Drunk Driving Prevention Resources

Author: Joey Rosenberg

A close-up image showing a set of car keys placed beside a glass of whiskey with ice cubes.

Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains one of the most dangerous and preventable activities any driver can engage in. While many people recognize that drinking and driving are incompatible, far too many continue to make this choice.

Alcohol-impaired driving is a leading cause of traffic fatalities across the United States, but understanding the legal, physical and personal risks can help you to do your part to change this statistic.

What Is Drinking and Driving?

Drinking and driving is defined by law enforcement and federal agencies as operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at or above a specified legal limit. In almost all states and in the District of Columbia, the threshold making it illegal to drive is a BAC of 0.08% or higher.

However, impairment actually begins with the very first drink, as alcohol immediately affects a driver's ability to perceive their surroundings, operate a motor vehicle and react quickly to emergencies.

States use a variety of terms for this infraction, such as driving under the influence (DUI), driving while intoxicated (DWI), or impaired driving. For individuals under the legal drinking age of 21, all states enforce zero-tolerance laws, which criminalize driving with even a minuscule measurable amount of alcohol in the system. Federal regulations also strictly prohibit operating a commercial vehicle with a BAC of 0.04% or above.

The Consequences of Drinking and Driving

  • Legal Penalties: Even a first-time DUI conviction can trigger an immediate license suspension, and you can also face court fees, community service and mandatory driver education courses. Repeat offenses often lead to license revocation for years or even permanently.
  • Financial Effects: The economic consequences of a DUI conviction can extend well beyond fines. Convicted drivers face steep insurance premium increases, and some may even lose coverage entirely.
  • Personal and Professional Impact: A DUI conviction can derail careers, especially for individuals who rely on having a clean driving history, such as commercial vehicle operators or delivery drivers.
  • Injuries and Deaths: Impaired driving can destroy lives. More than 10,000 Americans die every year in alcohol-involved crashes, and these victims include the drivers themselves as well as their passengers and innocent bystanders.

How Can You Detect Drunk Drivers?

Learning to identify signs of an impaired driver and knowing how to respond is one of the most effective ways to prevent tragedy.

  • Problems With Lane Position: Weaving, drifting between lanes or straddling the center line are common signs of impairment. These behaviors indicate a loss of fine motor coordination and situational awareness.
  • Speed and Braking Issues: Alcohol slows reaction time, which can cause delayed braking, inconsistent speeds and frequent sudden stops. Drivers under the influence often travel 10 mph below the limit or accelerate unpredictably.
  • Vigilance and Judgment Failures: Impaired drivers may miss traffic signals, make illegal turns, forget to use headlights or nearly collide with other vehicles or objects. These lapses stem from decreased alertness and poor depth perception.

If you see a driver displaying these behaviors, do not attempt to follow or confront them. Instead, pull over at a safe distance and call 911 to report the car's description and direction of travel.

How Can You Stop Drinking and Driving?

Prevention of impaired driving requires deliberate planning, accountability and collective effort. Every responsible decision contributes to safer roads.

  • Designate a Sober Driver: Before drinking, choose a non-drinking driver.
  • Recognize When You Shouldn't Drive: If you've been drinking, don't drive. Opt for a ride-sharing service, taxi or sober friend.
  • Plan Ahead: Alcohol impairment can't be reversed with coffee or cold air or pressure; only time metabolizes alcohol safely.
  • Stop Others From Driving While Impaired: Never ride with an impaired driver. If a friend insists on driving drunk, take their keys or arrange a safe ride.
  • Host Responsibly: If you're hosting a social event, offer food, limit the amount of alcohol you serve your guests, and arrange safe rides home as needed.
  • Educate Yourself: Whether you're a new driver who needs a learner's permit course or a more experienced driver who could use a refresher on your traffic law and substance abuse education, professional training can equip you with the knowledge you need to stay safe.

Additional Drunk Driving Prevention Resources