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Safety Tips for Drivers on Millennium New Year's Eve

22 October 1999

Safety Tips for Drivers on Millennium New Year's Eve; Experts Tell How to Spot and Avoid Drunk Drivers

    KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa., Oct. 21 -- As you prepare to usher in
the new millennium, you may be among the many who will drive to their New
Year's Eve destinations.  But with all the celebrating that's expected to
accompany this special night, can you travel safely without becoming a drunk
driver's next victim?
    "There's a misconception that if you drive on New Year's Eve, you're
turning yourself into a helpless victim," says Phil Moser, a regional manager
with Advanced Driver Training Services, Inc. (ADTS).  In reality, there are
ways to spot and avoid drunk drivers on the road, say experts of the company,
which provides safety training for thousands of corporate drivers annually.
    Most people are familiar with the obvious indications, like speeding,
drifting across lanes and erratic braking.  "But there are other telltale
signs that should alert you that a driver might be drunk -- and specific
tactics you can use to stay out of harm's way," says Moser, a former police
officer and an ADTS instructor.  If you're planning to drive on New Year's
Eve, keep these tips in mind.
-- Watch for high beams.  It's often a sign of a drunk driver, Moser says.
And while you might be tempted to flash a high beaming car, be careful not to
overdo it.  The driver could be distracted by the flashing lights and swerve
into your lane.
-- Look for other headlight problems.  Drunk drivers often travel with their
headlights off or their parking lights on.  Some turn on an interior light to
adjust the heat or radio, then forget to turn the light off.  If you spot
these signs in an oncoming car, move to the right-hand lane as quickly (and
safely) as possible.
-- Never pass a driver you suspect is drunk.  Many people believe it's best to
get away from an erratic driver by passing him or her.  "Nothing could be
further from the truth," Moser says.  "You want to keep that driver in front
of you, where you can see and react to problems."  To create some distance
between yourself and a drunk driver, safely pull into a parking lot, wait a
few minutes, then proceed.
-- Lose that tailgater.  It may be a drunk driver who's using your tail lights
as a focal point.  To lose the tailgater, make a right-hand turn when you can
do so safely.  Most drivers under the influence won't be able to respond fast
enough to follow you.
-- Keep your distance at intersections.  Drunk drivers tend to cut the corners
short or wide.  While it's always a good idea to stay one or two car lengths
back from an intersection, on New Year's Eve you should make it three car
lengths.
-- Don't pull off to the shoulder unless you have no choice.  A drunk driver
can easily mistake your tail lights for moving traffic and may drift onto the
shoulder, as if it was a driving lane.
-- Remain on alert after sunrise.  "Many people will try to `sleep off' the
alcohol, then start driving at daybreak," Moser notes.  "But if they've had
too much to drink, they still can be driving under the influence."  So keep
your "radar" on, even if you're traveling during the morning hours.

    ADTS (King of Prussia, PA) provides driver safety training and related
services for many of America's largest corporations.  Company representatives
are available for further comment at 1-800-486-2387 or adtsinc@aol.com.