Drunk driving occurs when a person is driving an automobile, after consuming alcohol to an extent that his ability to drive a vehicle is impaired. Drunk driving can be called by a number of different names, like "Driving While Impaired" (DWI), or "Driving Under the Influence" (DUI).
If you are pulled over by the police, they usually begin by asking you if you know why you have been stopped. If you reply in the negative, he might ask you if you have been drinking. If you think that your blood alcohol level is high, you can invoke your right to remain silent. However, in some states, you are required to take sobriety and breath tests even if you refuse to answer questions.
Sometimes people charged with drunken driving protest that they are not drunk. In such cases, they will have to prove their statement by taking sobriety tests. These include balancing tests (such as bending over or balancing on one foot, often with your eyes closed, counting tests (usually involving counting backwards), and coordination tests (such as walking a straight line, or touching your ring finger to your thumb).
If the officer believes that you are indeed, intoxicated, he can conduct a "preliminary breath test” using a breathalyzer machine. If your blood alcohol content exceeds the legal limit, usually 0.08%, you can be charged with DUI and convicted.
Note that some prescription drugs have an effect on your ability to drive. If this happens, you can be ticketed for driving while impaired - even though you did not consume alcohol.
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