In one single car ride, we can drive alongside hundreds of people. Each one of these people has their own story and goals. While we might feel comfortable putting our own lives at risk, we are not entitled to jeopardize the lives of others. The countless families on the road do not consent to being put in danger. That notification on our phone can wait. We can think ahead and have a designated driver. We can call an Uber to come pick us up. There are numerous options available to us that can mean the difference between life and death.

Impaired driving is often misinterpreted. Many people, including those who have taken driver's education, have a very narrow idea of what constitutes inadequate driving. It does not necessarily have to be intoxication or a cellphone. Impaired driving can be as small as getting on the road with a headache. Driving has become such an integral part of our lives that it is easy to forget how dangerous it can be. Many people do not realize that what they are driving is a potential weapon that can ruin the lives of many people. When we get sucked into a routine of driving everywhere, we start getting more and more comfortable with taking risks. This can be extremely dangerous as we begin to forget what is and isn't safe while driving. In my experience, I have been accustomed to driving myself to school in the mornings. Because of this, I have found myself about to get behind the wheel even if I am tired. I have learned to evaluate myself and whether it is an adequate time for me to drive. I have found that it is always best to try to find someone else to drive if I do not feel that I can get myself to my destination safely.

In our current social climate, we have been experiencing a spike in impaired driving due to cellphone use. New technological advancements, such as AI, have created a codependent culture on technology. This in turn has transfered over in to driving, expecially amoungst younger drivers. More and more stories keep coming out about teens who end up in car accidents because they were distracted by their phones. It is very dangerous to drive while distracted, especially if that distraction is not allowing you to keep your eyes on the road. 

My views on driving were drastically changed when my mom told me about one of our family members who recently got into a car accident. He had recently gotten married and went on a road trip with his wife. They were on a two-lane road when a car drove into their lane and hit them, causing a head-on collision at a very high speed. Unfortunately, his wife did not survive, and he fractured both of his legs. The other driver was driving under the influence when he crashed into them. When I heard this story, it opened my eyes to a new perspective on impaired driving. While the other driver might have decided it was worth it to risk his own life that day, my family member did not. My family member had no say in that decision, yet he and his wife had to deal with the consequences. An entire life and family were destroyed the moment that driver decided to get behind the wheel. 

While there is a lot of work to do, there are many programs out there that are currently doing everything they can to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving. Sharing real-life stories and having personal testimonies is a great way to make people more mindful of their driving habits. We tend to forget how dangerous vehicles are since we use them every day. That is why it would be a good idea to hear an impactful story that keeps us from forgetting the dangers of distracted driving. 

The biggest thing anyone can do to help with the issue of impaired driving is to bring awareness and educate people on the risks involved. It is important for people to understand that they are granted a big responsibility when they sit behind the steering wheel. It is also important for people to know what they can do to prevent themselves from being in a situation that involves impaired driving. I plan on doing my part by spreading awareness online and communicating with my peers. All it takes is one post, one conversation, one phone call to prevent an accident.