Some roads stay with you forever. For me, one of them is the highway between Dumas and Monticello—an ordinary stretch of road that I drive multiple times a week, yet one that holds memories of tragedy, lessons, and gratitude. I still remember passing a crash site early one morning on my way to class at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM). The road was blocked, emergency lights flashing, and a car looked nearly unrecognizable. Later I learned that a young person from my community had lost their life. That moment stayed with me. It reminded me that driving can change everything in a matter of seconds. When we hear that around 34,000 Americans die each year due to driving-related incidents, the number feels distant—until it reaches your town, your school, or someone you know. That is when statistics become personal. To me, “impaired driving” means any situation where a driver’s ability to think clearly, react quickly, or make responsible decisions is limited. Most people instantly think of drunk driving, and while alcohol is certainly one of the worst forms of impairment, I have learned that impairment is much broader. Drugs, marijuana, fatigue, emotional distress, and distracted driving can be just as dangerous. Many people my age misunderstand this. Even after completing driver’s ed, some assume impairment only means “being drunk.” They do not realize that driving tired, high, or with your eyes on a phone instead of the road can lead to the same tragic outcome. In my community, marijuana has become especially common among young people. I see teenagers and young adults posting themselves smoking or bragging about driving after “just a little bit of weed,” as if it makes them safer than someone who drank alcohol. I strongly disagree, not only because I do not do drugs or support them, but because I have seen how quickly impaired judgment can lead to consequences you can’t undo. Weed slows reaction time, affects coordination, and creates overconfidence—one of the most dangerous mindsets a driver can have. Along with drugs, fatigue is a huge but often ignored factor. People underestimate how being tired impairs the brain in similar ways to alcohol. A tired driver can drift, react too slowly, or fall into “microsleep” without even realizing it. I learned this firsthand. While volunteering in an ER to gain experience for my EMT journey, I worked a 12-hour shift and drove home exhausted. On the highway, I almost merged directly into another vehicle because I momentarily lost focus. It was only a second—but one second is sometimes all it takes to cause a tragedy. That close call was a wake-up call. It taught me that impairment is not just about substances—it is about your state of mind and body. Unfortunately, I have also seen how impaired driving has permanently affected people in Dumas. I know people who lost their lives in collisions caused by drugs or alcohol. I have seen families torn apart and friends grieving classmates who never made it home. Seeing fatal crashes in my own community made the reality of unsafe driving impossible to ignore. Those losses stick with you, especially in a small town where everybody knows each other. It made me more aware of my speed, my decisions, and the responsibility I have every time I sit behind the wheel. Then, I experienced a moment that changed me even more. Earlier this year, I was running late to class and made a reckless decision—I drove 91 mph in a 55. I was pulled over, and the officer told me I could have gone to jail for reckless driving. I felt embarrassed, scared, and disappointed in myself. It was my first time being pulled over, and it humbled me. I am actually grateful it happened when it did, because I believe it saved me from continuing down a dangerous path. That officer made me realize how quickly life can change. I thought about what could have happened if a deer crossed the road, if another car had turned in front of me, or if I had lost control. Now, I share that story with younger drivers, especially my younger brother, so they learn from my mistake instead of repeating it. Driver’s education and traffic safety programs can play a major role in preventing impaired driving, but only if they evolve with the realities young drivers face today. Programs should go beyond the basics and show real stories, real consequences, and modern dangers. Teenagers respond more when they hear honest testimonies or see real-life outcomes, not just lectures or textbook examples. Courses that include simulations, emotional stories from survivors or officers, and interactive learning can create lasting change. When students feel the emotional weight of unsafe driving, not just the rules, they make better decisions. My role in preventing impaired driving starts with taking responsibility for myself and being a living example of safe habits. I follow my mother's advice: “It only takes one time to change your life.” For me, that means no driving tired, no speeding, no substances, and keeping my phone away while driving. I plan to continue sharing my experiences, especially with younger drivers. If my story about the $600 reckless driving ticket or my near-accident from fatigue can stop just one person from making the same mistakes, then it is worth telling. I believe change begins with one person deciding to do better and influencing the people around them. Driving should never be taken lightly. A car can be a blessing or a weapon—it depends on the choices we make. My commitment is to protect the lives of the people in my vehicle and on the road, because everyone deserves to make it home.