Drunk drivers are a deadly hazard on Colorado roadways. If you spot a drunk driver, you should report them to the police if you can do so safely. Keep reading to learn how to report drunk drivers in Colorado and how a Denver car accident lawyer can help if you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident.
Where to Report a Drunk Driver
A few options are available for reporting drunk drivers in Colorado. Before reporting a drunk driver, make sure you pull off the road and that you’re in a safe spot.
Once you know you’re safe, you can call 911 to report the drunk driver to the nearest law enforcement agency. You can also call *CSP (star 277) to reach the Colorado State Patrol, or you can go straight to their drunk driving hotline by dialing *DUI (star 384).
Signs of Drunk Driving
Here are a few drunk driving warning signs to look out for:
- Wide turns
- Accelerating or slowing down in a rapid, erratic manner
- Swerving or weaving through traffic
- Tailgating
- Speeding or driving too slowly for traffic
- Straddling the lane markers
- Driving at night with no headlights
- Other erratic maneuvers
Details to Provide When Reporting a Drunk Driver
It’s important to be as detailed as possible when reporting a drunk driver. Be sure to include the following information when you talk to law enforcement:
- The precise location of the driver, including the road you saw them on, their direction, and any nearby mile markers
- A thorough description of the vehicle, including its make, model, and color
- The vehicle’s license plate number, if possible
- A description of the driver’s actions and behavior
Steps to Report a Colorado Drunk Driver
Here are the basic steps for reporting a drunk driver in Colorado:
- Protect yourself at all times. Don’t get too close to a drunk driver, as you may wind up in an accident. Instead of trying to pass a drunk driver, back off and let them drive away.
- Collect information about the driver’s vehicle. Note the vehicle’s color, make, model, and other identifying features, such as whether its lights are on.
- Note the precise location of the vehicle and the direction it’s traveling. The more detailed information you can give police, the quicker and easier it will be to find the drunk driver.
- Call 911. Don’t try to deal with a drunk driver yourself. Instead, pass along whatever information you have to the police and let them handle the situation. Your most important job is to stay safe.
FAQs About Reporting Drunk Drivers
Here are some of the most frequent questions we get about reporting drunk drivers in Colorado:
Reporting Drunk Drivers
When you see an impaired driver, should you stay behind them?
Get the information you need to report the drunk driver and then back off, so you don’t end up in an accident. Don’t try to chase the drunk driver or pass them.
What happens if you report a drunk driver?
The Colorado State Patrol or the nearest law enforcement agency will take your information and try to find the driver. Hopefully, they’ll be able to find the offending driver before anything terrible happens, but that’s not your responsibility.
Can I anonymously report a drunk driver?
You are not required to give your name when reporting a drunk driver.
Can you report a drunk driver after the fact?
It’s best to let the police know about a drunk driver as soon as possible, but your most important job is to stay safe. You can report a drunk driver after you get home and are safely off the road.
Could there be repercussions for reporting a drunk driver?
You could be asked to testify against a drunk driver if you reported them, but if you make your report anonymously, there are usually little to no repercussions for reporting a drunk driver.
Hurt by a Drunk Driver? Our Lawyers Can Help
Drunk driving is negligent driving. At the Olson Law Firm, LLC, the Colorado injury attorneys can help you seek fair compensation for your injuries and other losses if a drunk driver has injured you. Get a free initial consultation by calling our office, visiting our contact page, or using our live chat service.
