Impaired driving is more than just drunk driving. It is any circumstance where a driver loses the ability to pay full attention while operating their vehicle. This can vary from being under the influence, texting, high emotions, and even exhaustion. Being a new driver, I want to set an example for others on the road and not follow their footsteps when speeding or being distracted when driving. This affects me directly, seeing other family members grieve due to the dangers of driving under the influence. A lot of individuals underestimate the risks and continue to get behind the wheel, increasing the chances of a crash. It doesn’t matter if you have one alcoholic beverage, or crying hysterically, these circumstances not only puts you at risk, but other individuals as well. It is difficult for many people to understand the big picture because their perspective of putting others at risk means the “worst case scenario.” It doesn't take the worst case scenario to end a life, all it takes is a split second.

Alcohol acts as a virus when operating a vehicle. It twists your judgment to convince yourself you are okay to operate a vehicle, when in reality you are not. It slows reflexes but also influences a person's judgment and balance. By making it harder to react in situations, studies show it takes less than a 3 seconds to cause a collision when impaired by alcohol. The impact of other drugs have a very similar effect. A person can experience sensory distractions, blurred vision, and reduced awareness making it very difficult for them to safely operate their vehicle. A lot of people also underestimate the dangers of driving while tired. Fatigue can impact a person's conscience, making it harder for them to focus especially when driving. The effects are unexpectedly severely similar to driving while intoxicated. A person who is fatigued tends to experience zoning out while driving, causing them to often drift lanes and distract other drivers on the road. Studies have shown that after being awake for 18 hours, your driving ability is similar to driving with a BAC of 0.05%. Collision rates have shown consistently throughout years that the cause of the majority of incidents result from being fatigued. It’s important to prioritize every aspect of our health, including sleep. I am even guilty of not sleeping as much as I am supposed to, however I continue to prioritize it especially now being a licensed driver. 

Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous distractions, mainly due to the normalization of it. Cell phones are so common for everyday use, however it can consume our full attention without us even fully processing it. When a person is driving and their attention is on their cell phone, they are leaving a time slot of danger that could cause lifelong damage. It is important to understand that your life is more valuable than the text messages on your phone. As teenagers, I can empathize with the need to check what is happening on your device frequently. Especially using technology for school, communication, and GPS purposes, the necessity of your device can dictate your future while operating a vehicle. By understanding the importance and consequences of cell phone usage while driving, I can use my knowledge and power to not contribute and educate others on the dangers and risks.

One experience that shifted the way I view impaired driving is the event that caused my uncle's passing. I never met my uncle. All I hear are stories and memories of a man who was my aunt’s first love. My family describes him as a man of honor. A man who worked and provided for his family the best he could. However he was a man, who struggled with many things including alcoholism. One day, he had gotten behind the wheel and unfortunately got into a collision resulting in his death. Although I wasn’t physically present for these events, I first-hand experienced the downfall spiral it had on my family. My aunt had to navigate raising four children without their father, while also being emotionally there for her four grieving children. As a young child, I saw the struggles my family faced emotionally, physically, financially. Depending on the help and security of others, fortunately my family slowly recovered from this tragedy. Seeing my family members all work together to raise four children including me while all working full time jobs, reminded me of the importance of community and family. The dangers of driving impaired doesn’t just affect the one driving, it affects generations. Seeing the effects, I want to advocate for change and awareness when discussing this worldwide preventable crisis. 

Driver’s education and traffic schools can both play a crucial role in forming safe and responsible habits when driving. By helping students understand the reason why the rules were set in place, and not just abiding by them; can help prevent accidents. Some actions taken place by driving educators are showing crash videos and situations for others to better understand the risks. It’s common for people to not see the whole picture when deciding to drive impaired, regardless of it being drinking, texting, or fatigue. By following driving laws, I can ensure the safety of myself and others on the road. It is important to empathize responsibility and prioritize it when deciding to operate a vehicle. As a new driver, I will and always strive to set an example for others around me and on the road as well. By being aware of this issue, it can be prevented. Awareness is not just protection, it is prevention.