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 New Jersey, DUI/DWI (Driving Under the Influence/Driving While Intoxicated) offenders may be required to attend a Victim Impact Panel as part of their sentence or as a condition of a diversion program. These panels are designed to educate offenders about the real-life consequences of impaired driving by having them listen to personal stories from individuals who have been affected by drunk driving incidents. The goal is to prevent future DUI/DWI offenses by fostering a deeper understanding of the impact that such actions can have on victims and their families. While the panels are not a legal requirement in every case, they are often used by judges as a rehabilitative tool. The panels are sponsored by organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and can be attended in person or online, depending on the options available. Participation in a Victim Impact Panel may be accompanied by other penalties such as fines, license suspension, and mandatory alcohol education programs.