Difference Between DUI and DWI

DWI is the acronym for Driving While Intoxicated. DWI is a crime in all 50 states. DWI can also stand for Driving While Impaired. In some states, DUI or Driving Under The Influence stands for the same crime.

In most states, the distinction between DWI and DUI is determined by the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). If the concentration is 0.08 or more, the operator is guilty of Driving While Intoxicated.

DWI laws apply to operators of any motorized means of transportation, including boats. Statistics reveal that more than 40 percent of boating accidents involve an intoxicated operator.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has compiled revealing statistics about traffic safety and DWI operators.

• In 2003, 275,000 auto accidents involved operators who were found to be DWI.
• The Bureau of Justice reported that in 1982, 1.9 million arrests involved drivers who were DWI or DUI.
• In 1996, 1,467,000 arrests were jailed for alcohol related driving offenses.
• In 2002, 17,500 auto fatalities were attributed to operators who were guilty of DWI.
• In 2009, 32 percent of all auto fatalities were caused by Drivers Under the Influence or drivers who were driving while intoxicated.
• Hardcore DWI offenders have a BAC of 0.15, twice the standard for DWI. These offenders tend to repeat the offense and can be incarcerated for long periods of time.
• 44 percent of hard core offenders are later involved in a fatal auto accident.

Driving While Intoxicated is a felony for repeat offenders. The judicial system and legal enforcement authorities are aggressive about insisting upon strict compliance. Most offenders face severe fines, loss of drivera��s license and can be assigned to alcohol rehabilitation facilities.

States have differing judicial actions. However, hard core violators can expect to lose their license immediately and not be eligible for another license until they have taken weeks of safe driving courses and can provide the court with supporting documentation as well as proof of compliance with a rehabilitation or DUI help center.

Youthful DWI offenders who are licensed drivers but under the legal drinking age are treated sternly by most courts. Immediate surrender of the license is usually required. A DUI first offense offender will be expected to attend safe driving courses for about six weeks.

In essence, the DWI has helped make the roads a safer place. Designated drivers are often used in situations where a group is traveling together and one individual is not permitted to drive. This is a sound strategy for many collegians.

The roads are safer but DWI offenders still exist. Everyone can help keep Drivers Under the Influence off the roads.