How to Defuse a Hostile Situation After a Drunk Driving Accident
A drunk driving accident can turn volatile in a heartbeat.
Most drunk drivers know that they’re in trouble when an accident happens — whether the car they hit is a wreck or someone is injured. However, the alcohol may impair their ability to think clearly — which means you can’t rely on a rational response. The driver may blame you for the accident and the legal predicament that he or she is now in.
If you don’t take the right steps, the hostility can escalate into violence — which can put you and your passengers in additional danger. To keep the aftermath of a drunk driving accident under control, take the following steps:
- Call the police immediately
Don’t announce your intentions to the drunk driver and don’t make any comments to the driver about his or her inebriated condition. You can rest assured that the police officer will notice — or you can express your thoughts to the officer privately once he or she arrives.
You don’t want to draw the drunk driver’s attention to the problems that he or she faces with the police unnecessarily.
- Remain calm if you’re blamed
You never want to respond to an angry drunk driver with the anger of your own — no matter how justified your anger might be. That will only make the situation worse and put you in more potential danger.
Keep composed and listen to what the other driver is saying. Don’t acknowledge any blame for the car accident, but it’s okay to listen and let the driver vent. Remind yourself that you don’t need to worry about the other driver’s opinion about your responsibility for the situation — that’s something the police will ultimately determine.
- Try to redirect the drunk driver’s attention
When someone is inebriated, it’s often useful to redirect that person’s attention away from whatever is causing his or her anger.
Suggest that it might be a good idea for the drunk driver to turn on his or her hazard lights to warn other drivers to go around. Once that’s accomplished, make a point of getting your license and registration ready and suggest that the drunk driver should do the same.
Once the police or paramedics arrive, step back and let the authorities handle the situation — while you focus your attention on the health and safety of everyone in your vehicle.
Source: autoinsurancequote.com, “Three Tips For Handling An Angry Driver After An Accident Happens,” accessed May 02, 2018
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