When we were taught the concept of “Impaired driving”, it would usually consist of someone drinking and driving, or using drugs and driving. Personally, I never really thought of other possibilities like being too tired to drive, or even something as small as looking down at your phone. All I knew was that it would never happen to me. But it did, and it made me realize how important it is to make others aware of every danger on the road. 

I learned very fast that even a glance at my phone while driving can have very serious consequences. I experienced this firsthand when one night I was driving in unknown territory and missed a turn, then looked down at my GPS on my phone just for a few seconds. That was all it took. I missed a stop sign, and a pickup truck rammed into my passenger side. The crash didn't just wreck my car, but it wrecked my idea that bad things in life won't happen to me. The crash truly opened my eyes to how easily impaired driving can put anyone's life at risk. It was an unforgettable experience that taught me that impaired driving doesn't always mean alcohol or drugs; it can happen to anyone in the blink of an eye. 

There is so much more to impaired driving than just drugs and alcohol. After the crash, I would always find myself replaying that night. I kept thinking about what could have happened and imagining the worst-case scenario. I could have been the reason someone didn't make it home to their family that night. I could have been the reason my mom slept alone in our house. I could have been the reason for a lot of bad things that night. It made me understand just how much responsibility actually comes with driving. I realized that every single choice you make behind the wheel, even the really small things, can have the biggest impact. The fear and guilt that I felt impacted me more than any driver's ed video or lesson ever could have. 

After that day, I have made it my goal to tell my story and make others more aware of the other types of impairment while driving. Fatigue, stress, and distractions can all slow reaction time and decision-making. I see others, friends, even family members scrolling through messages or sending a quick Snapchat, and I cant help but always think of how quickly something bad can happen, just like it did to me. It made me want to spread my word, not just for me but for the others who also think that, “ It will never happen to me.” 

Driver's Ed helped teach me all the laws of the road. It never could have prepared me for the experience after the crash. I want my words to resonate with people, even if it only means one person doesn't check that text message they just got, or one person pulls over to look at where they're actually going. At least I could say I saved one person from the terrible memories and traumatic moments that I had to go through. Like seeing my car crumbled up in the ditch, seeing my mom's face when she got in the ambulance, or smelling the hot metal when the life of jaws cut me out, or the countless hours wondering if the other person was okay, and even the moment I got home from the hospital, seeing all my family knowing that everything could’ve have turned out diffrent. 

I've now learned to put my phone away while driving, double-checking my routes before I leave, and making sure I'm fully alert before hitting the road. I also now share the lessons I've learned with my friends, encouraging them to stay off their phones and to take breaks if they’re tired. It's not about scaring people, it's about showing them how even the smallest of choices can lead to the biggest consequences. 

If you only were to take one thing from this essay let it be this, when your in the drivers seat of a car it means more than just controlling it. It means making choices that are going to protect you and everyone else around you. My crash has reminded me never to take any moment for granted wether it driving with your mom to the grocery store or hanging out with the people you love the most, saftey should always come first. Drivers ed gave me the starting point to saftey, but living through my mistakes have taught me more than anything or anyone could. Every time I drive I have to remember that second that almost cost me my life, im writitng this essay so you don’t have to have those thoughts every time you get in the car.