Final answer:
DUI, meaning 'Driving Under the Influence,' is a serious offense indicating driving after consuming alcohol or illegal substances, with a legal BAC limit of 0.08% in most US states. DUI can lead to various legal penalties and societal problems, and Breathalyzer tests are used for BAC measurement.
Step-by-step explanation:
DUI stands for "Driving Under the Influence." It is a criminal offense that involves operating a vehicle after the consumption of alcohol or other illegal substances. With a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) threshold of 0.08% in most US states, DUI offenses can carry severe consequences, from loss of driving privileges to imprisonment. The term DUI sometimes is used interchangeably with DWI ("Driving While Intoxicated"), although some jurisdictions differentiate between the two.
Impacting not only the safety of the driver but also posing a potential hazard to others, DUIs are linked with numerous societal problems, including other criminal activities and health issues like aspiration pneumonia and alcohol intoxication. Breathalyzer tests, which assess the ethanol concentration in the breath, are commonly used to measure a person's BAC and determine whether they are over the legal limit.