The term “impaired driving” to me means exactly that: driving while impaired. The word impaired itself means damaged or weakened, as well as a function limited by a mental or physical condition. It is a widely versatile term not restricted to a specific type of impairment just as long as it interferes with the ability to drive. However, the term is commonly only associated with driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, even by drivers who have completed driver's education or traffic school. This issue most likely stems from the fact that it is the most common type of impairment while driving and the one commonly warned about in driver's ed and traffic school, and has been for the past decades. However, other factors like fatigue, mental health state, and physical health conditions also contribute to the impaired driving category.

Among drivers today, alcohol and drugs continue to be some of the most common types of impairments, rightly because of their effects on behavior, such as blurred vision, dizziness, sleepiness, etc. However, texting and distractions due to phones is having an uprise. Texting falls into the impaired driving category as it takes the driver's focus away from the road and into a screen. Not only that, in order to text, one hand has to be off the steering wheel, significantly decreasing wheel control. But most importantly, texting requires both reading and writing, two tasks that take great focus, and so does driving. Trying to perform all three tasks at the same time is awfully dangerous, not only for the driver but also to the rest of the individuals on the road. Other factors like fatigue, altered mental state, and physical health also contribute to unsafe driving just as much as drugs, alcohol, and texting, but they are less recognized. When driving in a tired or sleepy state, one eye drift can risk the car from invading another lane or possibly going into oncoming traffic. When in an altered mental state, emotions can be powerful, making the driver vulnerable to acting out of anger, stress, fear, or sadness instead of common sense. When in poor health, it also affects the ability to drive, as one may not be physically able to carry out the task of driving safely. 

I will admit that I once was one of those people who mainly associated impaired driving with drugs and alcohol; however, my perspective was changed when I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. With my diagnosis came a lot of new information and things I had to learn. I was 15 at the time of my diagnosis, and a health educator asked me if I was driving or soon to be driving. I shared with them that I only had my permit at the time, they proceeded to inform me that when it came to driving I had to make sure my blood glucose levels were in range but most importantly not on the lower side because driving with a low blood sugar or hypoglycemia ( the medical term) will mimic driving while drunk and will make me suspectible to a DUI charge. I had never before thought this would be an issue I had to look towards or would be considered impaired driving up unitl that moment. Now that I do drive and have my driving license, I always make sure my blood glucose levels are in range before even stepping in the car. If they are not, I will have a piece of candy that will help my blood sugar rise up to prevent me from staying low or going even lower. 

Driver's education and traffic school courses can help change attitudes and behaviors around impaired driving by bringing awareness to all the different types of impairments and sharing their consequences if not taken seriously. Students should learn that not only are they putting themselves at risk when driving impaired, but also innocent drivers on the road who are just trying to get from point A to point B safely. Diving into real-life cases concerning impaired driving accidents, simulations, and meeting actual people and families that have been affected by the issue are all methods that could be incorporated into the education of the students. Teaching the students to listen to their bodies is also a great technique. Letting them know it is okay to pull over if they are too tired, feeling ill, or emotional. It is always better to be safe than sorry. Time wasted waiting to get into a more regulated state before driving will always be better than risking your own or somebody else's life. When it comes to raising awareness for alcohol and drug impairment while driving, planning should be introduced. If the students are going to a party and planning to get drunk or smoke, then it should be taught not to drive to the location, even if the students think their bodies can handle it.  Alternatives consist of getting dropped off and picked up, carpooling with friends, or taking an Uber. Carpooling safety should also be taught in case the designated driver is under the influence as well. In moments like these, students should be taught how to prevent a drunk or high person from getting behind the wheel, especially if they are giving rides to other people, and look for an alternate solution. 

A role I can personally play in preventing impaired driving is having the utmost responsibility. Responsibility will prevent me from getting behind the wheel in an under-the-influence, a hypoglycemic episode, or an altered emotional state. My knowledge and training suggested in the paragraph above, can influence others to make safer decisions as it will open their eyes and realize the great seriousness of impaired driving. Not only is the one behind the wheel being affected, but the family and loved ones who have to deal with the aftermath as well.