Drinking and driving is a serious problem in Pennsylvania. In fact, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), 30.5 percent of all total auto accidents in 2013 involved drunk drivers with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of .08 percent or higher. What’s more, there were also 7,900 alcohol-related traffic crash injuries in Pennsylvania.
If you think that a driver on the road might be drunk, or if you are wondering, “how do I report a drunk driver?” then follow the directions below and take hear that you could be saving a life.
Call It In
Call the Non-Emergency Police Number
You can call the non-emergency police number if one of the following situations is true.
- You do not believe that the drunk driver is an immediate threat to anyone
- You do not feel as if the situation is an emergency
- You are unsure whether or not the other driver is drunk
The Pennsylvania State Police Department Headquarter non-emergency number is 717-783-5599.
Dial 911
You can call 911 if the following is true.
- You know for sure that a person is about to enter a car and drive while intoxicated
- You know a person is driving while intoxicated
- A person is driving in a manner that is putting others in immediate danger
However, remember that 911 is an emergency number; calls should not be placed to 911 unless the situation is severe and requires immediate attention. When calling the police, stay calm, and give the operator as much information as possible. Additionally, make sure that you place the call from a safe location, and never use your cell phone while driving.
What to Do When a Drunk Driver Causes an Accident
If you’re involved in an accident with a drunk driver, it’s likely that criminal charges will be filed against the offender. However, if you’ve been injured, you also have the right to pursue a lawsuit (civil charges) if your injuries are severe or if you have full tort car insurance.
If you’re not sure what constitutes serious injuries, or if you have full tort auto insurance, our auto accident attorneys based in Quakertown, Langhorne, and other cities throughout Pennsylvania, can provide you with what you need to know about car crashes. For a consultation that’s free of charge, call Cordisco & Saile LLC now at 215-440-6272.
