I never knew how drinking and driving could affect myself, and others, until it did it.

I obtained my license at sixteen years, and three weeks old.  At that time, I could not drive until after nine pm, until I was seventeen.  I had a job at fifteen years old, so driving was very important to me.  I got my permit the day I turned 16, took a five-hour course, I and a driver’s education class.  My mom had taken me out driving many times, and instilled in me the importance of driving safely, and the impact my driving had on others.

I did not drink alcohol until I turned twenty-one but when I did begin to drink alcohol, I gave zero regard for the problems that I was causing.  I never once considered the legal, or financial ramifications, let alone the personal problems I encountered; lost relationships, not being trusted, finding myself alone.  

There were many times that I, myself, drove under the influence, and had legal and financial repercussions because of it.  Initially it wasn’t often, however driving impaired one time is too may.  I have had three DWI’s and my license was taken for a total of seven years.  I am embarrassed to say that I am not even sure what my blood alcohol content was.  I believe that one of them was a .017, and another a .024.   Impaired driving has serious and far-reaching consequences. When someone drives under the influence of alcohol or drugs, their reaction time slows, judgment weakens, and coordination declines, making crashes far more likely. 

During a twelve-year period is when my DWI’s occurred.  Even after each one, and the consequences I suffered, it still took me three more years to realize the effect alcohol had on my life, not just my driving.  I am grateful that nothing serious every happened during my drinking and driving, however the impact it had on my life is something that I need to remember for the rest of my life.

One of the most impactful things that I remember was listening to several people whose lives were impacted from drinking and driving.  One of the most impactful programs that I participated in was the Victim impact panel (VIP).  I was able to listen to an individual that was personal affected by an accident from being under the influence.  This individual was in a wheelchair and would never be able to walk again.  I only wish at that time, that it was enough for me to see what the result of my poor choices could do to others.  I feel that the VIP is something that all drivers should have the opportunity to experience.  It is a good way for the victims to be heard and educate all drivers on negative impacts of driving under the influence.   Impaired driving has serious and far-reaching consequences. 

I also learned, after the fact that even one drink puts me under the influence.  In addition, there are many factors that play into one’s blood alcohol content.  One thing that still stand out is that time, is the only thing that can lower blood alcohol content.

After my seven years of not driving, and at forty-four years old, I had to start all over.  Even after having over twenty years of driving experience, I had to obtain my permit and take a five-hour course all over again.  Currently I have an interlock device in my vehicle and will have it for another three years.  At first, I was quite annoyed, and sometimes I still am, but I am fortunate to even drive again.  In many countries driving privileges are lost after once offence.  Looking at that my consequences aren’t so severe.

Sometimes I wish I could go back and change my past, the guilt and shame of my actions, and the “what if” are something that I will have to live with, but they are a part of my story, and I have grown.  Without my story I would not be the grateful mother, partner, and friend that I am today.  I am proud to say that I am now over five years sober and have a huge amount of gratitude for the gift of driving, and I no longer take that privilege for granted.