To me, impaired driving is any situation that affects the driver's ability to be safe and responsible on the road. These situations occur when something distracts their attention, weakens their judgement on the road, and slows their thinking. For as long as I can remember, I always thought the term “impaired driving” was only used for driving under the influence of alcohol. I had always heard “don’t text and drive” and “don’t drink and drive.” But it is so much more than the common things. Impaired driving to me includes anything such as texting, turning around to talk to others, looking at landmarks, or changing the radio. Anything that impairs the driver's ability to react, see hazards, or control the wheel can put the driver and others in danger. Impairment can be hidden; phones can be put on the driver's lap; they can walk in a straight line; or they can laugh if they accidentally run off the road. Driving impaired is sometimes swept under the rug because it is so normalized.

Impaired driving is a lot more common than most people believe. The most common sources of impairment are drugs, texting, drinking, and drowsiness. Drugs are something most people don’t think of when talking about impaired driving, but it is just unheard of for people to drive after doing drugs (prescription or illegal substances). Well, that's what people choose to believe, but it is actually a lot more common for people, especially teens, to drive after doing some sort of drug. Medications are overlooked because they are prescribed, but they can impair driving by making the driver drowsy and having a slower reaction time. On the other hand, there is texting and driving. I know all teens have to take a driving class to be able to have their full license, but does anyone really listen to that? I sure hope so. Texting and driving is the only “socially acceptable” form of impaired driving. No, it is not safe or okay to do, but teens do it so commonly that when they get in a car with their friend who does it, they do not think anything is wrong with it. It is so common to see a driver switch songs, text, or open maps when you meet them on the road. The main factor is drinking and driving. Drinking is the most common, as it is mostly teens. This is because teens drink around their friends and do not want to have to ask someone to come pick them up. Everyone has been a teen at a party, and it is okay to go out with your friends, but be responsible. The final most common factor is fatigue. Most people have busy schedules, especially teens, parents, and shift workers. Driving tired affects reaction time almost as much as driving under the influence. It is important to pull over if you are too tired to drive. These impairments disrupt awareness, judgement, reaction time, and focus. Even a skilled driver is vulnerable to these life-changing mistakes.

I have personally never experienced a life-changing car crash, but I have heard all about them. In my sophomore year, four boys on the baseball team two counties over were in a car crash. They weren’t drinking and driving, but they were texting and driving, going almost 100 down a hill. These boys crashed into a tree, going almost 100 mph. One of the boys was completely okay with a few bruises, one had a broken leg, and the other two were in critical condition. I remember hearing about it from a few moms and when it came time to play that team, we had a special prayer for those boys. It really hit home to me because I hadn’t received my license yet, and my parents did not let me go ride around with just anyone. I was honestly scared to get my license. But I learned from that experience that just a few seconds and silly decisions can change your life forever. To this day, one of the boys is still in the hospital but is doing so much better.

Driver's education and traffic school are essential for changing the attitudes and thoughts of impaired driving. These programs are efficient in showing scenarios, outcomes of these accidents, and stories from real humans. Being able to learn the chemistry of alcohol and the physics when stopping is essential. But being able to hear the stories of real victims makes the dangers feel more personal and urgent. Students who take these driver education courses feel strongly about not dismissing or normalizing these impairments. Traffic school, on the other hand, can help more experienced drivers to confront the habits that have become normalized. These programs allow drivers to value the traits of responsibility, empathy, and their sense of community.

As for my own role in preventing impaired driving, it matters and is life-changing. Yes, it matters to me and others that I choose not to drive tired, text, or under the influence. It matters that I encourage those around me to think twice before getting behind the wheel or in a vehicle when they do not feel safe. I speak up when someone is too drunk or tired to drive, and I offer to take them home or call someone to get them. Delaying their urgency to leave makes them rethink their decision and allows them to be okay with waiting for someone to get them. Sharing what I’ve learned through driver's education courses and my own experiences helps me reinforce the idea that impairment can be hidden and that your safety and others' is something that should not be taken lightly. 

Impaired driving is not just about following rules; it is about valuing human life and making responsible choices. Every single person has the power to create safer roads. Have the courage to act differently and save lives, even when others don’t.