“Drive slow and enjoy the scenery, drive fast and join the scenery.” -Douglas Horton

      You may be asking things like “What does that mean?” or “How can this apply to me?” This quote means that if you drive slowly then you can ensure your safety; on the other hand, if you drive fast and recklessly then you’re risking the chance of being in a crash. Whether you know it or not, impaired driving is a common struggle in society, so it is important to practice safe driving. 

      Texting while driving is a struggle that many people face. You may get a text or phone call. Simply hearing that buzz or ring can tempt you to pick it up and take your eyes off the road. This action can lead to removing your hands from the wheel and losing control of the car. Thanks to the invention of bluetooth and apple carplay it makes it easier to answer a call but it is still important to be careful.

      Drowsiness is a day to day encounter, driving or not. Pushing yourself to drive even though you’re tired can lead to a dangerous outcome. Sure there are many temporary fixes to the issue but even some temporary fixes don’t work. Sleeping is not only good for your body but also good for your mind to stay alert and on track. Avoiding drowsiness is good to stay safe especially on roads that are usually busier like the interstate or main street.

      Driving under the influence is one of the most reckless habits one can have. You’re not only putting your life at risk but also the lives of so many more. One example is my mother. She was hit by a drunk driver when she was getting off of the school bus as a child. It was a brutal hit that took many months of recovery. However, she just happened to be lucky enough to survive this incident that could’ve been prevented. The likelihood of her survival was virtually impossible. Just because there is a chance of survival does not mean it is okay to drive when you are intoxicated.

Impaired Driving: the act of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, legal drugs, or other factors that reduce your ability to drive safely.

      Many people think of impaired driving as just a simple inconvenience that might be a problem but it is so much more than that. If in the wrong circumstance, it could be a matter of life and death. Things like driving under the influence or simply eating while the car is not parked is one minor thought that can turn into a major accident. All of these harmful habits have one thing in common: your choices were careless. By being an irresponsible driver, you are putting the lives of passengers in both your car and other vehicles or other drivers at risk.

      Instead of being a reckless driver as you are under the wheel, to practice safe driving you should:  minimize distractions, avoid driving when tired, and wait at least an hour for every standard alcoholic drink consumed before driving or by making a plan for a designated driver if planning on consuming alcoholic beverages. Doing this will protect your safety and potentially the safety of others as well.

      As a young, learning, driver the responsibility I feel to drive safely is great. I have a love and compassion that is unexplainable for my mother, who is teaching me to drive. I would be devastated if anything happened to her on my account. This responsibility is the reason why you should practice safe driving. Being mindful of other drivers while also being risk-free is important.

      Ultimately, to practice safe driving the requirements are simple yet demanding: it requires us to have our eyes on the road at all times, keep our hands on the stirring wheel, and be mindful of our state of well-being, our speed, and our surroundings. We can commit to safe driving by doing things like putting our phones away, planning a sober ride, and pulling over once fatigue sets in. My mothers chilling story is the best proof that the path of a reckless driver is paved only by their mistakes and regret. But being safe allows us to truly “drive slow and enjoy the scenery.”