911 Dispatcher Practice Test

What is the term for operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs?

1. Reckless driving

2. Driving under the influence

3. Traffic hazard

4. Illegal parking

The correct answer is: Driving under the influence

The term for operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs is "Driving under the influence." This phrase specifically refers to the offense of driving a vehicle while impaired, which not only includes a diminished ability to operate the vehicle safely but also encompasses the legal implications associated with such impairment. Reckless driving typically refers to behavior that shows a willful disregard for safety, which may not always involve impairment by substances. Traffic hazards are conditions or situations that pose a risk to vehicles or pedestrians on the road but do not refer to the act of driving while impaired. Illegal parking pertains to the act of parking a vehicle in a location where it is prohibited, which is unrelated to the operation of the vehicle while impaired. Thus, "Driving under the influence" is the most accurate term that captures the specific legal and safety violations associated with being impaired on the road.