DUI

Driving Under the Influence (DUI), also known as driving while intoxicated (DWI), drunk driving, or impaired driving, is the offense of operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or other drugs (including recreational drugs and those prescribed by physicians), to a level that renders the driver incapable of operating a motor vehicle safely.

Overview

The specific criminal offense may be called, depending on the jurisdiction, "driving under the influence" (DUI), "driving while intoxicated" (DWI), "operating while intoxicated" (OWI), or a similar term. Despite the terminology used, these offenses generally apply to operating a vehicle while affected by alcohol or drugs, including prescription medications that impair the driver's abilities.

Legal Limits

Most jurisdictions have legal limits for Blood Alcohol Content (BAC), beyond which a driver is considered to be driving under the influence. These limits vary but typically fall at or below 0.08% BAC. Some jurisdictions have lower limits for commercial drivers and drivers under the legal drinking age.

Effects of Alcohol and Drugs on Driving

Alcohol and drugs can significantly impair various skills necessary for safe driving, such as reaction time, coordination, judgment, and the ability to track moving objects. The risk of a motor vehicle crash increases significantly when a driver is impaired.

Penalties

Penalties for DUI offenses can include fines, license suspension, and imprisonment. The severity of the penalties generally depends on the jurisdiction, the driver's BAC level, and whether the driver has previous DUI convictions. Some jurisdictions also require offenders to undergo alcohol or drug rehabilitation programs.

Prevention

Efforts to prevent DUI include strict enforcement of DUI laws, sobriety checkpoints, and public education campaigns. Many jurisdictions also have laws that prohibit the sale of alcohol to visibly intoxicated persons and the public consumption of alcohol.

See Also

• Alcohol laws
• Sobriety checkpoint
• Blood Alcohol Content
• Field sobriety testing

External Links

• [National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) - Impaired Driving](https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving)
• [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Impaired Driving](https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/impaired_driving/index.html)