you can justify why you're calling, it should be no problem. Even if it turned out he was just falling asleep, it's better that he be stopped and woken up than to have the driver fall asleep and injure themselves and/or someone else.

If it were me, based on your description of the circumstances, I would have called .

ze
11-18-2009, 06:46 PM
I like the idea of people calling, if it's safe to do so I will try to stop the vehicle. I agree that it's better to be safe than sorry. The elderly drive drunk too.

Reader
11-19-2009, 12:21 AM
I work on second shift and see this too often......The last one was a gas tanker.:doh:

I have called in at least 4 times to get an officer out in the area.....I don't know if they were caught.

I do know that I would rather they end up in jail than in a grave.