Security Forces explains difference between DUI, DWI Published Dec. 12, 2012 375th Security Forces Squadron SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Contrary to popular belief, there is a difference between a Driving Under the Influence, DUI, and Driving While Intoxicated, DWI. From a legal perspective, a DUI occurs when an individual is in positive control of a motor vehicle and exceeds the national Blood Alcohol Content standard of .08. A DWI occurs when an individual registers .05-.08 BAC or fails a series of field sobriety tests. DWIs are not solely used for an individual who may have had "just a few beers," but also used when a motorist's ability to safely operate a vehicle is brought into question. Prescription medication and other intoxicants apply to impairment of safely operating a vehicle. These procedures are covered in SAFBI 31-218, "Motor Vehicle Traffic Supervision, and the Illinois Vehicle Code." The 375th Air Mobility Wing has a strict stance against both DUI and DWI on and off the installation. All vehicle operators found to be .05-.08 (impaired), on or off base, will lose their base driving privileges for a period of one year. Drivers .08 and above will lose their ability to drive on all DoD installations for a period of one year. DUI/DWI incidents involving Scott personnel have been on a steady decline since 2009 with 13 incidents in 2010 and 2011. Currently there have been eight incidents for 2012. With December being National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, to ensure members do not become a statistic at Scott, plan ahead if alcohol is involved and have a designated driver. If all else fails, contact your wingmen at local Armed Forces Against Drunk driving with the touch of a button on the MyMC2 app or call 256-HOME (256-4663).