Impaired driving is operating a vehicle while your ability to do so safely is affected. A few of the most common reasons for this are alcohol, drugs, sleepiness, emotional distress, and more. Anything that affects an individual's ability to properly manage their vehicle can be described as impaired driving. This concept is constantly misunderstood even by those who have completed driver’s education and traffic school because people assume the only cause is drugs or alcohol. They continuously undermine the danger of driving while tired, anxious, stressed or emotionally distressed. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2021 there were 622 fatal crashes in which “drowsy driving” was recorded as a factor, resulting in 684 deaths. Another extreme cause of car crashes are texting while driving. Too many times have I looked over to the next car while on the road and seen someone on their phone. The most shocking individuals I've seen are parents with young children in the car using their phone while driving. They are actively prioritizing a message that can be sent later over the lives of their children, how disturbing.

Earlier this month, a young student from my high school passed away after being hit by a car in our local shopping center. People were murmuring about an email that was sent out by the principal. Initially I thought nothing of it, thinking he would get better and praying for his quick recovery. Later that evening after returning home, I discovered that the student had died on the spot. I felt sad but although the student attended my school, I felt disconnected. That was until I found out it was my friend from freshman year, someone I saw every day at school, exchanging hellos in the hall. Something that would never happen again. It is so easy to see a statistic of the number of car accident fatalities there are, but connecting the names, the legacies, the lives of these 40,901 people is heart wrenching. The student who had passed was an impressive baseball player, an amazing student, kindhearted child who got his life taken from him at the ripe age of 16 years old due to a reckless driver. I could stay up at night and think about how often this happens, how many families and communities have to mourn the death of a person because of crashes. How many more times does this have to happen for people to take action?

As I previously mentioned, there are 40,901 motor related deaths solely in the United states. Approximately 1.19 million deaths worldwide per year. I've always considered numbers dehumanizing, they don't share the same effect as names. After searching local news sources, I have collected a list of individuals who have died from car accidents in the past 30 days. Out of respect for these individuals and their families I will not be naming them but will tell you all a bit about them. One was an astonishing high school senior known for his kindness and love of football. Another was a devoted mother who worked two jobs but always was there for her two young girls. A man in his forties, a mechanic, was the kind of person who would drop everything to help fix someone’s car or mow an elderly friend’s lawn, as expressed by his neighbor in an interview. In Alabama, a young woman in her twenties had recently started nursing school, driven by a passion to care for others, while another was a college student who balanced classes and part-time work, dreaming of opening her own business one day. The story was told by that student’s parents as the student is no longer here to accomplish that dream of being a business owner. 

You might be wondering why I took my time to research that and share it with you. My goal is to show that these statistics and numbers are all people with their own stories, their own lives, families, and aspirations. As I am getting prepared to become a driver, I am making sure I get enough practice, understanding all driving laws, including not driving under the influence, tired or distracted, and staying alert. I have the ability to use my writing to advocate for safe driving behavior and will use my knowledge to educate others on the harmful effects of impaired driving. 

Before you go out on the road, remember this acronym, S.A.F.E. S stands for sober and alert: Never drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs and make sure you’re rested. A for attention on the road: Avoid distractions like phones, eating, or adjusting the radio. Your full attention should be on driving. F representing familiar & fit vehicle: Check your car before driving, tires, lights, brakes, mirrors, and seatbelt. Ensure it’s safe and ready. E for exercise caution & respect: Follow speed limits, signals, and traffic laws. Be mindful of other drivers, pedestrians, and changing road conditions. You only have one life, use it wisely.