According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, impaired means “having a specified faculty or function limited by a physical or mental condition.” When most people hear the term impaired driving, they think of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Although this is one form of impaired driving, it is far from the only one. Based on the definition, impaired driving occurs any time your physical or mental state affects your ability to drive safely. This means breakups, talking on the phone, or even listening to loud music can qualify as impairment. Driver’s education and traffic school explain the dangers of driving under the influence, but they do not stress how harmful other forms of impairment can be, nor how many types of impairment exist. This is why everyone needs more education on safe driving—even experienced drivers can make mistakes.

Today, several types of impairment are increasingly common. The legalization of marijuana in many states has led some people to treat it like a normal part of daily life, resulting in more people driving while high. At the same time, the normalization of underage drinking has created a serious problem. Many teens choose to drive drunk to avoid their parents finding out they have been drinking. Along with these issues is the rise in texting and driving. As technology advances, cell phones have practically become extensions of our bodies. Because they go everywhere with us, they are always in our vehicles. Carrying a phone is not the issue, being unable to ignore it is. Instead of waiting until they stop driving to check messages or social media, many people respond immediately, even while behind the wheel.

Another major cause of impairment is fatigue. As the cost of living rises, people are working more hours, and students are staying out later for extracurricular activities while still managing homework and responsibilities. These demanding schedules lead to a widespread lack of sleep, making a fatigued driving routine for many. All four of these impairing conditions; drugs, alcohol, distraction, and fatigue slow down attention and reaction time. Driving requires focus and quick responses; without these, the ability to prevent accidents and stay aware of the environment is greatly reduced.

Two years before I was old enough to drive, my family suffered a tragedy that forever changed my views on safe driving. My cousin Hayleigh, a mother of two, was killed in a car accident that was not her fault. She was driving on a highway divided by a grass median when another driver, who was not in a stable mental state, crossed over the median into oncoming traffic. A semi-truck swerved to avoid him, crossed the median, and hit Hayleigh head-on. Her two children in the back seat miraculously survived without injury, but they watched their mother die. They are now being raised in separate homes and her daughter living in my town, where I help care for her, and her son living two hours away with his father. Our family lost a loving mother, daughter, and cousin who deserved many more years of life. All of it was caused by someone who chose to drive while mentally impaired. Even when a person is not under the influence of a substance, emotional and mental instability can be just as dangerous and just as capable of destroying lives.

Driver’s education courses and traffic schools play an important role in preventing tragedies like these. They teach students how to handle emergency situations, provide real-world examples of accidents, and allow drivers to practice in a variety of environments. Learning how to stay calm in emergencies can change the outcome of a potential wreck. Hearing real stories awakens drivers to the true dangers of impaired driving, motivating them to make safer choices. Practicing in different areas increases confidence and skill, making new drivers more prepared when they begin driving independently. Altogether, these courses offer essential knowledge and experience that people might not gain otherwise.

Preventing impaired driving is something everyone can contribute to, but it requires individual commitment. I will do my part by choosing responsibly when to drive and encouraging my peers to make safe choices as well. I pledge not to drive when I am extremely fatigued, under the influence, or overwhelmed by strong emotions. I also pledge to support and remind others not to drive under these conditions.

Impaired driving takes many forms, all of which can be equally dangerous. None is necessarily more common than another, some are simply less reported. My own experience with the loss of my cousin has shaped how seriously I view this issue. Driver’s education and traffic training can help prevent tragedies by strengthening knowledge, raising awareness, and increasing driver confidence and skill. I will continue to contribute to the fight against impaired driving by making responsible decisions and holding myself and others accountable. In the end, safe driving is a responsibility we all share, and committing to it can save countless lives.