A DUI/DWI Victim Impact Panel is a small group of 2-4 persons who speak briefly about a vehicle crash caused by an impaired or intoxicated driver in which they were injured or in which a friend or family member was injured or killed. Persons who have been charged with DUI/DWI criminal offenses are often required to attend a Victim Impact Panel to better understand and remember the devastating consequences of driving while impaired or intoxicated.

Victims who speak at Victim Impact Panels do not blame or judge the people listening and only seek to share their own tragic stories in a way that may help others understand the lasting effects of impaired driving—while giving the speakers the opportunity to heal and find some small amount of meaning in their tragedies.

Victim Impact Panels are available both live and online and are sponsored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

In North Carolina, DUI/DWI Victim Impact Panels are part of the educational and rehabilitative efforts aimed at reducing the incidence of impaired driving. These panels are typically sponsored by organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and serve as a court-ordered requirement for individuals convicted of DUI/DWI offenses. The purpose of these panels is to provide offenders with firsthand accounts of the consequences of impaired driving, as victims or family members of victims share their experiences without casting blame or judgment. The goal is to foster a deeper understanding of the impact of their actions and to promote responsible behavior. While North Carolina law does not specifically mandate attendance at Victim Impact Panels for all DUI/DWI offenders, judges may include it as a condition of probation or as part of a sentencing agreement. The availability of these panels, both live and online, offers flexibility for compliance with court orders.