Impaired driving refers to a situation where something is distracting or affecting the driver in a way that interferes with their ability to drive safely. Impairment could be something as simple as trying to have a conversation with a passenger while also trying to pay attention to your driving. Drivers misunderstand impaired driving because they believe they are capable of more than they actually are, and they may not think their driving will be affected by something when it has been.
As a college student, the most common types of impairment that I have noticed so far in my life have been phone usage and fatigue. I have heard specific stories regarding both of these impairments. I have gotten text messages or phone calls from friends or family members who tell me they are driving while conversing with me. I always encourage them to put their phones away. Even if they are not directly looking, typing, or holding their phone, if you are thinking about how to respond to a conversation, you are not thinking about your driving.
I have also had a friend tell me that during the winter, she had to open her car windows on the way to high school. She was so tired that she needed the cold, windy air to keep her awake. If you are barely able to keep yourself awake while driving, you are definitely not alert enough to be paying proper attention to your driving as well as what else is happening on the roads.
I have unfortunately experienced multiple situations with impaired drivers. One of the people who drives me around often uses their cell phone while driving. I have attempted to tell this person to stop using their cell phone while driving, and I have also mentioned to them the risk that they are putting themselves and their passengers in. Unfortunately, this driver continuously chose not to listen to me, and continues to put themselves and others in danger. This made me feel very uncomfortable, and since then, I have chosen to drive myself rather than with this driver. I feel much safer driving myself since I am in control of my driving.
I have also been in a car with an impaired driver who had consumed alcohol. The passengers, including myself, did not know that the driver was under the influence of alcohol. My parents had discovered this after the fact, and they were distraught. Hearing this news made me feel very uneasy, because something bad could have easily happened while I was in that car. Seeing the way my parents reacted to this situation was something that really influenced me and made me realize how important it was to drive sober and distraction-free. It took our family a long time to finally gain the trust of that driver back after what they had done.
Luckily, I have never gotten into any accidents or serious trouble due to impaired driving. However, being a passenger in a car with an impaired driver always makes you feel unsafe, especially knowing you are at a higher risk of danger. You also realize that the driver can negatively impact other cars or pedestrians. Driver's education does a good job at making students aware of the different ways you, as a driver, can be impaired. There are some good demonstrations, especially about being under the influence of alcohol, that are shown in these classes. For example, we had these glasses that impaired your vision like you had been drinking, and the teacher had a student put them on and try to walk in a straight line. If you cannot walk straight, you should not be allowed to drive a car, something you had to wait 16 years to be able to do. I also remember them showing us videos of terrible car accidents that caused gruesome injuries. The fact that I still remember these lessons years after driver's education truly demonstrates its impact. Those videos scare me to this day, and they remind me to ensure I am as safe as possible while driving.
Although I am a college student, I am also a responsible driver, and I can help prevent impaired driving. I have a younger sibling who has just begun their driving journey. I always make sure to remind them what they have learned about impairment in driver’s education. I also think being a good role model is always important. I have always made sure to drive safely and impairment-free around my passengers. My parents were role models for my driving. Their reaction after the alcohol incident has been engraved into my brain. I always want to ensure that I emphasize safe, good choices behind the wheel, especially for younger children who are my passengers. Children are easily influenced. They listen and believe what you say and do, so you have to lead them towards becoming safe drivers. It is also important to confront impaired drivers when you notice them and inform them of the danger of their situation.
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3 votes
An accident that made me aware that also time and impatience can be impairement
Karin Deutsch
