When it comes to fatal car accidents in the United States, they could be easily prevented. Driving while impaired is one of the main causes of these preventable road deaths. Driving impaired can result from many factors, such as alcohol, drugs, fatigue, or a simple distraction. Impaired driving can affect anyone who is behind the wheel; It does not matter who you are, your age, or your driving experience. This paper will provide my comprehension of impaired driving, types of impairment, my personal experience with it, explain how driver's education courses can change attitudes or behaviors, and my role in helping prevent impaired driving. 

My understanding of impaired driving is when an individual is not driving in a physically alert manner. In other words, they are attentive and aware of the world around them. When someone is under the influence, whether it is from alcohol or drugs, it significantly impairs the physical and mental abilities required for safe driving. It affects how the brain usually functions on a daily basis, such as coordination, vision, control judgment, and even reaction time. When an individual is not attentive and aware of their surroundings while driving a vehicle on the road, it may lead to a fatal car accident. Sometimes, the term impaired driving is misunderstood by individuals. People usually associate the word impaired with alcohol, which ignores other factors such as fatigue and distractions. Feeling tired while driving or even being on your phone, which causes a distraction from looking at the road, can lead to a car accident. Another reason impaired driving is misunderstood is that many people overestimate their ability to handle driving after drinking or using drugs. They may connect the term to not being able to drive, but in their heads, they believe they are capable because they had a small amount. 

Drunk driving, drugged driving, texting while driving, and driving while drowsy are believed to be the most common among drivers today. Everyday there is someone trying to multitask by texting and driving. There are individuals still driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. They believe they can still handle driving, but in reality, the substance has already impaired their coordination and reaction time. Exhaustion is common in today’s society, and not too many people get enough sleep. Those individuals believe they are still able to drive and end up falling asleep behind the wheel. All of these factors are unsafe behaviors because the driver is putting their life at risk as well as another person’s life. 

From experience, I was 14 weeks pregnant in the passenger seat with a driver who was under the influence of alcohol. The vehicle I was in crashed into the back of a 16-wheeled semi-truck. That situation changed how I viewed impaired driving. I view impaired driving now as very wrong and unsafe. Even though I was not driving, the driver, the remaining passengers, and I could have all lost our lives that evening. My unborn baby at the time could never have had the chance to see the world. My choices were influenced by the situation when it comes to driving behind the wheel. I do not and will not drive impaired under any circumstances. If I see a friend or a person who is under the influence, I will offer to drive them or get them a ride. Our lives are precious, and we should not take it for granted. 

Driver’s education or traffic safety courses can help reduce impaired driving and protect lives every day. These courses can help change attitudes and behavior by making risks feel personal and real. This will build a better connection with the students learning from the courses. The knowledge gained from driver’s education or traffic safety courses about proactive strategies can reduce car accidents. The objective of these courses should be to encourage students to foster empathy, accountability, and enhance decision-making skills, which would be effective in real-world situations. 

The role I can play when it comes to preventing impaired driving could be a friend. I can help ensure all guests have a sober ride home. I could also intervene if I see someone impaired who is about to drive. I would then suggest the individual to stay the night or suggest an alternative ride. My knowledge can help influence others to make safer decisions by influencing others to make better decisions. 

Car accidents caused by impaired driving can be easily prevented through the choices of improved decision-making.