Impaired driving is a significant issue that affects countless lives every year. It is not limited to just drunk driving, but also a variety of behaviors that can impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. This includes driving under the influence of drugs, whether illegal substances or prescription medications, as well as distractions such as texting while driving or even driving while fatigued. Each of these factors can significantly impact a person’s judgment and reaction time, putting the driver and everyone on the road in danger.

I have personal experiences that have affected the way I view impaired driving and the decisions I make while driving. My cousin Julio Velasquez passed a year ago due to speeding. Due to one impulsive decision, he sadly lost his life. It is sad knowing that if one decision had been different, he might still be here. His passing taught me the importance of safe driving. Being careless on the road isn’t worth the risk, as I noticed the impact his passing had on my family. Everyone was devastated, and our family began to lose contact for a while. Now, whenever I drive or even ride with someone, I think about Julio. His death instilled a sense of responsibility that I will never forget. I’ve learned that getting somewhere a few minutes faster isn’t worth the danger. I’d rather show up late than risk my life or someone else’s. Every time I’m behind the wheel, I think about my parents waiting for me to arrive; that thought keeps me focused on my safety.

Another personal experience that shaped my decisions behind the wheel is my cousin, Eduardo Martinez, who is currently in jail for driving under the influence. It was Christmas night, and he had been drinking, and the people in his car were also high on drugs. It’s been over a year since he’s been in jail, and we’re still waiting for the court’s decision on whether he’ll be deported or not. Seeing what happened to him and how his life changed completely opened my eyes in many ways.  Impaired driving doesn’t just destroy lives through accidents but also destroys futures. One night of bad choices completely changed his whole life. I noticed how reckless decisions don’t just affect the driver, but everyone who loves them. I watched my family endure that pain again- seeing the disappointment, anger, and sadness- made me promise myself that I’d never make decisions that would make them go through that again.

These experiences and what came after taught me stuff I will never forget. Driving is not something to take lightly; it’s a big deal with huge responsibilities that can affect your life and everyone else’s, too. I used to think speeding or glancing at my phone for a second or even being tired while driving wasn’t that bad, but I now see the seriousness of driving. I now have a clear understanding that one single choice can cause irreversible damage. These personal experiences have made me want to be a responsible, safe driver and mindful that one reckless decision can hurt others as well as myself. 

In my own life, I try to take what I’ve learned and apply it. If I ever see someone about to drive after drinking or getting high, I speak up. I’ll offer to call them a ride or take their keys. I also try to lead by example—I never use my phone while driving, and I make sure I’m fully awake and focused before getting behind the wheel. It’s not always easy to speak up, especially around friends, but I’d rather have an awkward conversation than see another tragedy happen.

Learning about impaired driving has shown me that being safe on the road is about more than following rules. It’s about respect—respect for yourself, your passengers, and everyone else on the road. It’s about realizing that one mistake can cause permanent pain, not just for you but for the people who love you. Every time I think about my cousins, I remember why I need to make good choices.

Because of what happened to my cousins and family relations, I’ve promised myself to be the kind of driver who thinks before acting, who stays alert, and who always puts safety first. I can’t change what happened to them, but I can learn from it. I can use my experiences to make better decisions and help others do the same. By sharing my story and spreading awareness, I hope to influence others to think twice before driving impaired. Maybe if more people heard real stories like mine, they’d realize that no text, no drink, and no rush is ever worth a life.

In the end, impaired driving isn’t just something we read about—it’s something that affects real families, like mine. Through my own experiences, education, and commitment to safe driving, I’ve learned that preventing impaired driving starts with awareness, responsibility, and empathy. And for me, that means honoring Julio’s memory, learning from Eduardo’s mistakes, and doing everything I can to make sure I never repeat them.