| Alcoholic beverages have been considered an | | | | at tales about the exploits of intoxicated friends, there |
| important part of many social functions for literally | | | | is nothing remotely amusing about a DUI arrest or |
| thousands of years. Irresponsible and/or excessive | | | | conviction. By putting yourself in a position to be |
| alcohol consumption has always had the potential to | | | | prosecuted for DUI or DWI, you have effectively |
| result in dangerous or deadly accidents as a | | | | gambled your freedom, your finances, your |
| consequence of poor judgment and the compromise | | | | employment, and numerous other things that are too |
| of one's physical capacities. But the inherent hazards | | | | valuable to risk when a ride from a friend or taxi could |
| have been dramatically amplified by the development | | | | prevent any and all trouble. |
| and expanded use of automobiles. The decision to | | | | Visually Detecting DUI |
| drive under the influence exposes not only the driver | | | | Some people are poor drivers even when they are |
| and his or her passengers to the risk of serious harm | | | | sober. But there are some driver behaviors and |
| but it also endangers the welfare of other motorists, | | | | actions that serve to indicate to law enforcement |
| pedestrians, bicyclists, and anyone else who comes | | | | agents that alcohol consumption or the use of another |
| into your path. Police officers attempt to curb this | | | | controlled substance is likely to be a factor. The |
| threat by monitoring the roadway for drivers who | | | | National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has |
| appear to be operating their vehicles erratically and | | | | issued a set of guidelines that police officers can use |
| may pull them over to make a DUI arrest. | | | | to help them to identify drivers that are likely in violation |
| Though there is a tendency for some people to laugh | | | | of the law. |