Can someone please explain "impaired driving?"

I would tend to believe that in many cases it's a cultural trait - As a former Canadian, I can honestly say that (perhaps, owing to the northern climate - lack of daylight hours, prolonged winter) there is a mind-set that revolves around alcohol-consumption that is uniquely "Canadian".

As are there similar, but unique, mind-sets in Scandinavia and Russia (and Eastern Europe.) One's that revolve around a degree of stoicism and fatalism, caused by economic conditions as well as the male role (in the given societies) and physiological responses to annual climate-related conditions.

Technically,"impaired driving" is any condition which affects one's driving adversely.

If you require prescription glasses, and you're not wearing them, when pulled over, you can be charged with impaired driving...

Similarly, if you are required to take a particular medication, and fail to do so: Impaired.

In the alcohol-related context, impaired driving is considered driving under the influence, but below the legal limit - Hence, if the limit is 0.010 and one is breathalyzed at 0.008, it is considered impaired driving.

The charge is also used as a catch-all: If your music is too loud or you are tuning your radio or changing a CD, and you are "impaired" from hearing/paying attention to traffic around you, and reacting to it...If you are arguing with someone, or speaking on a cell-phone, and are diverting your attention from the primary task of driving...etc.

It is also used as a charge, to avoid the testing, protracted legal battle and resultant stigma, when dealing with a driver who has consumed some form of recreational pharmaceutical: Being stoned or high will bring a charge of impared driving - As there's no effective, affordable, immediate test that can legally ascertain that you are "high" at the moment of arrest...so, the constable offers a firsthand description of your perceived impairment, and you are charged.

Never knew about that loophole. I'm assuming this is true for the states too?

Canadians don't have a drink or two, while "golfing" - Typically, they swing a club, in progressively more erratic arcs, while using it as an excuse to get absolutely shit-faced.

You just described my experiences on the golf course here in WNY! Does this mean I'm Canadian??

(Never try to keep up with Rick Martin on the course....)

i got drunk while curling. does that count for anything?

i got drunk while curling. does that count for anything?

Drunk? While Curling? God love ya', yer an eas'coaster, bai...

Honorary Newfie! And they can drink, too!

Someone's got the right idea.....