One of the leading causes of vehicle accidents in New York and the rest of the United States is drunk driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, over 10,000 people a year die directly due to this societal menace. Not only is it important for all of us to ensure our own sobriety before getting behind the wheel, it is also important to know what to do if you happen to encounter a driver you suspect is inebriated.

Should you see a driver you suspect is under the influence, the first thing to do is ensure your own safety so that you do not become a statistic. Make sure that you stay far away from the vehicle in question. The second thing to do is try to get as many identifying markers as you can from the vehicle. If you are close enough to see the license plate, this information is very helpful. Other useful things to note are the car's make, model, color, or any distinguishing features like rust spots or cracked bumpers or windows.

Once you have this information, pull off the road and call 911. Give the police all of the information you have regarding the vehicle, as well as your current location. If you are familiar with the area and believe you know where do you drunk driver may be headed, tell the operator this as well.

With this information, law enforcement can get to work and ensure that the inebriated driver is taken off the road. To keep our roads safe, we all must work together.