Here's How to Spot a Drunk Driver in the DC Area This Labor Day Weekend

WASHINGTON, DC — We know how to have a great Labor Day celebration in the D.C. area. The federal holiday represents the unofficial end to summer and one last excuse to fire up the grill before it gets too cold to do so -- but it is also one of the most dangerous holidays to be on the road. There are a few ways you can spot a drunk driver in order to both avoid the dangerous driver and report him or her to the authorities, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving has listed a few of those ways.

For one thing, drunk drivers tend to be very erratic. If you see someone quickly accelerate or decelerate, or the driver is weaving all over the road, that's a solid sign that someone is impaired.

Drunk drivers don't tend to have very good control of their vehicles, which is what makes them so dangerous. You might see them driving somewhere other than on the road, or they may almost strike a curb or another vehicle.

They also aren't the most alert drivers. You'll see them casually drifting in and out of traffic lanes, not seeming to be aware of what they're doing. They'll also be slow to respond to traffic signals, either suddenly coming to a stop at a red or having a delayed reaction to a green light.

Drunk drivers are bad communicators. You might see them signal in ways that are totally inconsistent with their actions behind the wheel.

The speed at which they drive can also be a clue. Drunk drivers often drive quite slowly, more than 10 miles per hour below the speed limit in fact -- perhaps because they are aware they are drunk and are hoping to avoid suspicion.

If you see some of these signs, call the police and report their location, as well as license plate number and other identifying details so an officer can investigate and possibly get a drunk driver off the road before a deadly accident happens.

MADD says that one person dies in a crash caused by a drunk driver every 51 minutes, but on Labor Day weekend, that figure increases to one every 34 minutes -- so your vigilance could help save a life.

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