An impaired driver is a person whose ability to safely operate a vehicle is jeopardized because they lack focus while behind the wheel of a vehicle. That lack of focus increases their likelihood of being involved in an accident, potentially causing harm, injury and even death. Even seasoned and experienced drivers, that have completed driver’s education or traffic school, often fail to recognize that their daily driving habits put them at risk of being impaired while they drive. Eating a handheld item, drinking a beverage, accepting a call, selecting a quick auto text response, and taking a quick glance at a child sitting in the rear seat are all distractions that are performed hundreds of times daily while drivers are operating a vehicle. What these drivers fail to consider is that when performing these secondary tasks while driving their normal 1.5 second response time is negatively impacted increasing the probability of being involved in an accident.

In past years, when referring to someone as driving impaired, it was assumed that the person was under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or suffering from fatigue. Today the common list of items that impair drivers is considerably more extensive and include activities such as; eating, facetiming, talking on their cells, talking with passengers, wearing headphones, applying makeup, navigating their phones or entertainment systems, improper hand placement on the steering wheel, and even improper reclining of the driver’s seat. Split second distractions can impact a driver’s judgment, their coordination and slows their reaction time, all things that increase their risk of being involved in an incident or accident.

I do not personally have firsthand experience of an incident that has changed how I think about impaired driving. However, just a couple of weeks ago, my favorite aunt was upset after learning that a childhood neighbor was killed in a single car accident. The young lady lost control of her vehicle and hit a tree. The family was advised by authorities that there were no signs of debris or skid marks in the road, which caused them to conclude the accident most likely occurred because the driver was distracted. This was so upsetting to my aunt because of the tragic loss of her childhood neighbor and the impact on her family and loved ones. That accident surfaced some old emotions for my aunt from the early eighties when a dear friend of hers was also killed in single car accident. In that case, the young man was said to be driving at a high rate of speed, lost control of his vehicle and hit a utility pole killing him instantly. Hearing my aunt talk about both these tragic accidents and seeing the impact they had on her also affected me. It made me realize that a momentary distraction can be catastrophic and leave family members and loved ones to mourn for years. Once I just really stopped and thought about it, I realized that there is nothing really that important that can’t wait until I pull over or reach my destination. 

Last year as a junior, I completed driver’s education through Florida Virtual School (FLVS). Initially I was not excited about taking the class because I thought I knew all I needed to know, especially since my family had already began teaching me how to drive. Well as it turned out, there was a lot that I still did not know. I found the accident avoidance section and making good choices behind the wheel to be beneficial. The videos were good because they allowed me to view decisions as they are being made and witness the consequences of those decisions. However, the simulations were the most effective part of the class. Other than actually driving on the road, simulations are the next best thing to allowing a participant to make driving decisions and immediately experience the outcome from those decisions. In my opinion, there is no more effective, yet safer way for a participant to experience an impaired driving situation, without putting someone’s life in danger.

As a member of generation Z, I’ve been exposed to social media and the internet for as long as I remember. For my generation, the only time our digital devices are not within arm’s reach is when they are forbidden. Unfortunately, I’m usually guilty of this too. However, as a new driver, I can say when I’ve been behind the wheel of a vehicle, I’ve been laser focused on proper driving techniques. In part, it’s been because I’m such a new driver I’m too afraid to take my eyes off the road, so I’ve been doing everything right. After having watched my aunt in distress by the loss of two people in her life from single car accidents that they caused, being distracted, I’m committed to staying focused as a driver. I pledge to exercise safe and defensive driving techniques at all times. I’m also committed to being a safe driver role model for my friends, family, and loved ones. My aunt told me when she was growing up in the 70’s, Florida’s traffic safety slogan was “Arrive Alive.” In support of my commitment to safe driving practices I’m adopting Florida’s former state slogan ARRIVE ALIVE as my own personal slogan. I hope my doing so will help influence others to do the same.