It’s not just you: Drivers really have gotten worse in recent years.
At least, that’s what the available data seems to suggest. Even though our cars have become significantly safer, with many features assisting drivers on day-to-day cruises, American drivers have still found a way to become worse at this daily task.
Deadly car accidents have increased since 2013. Not only that, but more technology in cars means a greater share of drivers are distracted. And as the cars themselves get bigger, car accidents in America are more likely to be fatal.
Often, if one sees a poor driver, there’s little they can do apart from calling the authorities. Now, a user on TikTok has documented an improvised solution that three drivers came up with to make sure an unstable driver didn’t cause damage on the road. But is this how you should stop a suspected drunk driver?
How Did These 3 Cars Stop An Alleged Drunk Driver?
In a video with over 7.5 million views, TikTok user K Renee Horton (@robillarddna) shows a white SUV that is driving erratically. The driver has difficulty keeping in the middle of the lane. They veer to the left and right and vary their speed.
According to Horton in a comment, the driver was “drunk” and “actually drinking while driving.”
The highway in front of the erratic SUV is wide open. This is because three cars have decided to trail the SUV with their hazard lights on. The three vehicles are completely blocking all lanes of traffic, preventing any other vehicles from passing them and risking being in the way of the poorly operated SUV.
“There are good people in the world,” Horton writes in the text overlaying the video.
In an email, Horton told BroBible the incident took play “between Metairie and Kenner LA on I-10 heading west.”
“I was behind them for 6 mins. Other drivers said they were behind them for 10 min. They exited onto another interstate,” she wrote.
Despite multiple people calling the police, Horton says she “never saw the police respond” and “wasn’t able to find anything later about the incident.”
“I shared the video because it captured something powerful in real time, strangers instinctively coming together to protect one another and prevent a dangerous situation from becoming even worse,” she concluded. “In a moment that could have ended tragically, people chose collective responsibility over indifference. My hope is that viewers take away the reminder that community still matters. Even in difficult or unpredictable moments, ordinary people can work together to protect lives and look out for one another.”
What Should You Do If You See A Drunk Driver On The Road?
If you’re driving and see someone driving erratically, it’s advisable to take action to protect your safety and the safety of those around you.
That said, this action does not generally involve blocking the freeway.
Instead, the Law Offices of Kenneth Berger suggest taking a few steps to make sure the suspected impaired driver is stopped.
The first step is ensuring your own safety. Make sure everyone in your vehicle has their seatbelt buckled, and maintain a safe distance. This may include leaving the road if possible.
Second, one should report the incident to the police by calling 911. When talking with the 911 operator, report as much information as possible. This can include the make, model, license plate number, the exact nature of the driver’s behavior, their approximate location, and the direction the driver was headed.
For her part, Horton responded to a comment claiming to be one of the drivers of the three cars, saying that she, too, reported the vehicle. However, the driver managed to exit the freeway. It is unclear if they were eventually apprehended by police.
Should You Try To Stop The Car?
While Horton may be enthusiastic about the other drivers’ attempts to prevent the driver from causing damage, this goes against the advice of most experts. The emotional and physical state of drivers suspected to be under the influence can be volatile. That’s why experts instead advise not interacting—including not blocking the freeway.
In a situation like this, a 911 operator will advise you about the best steps to take to make sure the suspect is apprehended. This typically involves providing accurate information about the car, location, and driver’s behavior.
Attempting to stop the driver is, generally speaking, a bad idea. Engaging with the driver risks putting you and other drivers at risk. Instead, leave the apprehension of the driver to the professionals and follow the advice of your 911 operator.
Commenters Support The Drivers
Regardless of its advisability, many commenters commended the three drivers for taking action.
“This ain’t just good people. This is smart as h—,” wrote a user.
“Protecting everyone against drunk driver, respect,” echoed another.
“They understood the assignment,” shared a third.