Independence is the one part of life that many teenagers and young adults cannot wait to reach. From graduating high school, entering college, getting your first job, to getting your first car; the endless experiences that can contribute to making your life complete are more than exciting, they can shape how you become into yourself as a person. Receiving a vehicle while young, whether it was purchased by the owner or as a gift, is a blessing that many people cannot relate to nowadays, including myself. Although society, mainstream culture, and even the DMV consistently preaches to new drivers that staying safe on the road is the first priority while driving to prevent harming themselves and others, the everlasting car accidents that arise due to recklessness and lack of care for safety has only proven to do the opposite of that. 

Driving is a freedom that without a doubt everyone should encounter; the thought to come and go as you please without the need to wait on anyone else to provide you with a transportation service is as much of a necessity as it is a luxury. However, some people can make driving out to be a dangerous activity more than one that is rewarding. It should be noted, you cannot drive safely if you are impaired. Impaired driving under any substance, legal or illegal, will put you and another driver in harm’s way. Driving and understanding a vehicle requires mental and physical abilities to control and navigate roadways that are surrounded by potential hazards; just because you were able to pass your permit test, do not be too eager to get behind the wheel if you are not ready to learn more about driving than only how to drive. 

DUI, better known as driving under the influence, is the most dangerous and common type of impairment. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, every day, about 34 people in the United States are killed in drunk driving car crashes; this is equivalent to one person every 42 minutes. In fact, in 2023, 12,429 people died in alcohol impaired traffic deaths. Even at a relatively low consumption, alcohol can significantly slow reaction times and completely control a driver’s mind and thought process while behind the wheel. Although there are other factors that contribute to impaired driving, reckless driving, car crashes, and even death, such as smoking, texting, and fatigue; driving after drinking alcohol happens to be the one factor that makes up for the majority of the reckless behavior that occurs on the road. 

At the moment, I am in driving school and will hopefully obtain my license by this time in a few months. Ultimately, I can only control myself and my motives, but this does not mean I am going to sit back and watch other people around me walk into the possibility of being harmed or worse. Every time I get behind the wheel with my instructor, I ensure that I had a good night’s rest and am completely sober before I even buckle my seat belt. I also am beyond observant of the people who I get into vehicles with as well, this goes for my family members if need be; if I see that someone is not equipped to drive me somewhere, close or far, I will refuse the ride and suggest they relax themselves for the time being and try again later when they are ready. 

Accidents will occur when you least expect it. At times, it is not about driving while impaired, it can be from not paying attention while driving; being easily distracted. Many believe that safe driving is about the way someone feels when they get in their car, of course that is a constituent, but it is also how that driver operates their driving. Are they paying attention to the road and their surroundings? Are they using the proper turn signals? Are they looking at the road signs and what they mean? Do they know what the road signs mean? Are they stopping at red lights? Safe driving goes beyond not drinking, smoking, or feeling tired in a car, it is also about being safe while driving after the fact. Whether you are a new driver or one who is quite experienced, make sure you are taking the necessary and legal precautions to prolong your safety and the people around you as well. If you are the slightest bit intoxicated, get a ride to your destination from a sober driver; it can guarantee your life and someone else’s as well.