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 Oklahoma, DUI/DWI Victim Impact Panels are part of the state's efforts to educate individuals convicted of driving under the influence about the real-world consequences of impaired driving. These panels are typically a requirement for those who have been charged with DUI/DWI offenses. The goal is to provide a powerful reminder of the human cost of drunk driving by having victims or family members of victims share their personal stories of loss and injury without placing blame or judgment on the attendees. The panels aim to prevent future incidents by fostering a deeper understanding of the impact that impaired driving can have. In Oklahoma, these panels are often sponsored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and can be attended in person or online, depending on the specific requirements of the court or the options available in the area.