What is “drunk driving?
While having a single drink before driving can affect driving ability, drunk driving is operating a motor vehicle in a location that is generally accesible to motor vehicles with a blood alcohol contcentration (BAC) that is greater than the legal minumum. This minimum varies as a function of age and severity. Table 1 shows minimum BAC as a function of age and the approximate number drinks consumed that will acheive that level of intoxication. Here “drink” refers to a 12 oz beer, a four oz glass of wine, or a 1 oz shot of 80 proof liquor. Note that these numbers are for a 150 lb male. The BAC level will be higher for females, those under 150 lbs, and those who have consumed alcohol on an empty stomach. These numbers also vary greatly between individuals.
It has been known for decades that alcohol impairment contributes to crashes, but the term “drunk driving” is an inaccurate characterization of the problem of alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes. The first criminal laws targeting this problem prohibited “drunk driving,” encouraging the notion that the problem involved drivers who were visibly drunk. In fact, many alcohol-impaired drivers do not appear drunk. Research has shown that even small amounts of alcohol can impair the skills involved in driving, but the persistent notion that the problem is predominantly one of drunk drivers has allowed many drinking drivers to decide they are not part of the problem. For these reasons, the term “alcohol-impaired driving” is a more accurate and precise description of what is commonly referred to as “drunk driving.
Drunk driving, sometimes called driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI), has two meanings: Driving with a blood alcohol level over the states maximum permissible blood alcohol limit. The limit for adults is 0.08% in all 50 states as of May, 2007. This is due to the fact that in October, 2000, Congress passed a law requiring all states to adopt a limits of 0.08% by 2004 or lose some of their Federal highway funds. Apart from the 0.08% limit, some states have “zero tolerance” limits for young drivers. Most European countries have limits that are far below 0.08%. You may be considered “legally drunk” even though you do not “feel” or look as though you are under the influence” from the alcohol . You may also be guilty of DUI / DWI for driving when your physical abilities are impaired by drugs or a combination of drugs and alcohol. In the eyes of the law, it makes no difference whether the drug is legal or illegal, prescription or over-the-counter. If taking tha
