What does the term 'impaired driving' refer to in the context of a DWI?

The term 'impaired driving' specifically refers to operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, which significantly affects a person's ability to drive safely. This encompasses a range of situations where a driver's physical or mental faculties are impaired, regardless of their Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level. Impaired driving can occur even when an individual's BAC is below the legal limit, as certain substances or combinations of substances can impair cognitive functions and motor skills necessary for safe driving.

Therefore, understanding impaired driving is crucial for law enforcement and public safety efforts, as it encompasses a wider range of risky driving behaviors than just those that are quantifiable by BAC levels alone. The focus on 'driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol' captures the essence of the dangers posed by various substances and highlights the police's role in enforcing laws designed to prevent these dangerous behaviors.