In today's world, driving is one of the most essential skills a person can have. Cars have become the most common mode of travel for many people. However, this widespread use can lead to numerous problems, particularly concerning the behavior of those behind the wheel. Thousands of accidents occur each year due to impaired driving, whether caused by substances or distractions. Although these incidents are largely preventable, many individuals still choose to drive under the influence, often leading to tragic consequences.
 
 Impaired driving, to me, is when somebody drives, even when they are not fully capable of focusing on the road. Not being focused on the road is what causes most preventable crashes. However, there is a misunderstanding about impaired driving. People think that it's only caused by substances, so by not taking any, it doesn't count as impaired driving, but that is wrong. As I said before, impaired driving is not focusing on the road, so impaired driving also includes any distractions. So texting and eating while driving also counts as impaired driving and can put you and others in danger.

 Many types of impairment affect the condition of the driver while they are on the road. The most common ones that we see day to day are texting, fatigue, and alcohol. People have become very addicted to their phones, especially young drivers. While using a phone to play music can be relatively safe, many individuals go beyond that to engage in texting while driving, which can be very dangerous. This causes them to take their eyes from the road for a prolonged period, increasing the risk of a crash. Studies say that driving while fatigued is just as bad as driving drunk. They can't focus because the brain is trying to go into rest mode, but can't since they are driving. This dulls the senses of the driver, making them aware and increasing the likelihood of a car accident. Alcohol must be the poster substance for impaired driving because when people think of it, they think about liquor. Everyone knows what it does to a person, but some still choose to drive while under its influence. That's because alcohol suppresses the decision-making part of our brain, making it easier to make dumb choices. As well as dulling our senses, their a reason there are so many drunk driving incidents. 
 
 I have not experienced anything in my personal life that changed my way of thinking about impaired driving, but I have seen many YouTube videos about the causes of impaired driving out of curiosity. Those videos have enlightened me about the dangers of impaired driving and made me realize how much more dangerous it can be. I was ignorant about this topic, and I could have made the same mistake as those other people. Now I know what to avoid doing while driving, which could save me in the future whenever I'm driving. As an example, I was driving when I heard the notification sound on my phone. I forgot those videos for a second, but I remembered, and I didn't grab my phone.
 
 Driver’s education and traffic school courses help change attitudes and behaviours around impaired driving by spreading awareness. These schools can show the effects and consequences of impairment to themselves and others. By showing them what will happen, it could dissuade them from participating in the action that could cause such tragic events. It can be effective in real-world situations because it helps drivers quickly identify impaired driving on the road and understand steps to avoid a devastating incident. This means that when a driver recognizes another driver who may be under the influence, they can quickly intervene by notifying the police.
 
I can help prevent impaired driving by using what I know to avoid risky behaviors and by encouraging others to make safe choices. Since I understand the dangers associated with impaired driving, it would be irresponsible of me to act in a way that takes my focus off the road. More importantly, I can share this knowledge with others to keep them safe on the road. When I educate them about the risks and dangers of impaired driving, they may reconsider their action on the road and make safer choices. As they become more aware, they can then pass this information on to their friends and family, creating a ripple effect of safety.

Finally, I believe everyone has a role in making roads safer by practicing safe driving and raising awareness.