MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

What is a typical reaction when a driver starts weaving on the road?

1. Take note and continue driving

2. Pull over the vehicle and check for OWI

3. Call for a traffic monitoring unit

4. Ignore, as it could be an innocent mistake

The correct answer is: Pull over the vehicle and check for OWI

A typical reaction when a driver starts weaving on the road is to pull over the vehicle and check for Operating While Intoxicated (OWI). Weaving is often a key indicator of impaired driving, as it suggests that the driver may be struggling to maintain control of the vehicle. Law enforcement officers are trained to recognize such erratic behavior as a potential sign of intoxication or other forms of impairment, which poses a significant risk to public safety. By pulling over the vehicle, the officer can conduct checks to assess the driver's condition, including the possibility of alcohol or drug impairment. This proactive approach is critical in preventing potential accidents that could result from a driver who is unable to operate their vehicle safely due to intoxication. In contrast, taking note and continuing to drive, calling for a traffic monitoring unit, or ignoring the behavior all fail to address the immediate threat that a weaving driver poses. Such options would not be appropriate responses in a situation that may involve intoxicated driving, where timely intervention can make a significant difference in safeguarding both the driver and others on the road.