What does "driving under the influence" mean?

"Driving under the influence" specifically refers to the act of operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol. This impairment can affect a driver's physical abilities, such as coordination, reaction time, and judgment, making it dangerous to drive. Laws surrounding driving under the influence are stringent because impaired driving significantly increases the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities.

The other options present scenarios related to driving, but they do not correctly capture the legal definition of driving under the influence. Exceeding the speed limit pertains to speeding violations rather than impairment, driving without a valid license relates to licensing laws, and driving with a broken taillight involves vehicle maintenance issues. Each of these may result in penalties, but they are not associated with impairment from drugs or alcohol, which is the core aspect of driving under the influence.