Which type of behavior might indicate drivers have been drinking?

Sudden stops and swerves are indicative of impaired driving behavior, often associated with alcohol consumption. When drivers have been drinking, their coordination, judgment, and reaction times can be significantly affected. This can lead to erratic driving patterns, such as making abrupt turns or sudden stops in an attempt to react to perceived hazards that may not be present or are over-exaggerated due to impairment. These actions signal to law enforcement that the driver may be under the influence, as they reflect a lack of control and poor decision-making that is not typically seen in sober drivers.

In contrast, deliberate acceleration, obeying all traffic signals, and driving at a steady speed are generally signs of responsible driving behavior. These actions indicate awareness and control, which are typically not characteristic of someone who has been consuming alcohol. Thus, the erratic behavior of sudden stops and swerves stands out as a clear warning sign of potential impairment.