In my assessment, impaired driving extends beyond obvious influences such as being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, texting, or lack of sleep. I would define impaired driving as anything that creates a driver distraction or reduces their ability to respond effectively to their surroundings. This could include eating while driving, applying makeup, picking up something that dropped in the car, being under increased stress, or experiencing strong emotions,  just to name a few. I would also include not taking medications that help with focus and calmness, such as those prescribed to individuals with attention deficit disorder or anxiety. Conversely, it is equally important to consider that even over the counter medications can cause impairments, and drivers should always read warning labels before getting behind the wheel.

Driving schools tend to focus on the most obvious forms of impairment, such as alcohol or drug usage, but they rarely emphasize less obvious influences such as emotional distress or fatigue. Any level of impairment  affects reaction time and decision-making. Alcohol and drugs are easily recognized because there are widespread studies identifying how being under the influence of these substances alters reaction times and slows reflexes. Texting, especially on a handheld device, also poses a serious risk because it requires the driver to take their eyes off the road. Taking your eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, can be life-changing. People also rarely consider that being tired can mimic being under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. A tired driver may have slower reaction times, poor judgment, and reduced focus, just like someone who is intoxicated.

I believe driving schools could make a stronger impact by incorporating simulations that show the real-world consequences of impaired driving. For example, virtual scenarios could demonstrate how quickly accidents happen when someone looks away to send a text or tries to drive while fatigued. Experiencing those simulated effects in a safe environment could help new drivers truly understand the risks before they encounter them in real life.

Taking your eyes off the road for even a few seconds can cause an accident. For example, reading a text for five seconds when traveling 55 miles per hour is the equivalent of driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed. Most people would agree that they would never intentionally drive a vehicle with their eyes closed at any speed, let alone on a highway. Yet texting and driving, even when using a hands-free device, can still create mental distractions that take a driver’s focus away from what matters most—the road ahead. That is why it’s important to use focus settings on cell phones and in-car systems that silence notifications while driving, helping prevent distractions before they occur.

I’ve heard many tragic stories about how impaired driving has caused life-changing injuries or deaths. One story that I think about often happened about seven years ago. A high school senior named Katilyn Duffy from Great Bridge High School in Chesapeake, Virginia, was returning from a trip to the beach with her friends when she was struck and killed by a drunk and drugged driver operating a commercial truck carrying furniture. Katilyn was killed instantly, her passenger sustained permanent injuries, and her puppy also died in the crash.

This individual chose to drive a large vehicle while under the influence, and that one selfish decision took the life of a young woman who had everything ahead of her. Katilyn was only eighteen, had earned over a 4.0 GPA, competed in multiple high school sports, and was preparing to attend Virginia Tech. She was killed just before prom and never had the chance to graduate from high school, attend college, pursue a career, get married, or have children. Her mother has since become a strong advocate for Mothers Against Drunk Driving, channeling unimaginable grief into raising awareness so that others do not suffer the same pain.

While I never intend to drive under the influence, the thought of this young woman—someone about my age—has stayed with me. Her story is a permanent reminder of how quickly lives can be destroyed by impaired or distracted driving. Every time I get behind the wheel, I remind myself that one careless decision could change everything for me or someone else.

As long as people have free will, we may never fully eliminate impaired or distracted driving. However, continuing to educate drivers about its dangers can make a difference. We can also lead by example by refusing to engage in distracted driving ourselves and by encouraging our friends and family to do the same. It’s impossible to measure the number of accidents that never happen because someone made the right choice not to drive distracted—but those invisible victories matter. Over time, consistent education and responsible habits can help reduce the statistics we see today.

My hope for the future is twofold. First, I hope that each of us takes personal responsibility for safe driving—understanding that it’s not just about protecting ourselves, but everyone around us. Second, I hope vehicle manufacturers continue developing safety technologies that help prevent accidents, such as lane departure warnings, automatic emergency braking, and driver attention alerts. These features can’t replace responsibility, but they can help reduce the number and severity of crashes. Finally, I hope lawmakers continue to support stronger policies that keep impaired and distracted drivers off the road. Through education, innovation, and accountability, we can move closer to a future where tragedies like Katilyn Duffy’s become far less common.