Attention Officers - Bad Driving is not Synonymous with DUI
During a recent interview, an anonymous 20-year police veteran disclosed some “secrets” on catching drunk drivers. One of these related to observations about driving. “Some people hang on the white lines on the road in an attempt to drive straight. Others drive too aggressively, and many drive too cautiously or slowly. We’re trained to watch for all the obvious signs of drunk driving, and believe me, if you’re looking, it’s easy to spot someone who’s intoxicated.”
The problem with this is that DUI isn’t the only explanation for bad driving. Officer, please tell me which of those observations isn’t also indicative of a driver who is distracted? Who is tired? Who is in a rush? Who is young and reckless? Or who is simply just a good driver (referring to the observation about “cautious” driving)?
DUI isn’t the only explanation for bad driving, it’s just not. As a Los Angeles DUI defense lawyer, I’ve come across plenty of California Highway Patrol Officers, LAPD, and other local cops who still subscribe to this way of thinking…and every time I still love cross-examining them on this very issue, enjoying the immense satisfaction when they concede my point.
