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Photo of a man text messaging while driving

Also called: Distracted driving, Drugged driving, Drunk driving

Impaired driving is dangerous and is the cause of more than half of all car crashes. It means operating a motor vehicle while

  • Affected by alcohol
  • Affected by illegal or legal drugs
  • Too sleepy
  • Distracted, such as using a cell phone or texting
  • Having a medical condition which affects your driving

For your safety and the safety of others, do not drive while impaired. Have someone else drive you or take public transportation when you cannot drive. If you need to take a call or send a text message, pull over.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

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