Final answer:
Driving under the influence, or impaired driving, refers to operating a vehicle after consuming alcohol or drugs. It is a dangerous behavior that can impair a person's ability to drive safely.
Step-by-step explanation:
Driving under the influence, or impaired driving, involves operating a vehicle after consuming substances like alcohol or drugs that significantly impair cognitive and motor functions. This impairment diminishes reaction times, distorts perception, and impairs judgment, greatly increasing the risk of accidents. While distractions like using a cell phone while driving are dangerous, they don't directly constitute impaired driving. On the contrary, following traffic rules and regulations promotes safe driving.
Even taking a road trip with friends, when done responsibly with a sober designated driver, is not inherently impaired driving. However, consuming alcohol or drugs before operating a vehicle poses a severe threat to road safety. It's crucial to understand that impaired driving extends beyond just alcohol and includes any substance that compromises a driver's abilities. Hence, operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs stands as a clear example of impaired driving.
Correct Answer: a) Operating a vehicle after consuming alcohol or drugs.