Information about Drunk Driving, DUI, DWI and OWI
Due to the efforts of advocacy groups like MADD, the penalties and consequences of driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and drugs have gotten much stiffer.
Why You Should Never Drink and Drive
It's not a question of whether you are legally intoxicated, it's a question of whether or not it is safe to drive when you have consumed any amount of alcohol. Research shows that impairment begins long before a person reaches the blood alcohol concentration level of .08.
It's not a question of whether you are legally intoxicated, it's a question of whether or not it is safe to drive when you have consumed any amount of alcohol. Research shows that impairment begins long before a person reaches the blood alcohol concentration level of .08.
Drunk Driving Email Course
Sign up for this four-day email course to learn why driving while drinking is dangerous, the penalties and costs of driving while intoxicated, why the penalties have increased, and the implications of an alcohol evaluation.
Sign up for this four-day email course to learn why driving while drinking is dangerous, the penalties and costs of driving while intoxicated, why the penalties have increased, and the implications of an alcohol evaluation.
The Penalties and Costs of Drunk Driving
In case you haven't noticed, the penalties for drinking and driving have gotten a lot tougher thanks to groups like MADD. Even for first offenders, the costs of a drunk driving conviction can add up quickly.
In case you haven't noticed, the penalties for drinking and driving have gotten a lot tougher thanks to groups like MADD. Even for first offenders, the costs of a drunk driving conviction can add up quickly.
Will Your Drinking Be Evaluated?
If someone is arrested for drunk driving, most states make the assumption that the person has a drinking problem and they mandate alcohol evaluation, education and treatment before restoring driving privileges.
If someone is arrested for drunk driving, most states make the assumption that the person has a drinking problem and they mandate alcohol evaluation, education and treatment before restoring driving privileges.
DUI and Alcohol Evaluation
If you have been arrested for drunk driving, in most states at some point you will be evaluated to find out if you have a drinking problem that may require treatment. This quiz is an example of the questions you will be asked and the results you may receive from the evaluation.
If you have been arrested for drunk driving, in most states at some point you will be evaluated to find out if you have a drinking problem that may require treatment. This quiz is an example of the questions you will be asked and the results you may receive from the evaluation.
What Do You Do to Stop Friends From Driving Drunk?
Driving after you have been drinking is never a good idea, but how about when someone who is obviously intoxicated thinks they are OK?
Driving after you have been drinking is never a good idea, but how about when someone who is obviously intoxicated thinks they are OK?
State by State Drunk Driving Laws
Laws regarding drunk driving vary from state to state. These pages explain the highlights of the laws of each state in the U.S. for driving under the influence, driving while intoxicated or operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
Laws regarding drunk driving vary from state to state. These pages explain the highlights of the laws of each state in the U.S. for driving under the influence, driving while intoxicated or operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
The Dangers of Driving While Intoxicated
The likelihood of having an "accident" increases with every drink a driver takes. Here are the cold, hard facts.
The likelihood of having an "accident" increases with every drink a driver takes. Here are the cold, hard facts.
How Does a Drunk Driving Conviction Affect Your Insurance?
If you are convicted of drunk driving, in most states your automobile insurance rates are likely going to go up for at least three years and you will probably be learning at lot about something called SR-22.
If you are convicted of drunk driving, in most states your automobile insurance rates are likely going to go up for at least three years and you will probably be learning at lot about something called SR-22.
DUI vs DWI?
The difference between DUI and DWI explained by the About.com Alcoholism Guide.
The difference between DUI and DWI explained by the About.com Alcoholism Guide.
Terms Associated With Drunk Driving
This list includes some of the legal terms and acronyms associated with drunk driving cases, also known as driving under the influence, driving while intoxicated and driving while impaired.
This list includes some of the legal terms and acronyms associated with drunk driving cases, also known as driving under the influence, driving while intoxicated and driving while impaired.
Website Review: FullApologies.com
FullApologies.com was created to show the impact of driving while under the influence of alcohol.
FullApologies.com was created to show the impact of driving while under the influence of alcohol.
State Driver's Records Agencies
Request your driver's record directly from the department of transportation or motor vehicles division.
Request your driver's record directly from the department of transportation or motor vehicles division.
Minimum Drinking Age of 21 Saves Lives
A comprehensive study on the minimum drinking age found that laws prohibiting the consumption of alcohol by people under the age of 21 have significantly reduced alcohol-related fatal vehicle crashes.
A comprehensive study on the minimum drinking age found that laws prohibiting the consumption of alcohol by people under the age of 21 have significantly reduced alcohol-related fatal vehicle crashes.
Hidden Costs of Treating Drunk Drivers Uncovered
The economic impact on society of alcohol-impaired driving was thought to be well documented and all too apparent, but researchers at the Injury Prevention Center have discovered another way drunk drivers increase healthcare costs.
The economic impact on society of alcohol-impaired driving was thought to be well documented and all too apparent, but researchers at the Injury Prevention Center have discovered another way drunk drivers increase healthcare costs.
Survey: Drugged Drivers Outnumber Drunks
Almost one out of every six drivers you meet on the highway at night on the weekends are driving under the influence of some kind of drugs.
Almost one out of every six drivers you meet on the highway at night on the weekends are driving under the influence of some kind of drugs.
Immediate License Suspension Saves Lives
State drunk driving laws that allow the immediate suspension of a driver's license for failing a breath test save 800 lives a year and serves as a deterrent to driving while intoxicated, according to a comprehensive, 26-year study.
State drunk driving laws that allow the immediate suspension of a driver's license for failing a breath test save 800 lives a year and serves as a deterrent to driving while intoxicated, according to a comprehensive, 26-year study.
Ignition Locks Effective For First-Time DWI Offenders
A study of more than 19,000 first-time drunk driving offenders found that interlocks that prevent the vehicle from starting if the driver has been drinking can dramatically reduce driving while intoxicated charges.
A study of more than 19,000 first-time drunk driving offenders found that interlocks that prevent the vehicle from starting if the driver has been drinking can dramatically reduce driving while intoxicated charges.
5 States Mandate Ignition Locks for First Offenders
Laws have gone into effect in six states that will require drivers convicted of drunk driving to install ignition interlock devices in their vehicles.
Laws have gone into effect in six states that will require drivers convicted of drunk driving to install ignition interlock devices in their vehicles.
Many Drunk Drivers Are Not Problem Drinkers
Not all drunk drivers are problem drinkers, so prevention efforts should be targeted at a wider range of drinkers, not just the chronic heavy drinkers, researchers have concluded.
Not all drunk drivers are problem drinkers, so prevention efforts should be targeted at a wider range of drinkers, not just the chronic heavy drinkers, researchers have concluded.
Many DUI Offenders Have Mental Disorders
Most first-time drunk driving offenders have high rates of other substance abuse as well as other psychiatric disorders and may need enhanced intervention programs that go beyond the conventional alcohol-related programs, the researchers say.
Most first-time drunk driving offenders have high rates of other substance abuse as well as other psychiatric disorders and may need enhanced intervention programs that go beyond the conventional alcohol-related programs, the researchers say.
The War Against Drunk Drivers
In light of the revelation that Princess Diana's driver was drinking, Mothers Against Drunk Driving and other groups are using the incident as ammunition in their war against drunk drivers.
In light of the revelation that Princess Diana's driver was drinking, Mothers Against Drunk Driving and other groups are using the incident as ammunition in their war against drunk drivers.
Victims of Drunk Drivers
The loved ones of those killed by drunken drivers have published many memorial pages on the Internet honoring the victims. There are hundreds of them.
The loved ones of those killed by drunken drivers have published many memorial pages on the Internet honoring the victims. There are hundreds of them.
DUI Victims - Still Suffering
Not all victims of drunk drivers are killed. Many survive the crashes, but for some their lives are changed forever.
Not all victims of drunk drivers are killed. Many survive the crashes, but for some their lives are changed forever.
Drinking Dangerous for Driver and Passengers
Vehicle crash victims who have alcohol in their systems at the time of the crash suffer worse injuries, and are more likely to sustain a severe injury, than those who haven't been drinking, a new study finds.
Vehicle crash victims who have alcohol in their systems at the time of the crash suffer worse injuries, and are more likely to sustain a severe injury, than those who haven't been drinking, a new study finds.
New Breathalyzer-Cellphone Warns Drinkers
A new cellphone with a built-in breathalyzer to test the blood alcohol level of users will not only warn them if they have had too much to drink to drive, it can also be programmed to block them from making embarrassing drunken calls in the middle of the night to ex-girlfriends, parents and bosses.
A new cellphone with a built-in breathalyzer to test the blood alcohol level of users will not only warn them if they have had too much to drink to drive, it can also be programmed to block them from making embarrassing drunken calls in the middle of the night to ex-girlfriends, parents and bosses.
Drunk Drivers Not All 'Problem Drinkers'
Not all drunk drivers are problem drinkers, so prevention efforts should be targeted at a wider range of drinkers, not just the chronic heavy drinkers, researchers have concluded.
Not all drunk drivers are problem drinkers, so prevention efforts should be targeted at a wider range of drinkers, not just the chronic heavy drinkers, researchers have concluded.
Brief Intervention Can Curtail Drunken Driving
Brief intervention -- a series of four short counseling sessions -- can reduce a wide range of harmful drinking habits, including drunken driving arrests, according to a study of trauma center patients in New Mexico.
Brief intervention -- a series of four short counseling sessions -- can reduce a wide range of harmful drinking habits, including drunken driving arrests, according to a study of trauma center patients in New Mexico.
Effectiveness of SCRAM Device Questioned
In response to the Alcoholism / Substance Abuse article 'Ankle Bracelet Measures Blood Alcohol 24/7' Douglas Stellato Kabat, LCSW submitted the following response.
In response to the Alcoholism / Substance Abuse article 'Ankle Bracelet Measures Blood Alcohol 24/7' Douglas Stellato Kabat, LCSW submitted the following response.
A Designated Driver Is Not the 'Least Drunk'
Instead of picking someone to remain sober and be the designated driver, a new study has found that many young people are choosing the "least drunk" of their group to get behind the wheel after a night of drinking.
Instead of picking someone to remain sober and be the designated driver, a new study has found that many young people are choosing the "least drunk" of their group to get behind the wheel after a night of drinking.
Communitiess Can Reduce Drunk Driving Fatalities
Communities can decrease alcohol-related fatal crashes by providing better access to substance abuse treatment while reducing the availability of alcohol in the community.
Communities can decrease alcohol-related fatal crashes by providing better access to substance abuse treatment while reducing the availability of alcohol in the community.
Drunk Driving Increases, Study Shows
After a decline of alcohol-impaired driving throughout most of the 1990s, a new study shows that driving while intoxicated has increased signficantly and researchers believe is linked to an increase in binge drinking.
After a decline of alcohol-impaired driving throughout most of the 1990s, a new study shows that driving while intoxicated has increased signficantly and researchers believe is linked to an increase in binge drinking.
Imaging Study Shows Why Drunk Drivers Are Dangerous
Imaging studies of the brain when it is under the influence of alcohol reveal that different areas of the brain are impaired under high and low levels of alcohol, according to a Yale study.
Imaging studies of the brain when it is under the influence of alcohol reveal that different areas of the brain are impaired under high and low levels of alcohol, according to a Yale study.
Energy-Drink Cocktails Mask Alcohol's Effects
Young people who drink alcohol mixed with "energy drinks" may not feel the effects of their drinking as much, but their motor coordination and visual reaction time are just as impaired, according to a study by Brazilian researchers.
Young people who drink alcohol mixed with "energy drinks" may not feel the effects of their drinking as much, but their motor coordination and visual reaction time are just as impaired, according to a study by Brazilian researchers.
Ad Campaigns Against Drunk Driving May Be Effective
A systematic review of ad campaigns against drunk driving, published in the June issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, suggests these mass media campaigns can reduce alcohol-related car crashes by 13 percent.
A systematic review of ad campaigns against drunk driving, published in the June issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, suggests these mass media campaigns can reduce alcohol-related car crashes by 13 percent.
Alcohol and Trauma
Trauma is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in the United States and alcohol plays a big role in accidents and injuries.
Trauma is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in the United States and alcohol plays a big role in accidents and injuries.
Alcohol-Related Impairment
Alcohol consumption is associated with a wide range of accidents and injuries resulting from impaired performance of complex mental and motor functions.
Alcohol consumption is associated with a wide range of accidents and injuries resulting from impaired performance of complex mental and motor functions.
Alcohol Impairs More Than Motor Skills
The cognitive effects of the alcohol linger well after motor performance is back to alcohol-free levels, causing drinkers to believe they are sober when they may still be impaired.
The cognitive effects of the alcohol linger well after motor performance is back to alcohol-free levels, causing drinkers to believe they are sober when they may still be impaired.
Ankle Bracelet Measures Blood Alcohol 24/7
More and more law enforcements agencies are beginning to use a new high-tech tool that helps them track the alcohol consumption of previous offenders, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
More and more law enforcements agencies are beginning to use a new high-tech tool that helps them track the alcohol consumption of previous offenders, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Does the .08 BAC Standard Work?
The National Highway Transportaion Safety Administration completed three studies of the effects of lowering the illegal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit from .10 percent to .08 percent.
The National Highway Transportaion Safety Administration completed three studies of the effects of lowering the illegal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit from .10 percent to .08 percent.
Highway Deaths Hit 13-Year High in 2003
The number of U.S. traffic fatalies hit a 13-year high in 2003, with a total of 43,220 deaths on U.S. highways and 40 percent of those were alcohol-related.
The number of U.S. traffic fatalies hit a 13-year high in 2003, with a total of 43,220 deaths on U.S. highways and 40 percent of those were alcohol-related.
Congress Launches New 'Stop DUI Caucus'
With alcohol-related traffic deaths and injuries on the rise after years of decline, a bipartisan group of members of Congress announced the formation of the Congressional Stop DUI Caucus to bring renewed attention to the nationwide epidemic of drunk driving.
With alcohol-related traffic deaths and injuries on the rise after years of decline, a bipartisan group of members of Congress announced the formation of the Congressional Stop DUI Caucus to bring renewed attention to the nationwide epidemic of drunk driving.
DUI: The Battle Stalls
The National Commission Against Drunk Driving (NCADD) says the battle against drinking and driving has stalled and needs a new jump-start.
The National Commission Against Drunk Driving (NCADD) says the battle against drinking and driving has stalled and needs a new jump-start.
Drinking and Driving
Drinking alcohol impairs a wide range of skills necessary for carrying out the basic tasks required to drive safely.
Drinking alcohol impairs a wide range of skills necessary for carrying out the basic tasks required to drive safely.
Drunk Driving Deaths Increased In 17 States
Alcohol-related traffic death rates decreased in 32 states but increased in 17 during the last five years.
Alcohol-related traffic death rates decreased in 32 states but increased in 17 during the last five years.
Strict Licensing Laws Cut Drunk Driving
Young drivers in states with more restrictive driver-licensing laws have lower rates of heavy drinking and driving under the influence of alcohol than those in states with less restrictive laws.
Young drivers in states with more restrictive driver-licensing laws have lower rates of heavy drinking and driving under the influence of alcohol than those in states with less restrictive laws.
Driving Records
Request your driver's record directly from these state agencies.
Request your driver's record directly from these state agencies.
60 Year Sentence!
North Carolina finally took repeat DUI offender Melissa Marvin off the road, but it's a bit too late for four New Jersey teens.
North Carolina finally took repeat DUI offender Melissa Marvin off the road, but it's a bit too late for four New Jersey teens.
Bars Sued in Melissa Marvin Case
Two bars that served alcohol to a driver in a high-profile drunk driving fatality case are being sued by the families of the four teens who were killed.
Two bars that served alcohol to a driver in a high-profile drunk driving fatality case are being sued by the families of the four teens who were killed.
'Crash Site' Teaches DUI Dangers
During the 2002-2003 school year, Vermont driver education teachers and students were introduced to a state-of-the art, interactive CD-ROM program designed to help teens understand the consequences of driving under the influence.
During the 2002-2003 school year, Vermont driver education teachers and students were introduced to a state-of-the art, interactive CD-ROM program designed to help teens understand the consequences of driving under the influence.
Lower BAC Level
From your About.com guide, MADD has once again taken the lead in trying to get legislation passed to crack down on drunk driving.
From your About.com guide, MADD has once again taken the lead in trying to get legislation passed to crack down on drunk driving.
Death Penalty for Drunk Drivers?
The North Carolina Supreme Court hears a landmark case that could decide if drunken drivers who kill should be eligible for the death penalty.
The North Carolina Supreme Court hears a landmark case that could decide if drunken drivers who kill should be eligible for the death penalty.
DUI - Is Jail the Best Answer?
A long-time supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving has suggested to the organization that pushing jail sentences for DUI offenses may not always be the best solution.
A long-time supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving has suggested to the organization that pushing jail sentences for DUI offenses may not always be the best solution.
DUI Deaths Hit Record Low
Traffic deaths related to alcohol were at their lowest rate but still account for one-third of all highway deaths.
Traffic deaths related to alcohol were at their lowest rate but still account for one-third of all highway deaths.
MADD Calls for Tougher Child Endangerment Laws
Mothers Against Drunk Driving has called for tougher child endangerment laws, stricter enforcement by police and prosecutors, and training and public awareness for judges, attorneys, law enforcement, family services and other officials.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving has called for tougher child endangerment laws, stricter enforcement by police and prosecutors, and training and public awareness for judges, attorneys, law enforcement, family services and other officials.
New DUI Laws Unconstitutional?
In our eagerness to try to crack down on drunk drivers, especially repeat offenders, sometimes we may be overlooking other very important issues.
In our eagerness to try to crack down on drunk drivers, especially repeat offenders, sometimes we may be overlooking other very important issues.
Not Guilty of Manslaughter?
A California judge said a drunk driver was not guilty of manslaughter in an auto crash case in which a baby, delivered prematurely after the crash, died hours later.
A California judge said a drunk driver was not guilty of manslaughter in an auto crash case in which a baby, delivered prematurely after the crash, died hours later.
New Standard for Impaired Driving
A vote by the U.S. Senate virtually forces all states to adopt a .08 legal intoxication standard for drunk drivers.
A vote by the U.S. Senate virtually forces all states to adopt a .08 legal intoxication standard for drunk drivers.
Tough Year for Drunk Drivers
The Year 2000 was generally a tough year for drunk drivers and important one for those who advocate stiff restrictions and greater penalties.
The Year 2000 was generally a tough year for drunk drivers and important one for those who advocate stiff restrictions and greater penalties.
Blood Alcohol Calculator
Use this calculator to estimate your blood alcohol concentration by the number of drinks that you had. The results are only approximate estimates of your actual BAC level.
Use this calculator to estimate your blood alcohol concentration by the number of drinks that you had. The results are only approximate estimates of your actual BAC level.
Alcohol-Impaired Driving
An eye-opening fact sheet from the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.
An eye-opening fact sheet from the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.
DriveSober.org
Built by students at Regis University and Mullen High School this Web site is part of a program in which students advise other students about health issues.
Built by students at Regis University and Mullen High School this Web site is part of a program in which students advise other students about health issues.
Effects At Specific B.A.C. Levels
The effects of alcohol intoxication are greatly influenced by individual variations among users. Some users may become intoxicated at a much lower levels.
The effects of alcohol intoxication are greatly influenced by individual variations among users. Some users may become intoxicated at a much lower levels.
Hardcore Drunk Driving Project
This sourcebook is designed to provide a single, comprehensive resource that can help deal effectively with hardcore drunk drivers.
This sourcebook is designed to provide a single, comprehensive resource that can help deal effectively with hardcore drunk drivers.
Legislative Crackdown
Rep. Nita Lowey and Sen. Frank Lautenberg proposed legislation that will have make any state that does not lower its blood alcohol limit lose federal highway funds.
Rep. Nita Lowey and Sen. Frank Lautenberg proposed legislation that will have make any state that does not lower its blood alcohol limit lose federal highway funds.