Typical Reasons for Being Pulled Over
Typical Driving Patterns of Impaired Drivers:
Connecticut Police Officers are trained to look for these specific patterns and driving behaviors as indicators of impaired driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's DWI-DUI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Manual identifies twenty-seven specific driving patterns and behaviors as traits and indicators of drunk and impaired drivers. Avoiding these patterns will help minimize your chances of coming under suspicion for DUI:
- Turning with a wide radius
- Straddling center or lane marker
- Appearing to be intoxicated
- Eye fixation
- Tightly gripping the steering wheel
- Slouching in the seat
- Gesturing erratically or obscenely
- Face close to the windshield
- Drinking in the vehicle
- Driver's head protruding from the vehicle
- Almost striking object or vehicle
- Weaving
- Driving on other than designated roadway
- Swerving
- Speed slower than 10 mph below limit
- Stopping in lane for no apparent reason
- Following too closely
- Drifting
- Tires on center or lane marker
- Braking erratically
- Driving into opposing or crossing traffic
- Slow response to traffic signals
- Signaling inconsistent with driving actions
- Stopping inappropriately (other than in a traffic lane)
- Turning abruptly or illegally
- Accelerating or decelerating rapidly
- Headlights off at night
Inoperative or Defective Vehicle Equipment:
Prior to driving your car, to make a routine check of your:
- brake lights,
- head lights,
- license plate lights, and
- turn signals.
Obey All Traffic Laws and Speed Limits:
Come to full and complete stops rather than California ( rolling ) stops. Avoid driving more than 10 miles per hour above or below the speed limit.
Driving During Specific Hours:
After 12 a. m. be especially cautious. Connecticut Police Officers avidly scan the roadways for late night drivers whom they suspect of being intoxicated and impaired.
