Guide Note

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

1. 2005: 39% of fatal crashes involved alcohol¹
2. Drivers are less likely to use seat belts after drinking alcohol ¹
3. 2006: 13,470 fatalities in crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver ²
4. Punishments include: Jail time, loss of license, fines, mandatory addiction counseling, community service
5. Blood Alcohol Concentration: Percentage of alcohol in the blood by volume
6. All states consider a Blood Alcohol Concentration of 0.08% or higher illegal

• 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