We are well aware of the common signs of a drunk driver:swerving within the lane, driving on the shoulder of the road, and nearly hitting other objects- but what signs do we miss and what should we do if we see a suspected drunk driver on the road?

Here is a list of useful ways to identify drunk drivers...

Blatant signs of a Drunk Driver. Hugging the Center Lane - Drunk drivers will focus on the lane divider and use it as a guide to prevent swerving. Remaining near the center divider is a good clue that a driver is intoxicated.

2. Nearly hitting objects or passing at unsafe distances - Drunk drivers cannot see clearly so they often end up having close encounters or collisions with mail boxes, parked cars and telephone poles.

3. Swerving from side to side - An intoxicated driver will find his car veering toward one side - the drunk driver will over-correct when they find themselves drifting in the lane. If an individual is showing this type of behavior they are either driving under the influence or suffering fatigue and should not be driving.

4. Driving on the incorrect side of the street, on the shoulder or not staying within the lane - A driver with this type of behavior is nearly a sure sign of drug abuse, intoxication or fatigue and is not safe to be around.

Not as obvious signs of intoxication

5. Making wide turns - while drunk drivers overdue basic tasks because they cannot judge distances.

6. Driving slowly- 10mph or more under the posted speed limit - In an attempt to go undetected an intoxicated driver with drive with extra caution- if you notice a fellow motorist driving 10mph or more under the speed limit watch for other signs of intoxication.

7. Tailgating another vehicle - Tailgating could be a sign of an intoxicated driver staying close to the vehicle in front of them so they may focus on staying in their lane. As they have been drinking, the drivers reaction time is affected and can easily lead to a car accident.

8. Over-Breaking or Frequent Breaking - Happy Breaking is typically ignored as an obnoxious habit, but could be due to an intoxicated driver.

9. Not using headlights - This may actually be a drunk driver not sober enough to notice that he has difficulty seeing.

10. Inconsistent signaling- (ie. using a left signal when turning right)

11. Inappropriate stopping- (ie. Green lights, sidewalks with no pedestrians)

A lot of these signs often go unnoticed and we simply attribute them to an incompetent driver- mumble some disgruntled insults, go around them and continue on our journey. We will often even ignore the obvious cues that a driver has been drinking rather than reporting them to the local police. We try to get away from the driver- speeding and weaving to get as far ahead of them as possible. The proper way to deal with a suspected drunk driver is to not pass them- stay a safe distance behind the driver so as not to be involved in any collision and immediately contact the police.