Sitting behind the wheel of your car means taking responsibility for your own safety and that of other people on the road. It means you’re the one who needs to be aware of any potential dangers on the road, drive and react accordingly, and always make the best decisions possible regarding overall safety and security. That said, your driving abilities as well as your ability to think clearly all become significantly impaired once you consume alcohol or drugs. 

(current text on your post) Sitting behind the wheel of your car means taking responsibility for your own safety and that of other people on the road. It means you’re the one who needs to be aware of any potential dangers on the road, drive and react accordingly, and always make the best decisions possible regarding overall safety and security. That said, your driving abilities, as well as your ability to think clearly, all become significantly impaired once you consume alcohol or drugs—a situation that can lead to severe legal consequences, making it essential to consult a Phoenix DUI attorney if you ever find yourself in such circumstances. —

Other than potentially endangering your own safety and the safety of others, you also run the risk of facing serious DUI and DWI charges. Depending on whether your DUI/DWI charge is alcohol or drug-related, there are different penalties that you may face as a result of that charge. With that in mind, let’s look at some key differences between alcohol and drug-related DWI/DUI charges so we can better understand them in the context of impairment. 

Definition of DWI and DUI

Before we are able to compare DWI vs DUI and examine their differences in the context of impairment, it’s important to provide the definition for each one of them first. Some states use the term DWI (driving while intoxicated) to refer to offenses that only involve alcohol impairment. The term DUI (driving under the influence) is used to refer to instances in which a driver is operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or a combination of the two. 

Some states may use the terms DWI and DUI interchangeably. Both DUI and DWI are considered serious offenses, often carrying multiple legal implications that can have a life-altering effect. And while most people associate DUIs with alcohol, there is another type that needs to be talked about more – drug DUI. 

Drunk driving and drug driving statistics 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately one third of car accidents with fatal outcomes involve an intoxicated individual (pedestrian or driver). 

Another source, Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), says that narcotics were found in the bodies of 3,952 drivers who were fatally injured in car accidents.

In 2011 alone, the FBI reported that more than 1.2 million drivers who were arrested had been operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. NHTSA also reports that, statistically, two out of three people on average will experience an alcohol-related accident in their lifetimes. 

Driving under the influence of alcohol

When it comes to DWIs and DUIs, both of them are considered crimes. Both can lead to serious legal consequences, whether the person behind the wheel is under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, or both. That said, let’s go through some important information regarding driving under the influence of alcohol. 

Alcohol impairment is associated with poor information processing, reduced motor and cognitive skills, as well as lowered hand-eye coordination. Upon consuming alcohol, the driver’s vision becomes impaired, along with their judgment skills. This can result in poor decision-making as well as reduced brain response times. The legal limit in terms of blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08%., which is the equivalent of one alcoholic beverage or less. 

Driving under the influence of drugs 

Equally dangerous as alcohol DUIs, driving under the influence of drugs results in significantly impaired driving skills. Depending on the drugs that are consumed, a driver may experience an array of effects which could potentially endanger their and other people’s safety on the road. For instance, visual hallucinations are typical for drivers who’ve consumed marijuana. This type of drug affects the reaction time of an individual by slowing it down, which could interfere with the driver’s ability to respond appropriately and in a timely manner. 

On the other hand, those driving under the influence of narcotics such as cocaine – a known stimulant – may become hyperactive. This could result in distractions and make it difficult for the driver to think and act clearly, thus encouraging impulsive decision-making and reckless behavior. Some states have set particular limits when it comes to the amount of drugs present in the driver’s system. Others, however, have imposed a zero tolerance law that often carries serious legal consequences. 

Avoiding the risks that come with drug and drunk driving 

We’re all aware that sitting behind the wheel while under the influence of any substance in any measurable amount is dangerous and potentially fatal. Despite that, many individuals tend to overestimate their driving capabilities and decide to take the risk anyway, exposing both themselves and others on the road to some major safety threats. 

It’s important to recognize the risks of both drug and drunk driving, rely on other means of transportation when you’re intoxicated, and take safety steps such as planning in advance (having a designated driver, planning a sleepover, booking a hotel room, etc.) to help avoid these risks altogether, thus ensuring both yours and other people’s safety.