What does driving under the influence mean?

Driving under the influence refers to the act of operating a vehicle while impaired by the effects of alcohol or drugs. This definition encompasses any situation where a driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely is hindered due to the consumption of these substances. Impairment can affect various skills necessary for safe driving, including reaction time, judgment, coordination, and perception. This is critical to understand, as the legal consequences of driving under the influence are severe, aimed at preventing accidents and promoting road safety.

In contrast, traveling with an open container of alcohol pertains more to possession laws rather than the impairment involved in driving. Driving recklessly involves dangerous driving behaviors but does not specifically relate to the influence of substances. Lastly, having passengers in the vehicle does not inherently affect one's ability to drive safely or indicate impairment. Thus, option B accurately captures the essence of what driving under the influence entails.