Impaired Driving
Impaired driving occurs when a motor vehicle driver's coordination, reaction time, and overall driving ability is reduced due to the use of drugs and/or alcohol. Most states have specific legal terms that refer to different types and levels of impaired driving. Impaired driving is illegal under U.S. law.
Fast Facts
- 2005: 39% of fatal crashes involved alcohol1
- Drivers are less likely to use seat belts after drinking alcohol 1
- 2006: 13,470 fatalities in crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver 2
- Punishments include: Jail time, loss of license, fines, mandatory addiction counseling, community service
- Blood Alcohol Concentration: Percentage of alcohol in the blood by volume
- All states consider a Blood Alcohol Concentration of 0.08% or higher illegal
Common Synonyms
- DUI: Driving under the influence
- DWI: Driving while intoxicated/impaired
- OWI: Operating while intoxicated/impaired
- OVI: Operating a vehicle under the influence
- BWI: Boating while intoxicated/impaired
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