For me, impaired driving means driving under the influence, or any kind of distraction that affects the driver's ability to focus on the road. Impaired driving not only causes accidents that injure the driver but also harms others and can even result in death. An accident can put the driver at financial risk and expose them to legal trouble. People often misunderstand impaired driving, even for those who have completed driver’s education, because when they think of distractions while driving, alcohol or drugs are the first things that come to mind, so they immediately believe that impaired driving means driving under the influence of alcohol.

Although the most common type of impairment that causes accidents is alcohol, a large number of people are distracted every day by using their phones. This happens because of the misunderstanding mentioned earlier; many people do not consider using a phone while driving to be impaired driving, so they still do it. A phone can pose many dangers while driving by drawing the driver's attention and eyes away from the road, making them less likely to react quickly to unexpected events. Sadly, people are not aware of this because phones are very accessible nowadays, and people rely on them so much that using a phone anywhere is normal, even while driving. It has become a bad habit that many people are developing.

Personally, I’m still learning to drive and will take the driving test in February. Driving itself is not an easy task because there are many things to watch out for, such as traffic, speed limits, and surroundings. Paying attention to the road is very important to keep everyone safe, so I don’t understand how others think it is acceptable to use a phone while driving, since driving already requires a lot of multitasking. I have seen people on their phones texting while driving to work. I even saw some people scrolling social media while driving. I heard that one of my relatives got a ticket for using FaceTime while driving. I was in a small car crash in the past. Even though I was not injured, it still traumatized me. This was not a good experience because it made me anxious while I was on the road. I often fear that someone might crash into me or that I might crash into someone. Even when I’m sitting in the passenger seat, I sometimes try to hit the brake that isn’t even there because I’m scared of the car ahead. These experiences really shape how I think about driving because I do not want it to happen to anyone else. Again, “Every small action can lead to big consequences.”

I completed the California Driver’s Education course a couple of months ago, and they addressed this issue of impaired driving multiple times. This is a very effective strategy because it is now in my mind. It teaches us to take responsibility for our actions so we can treat driving seriously. After all, every time I think about impaired driving, I know it is when driving under the influence of something, including texting or using a phone. I’m aware of the factors that will affect my cognitive skills behind the wheel and avoid them at all costs to maintain safe driving. However, I think these programs should add more information about the consequences of using a phone while driving. From my memory, they often talk about the consequences of impaired driving due to alcohol and other substances, but do not mention enough about phones.

Later on, as I earn my driver's license, I need to be cautious when driving and help others avoid distractions when they get into the car. One role I can play to help create a safer driving environment for others is to speak up rather than stay silent. I should make an impact on my close ones first, so that the message can spread further. I could give them advice and warn them of what might happen if they drive under the influence. I can use my own experience, like what I shared above, to help them understand why they shouldn’t engage in impaired driving. I can guide people when someone they know struggles with this harmful habit, so that the idea of safe driving can reach many others. Lastly, I will give them tips on how to avoid a DUI and distracted driving, such as getting a taxi when they decide to drink alcohol and putting their phone on silent or in the glove box.