When I think about impaired driving, I don’t just think about statistics or news stories, I think about real people. I think about my friends, my teammates, my classmates, and even strangers who deserve to get home safely. It’s one of those issues that feels distant until you imagine someone you love being hurt because of one bad decision. That thought alone is enough to make me take impaired driving seriously, even as a teenager who isn’t old enough to drink or call an Uber on my own.

Even though I’m young, I’ve already seen how close people my age can come to dangerous situations. I’ve watched classmates joke about things like “getting a ride from someone who only had one drink,” as if one wrong choice isn’t all it takes. I’ve heard stories of kids sneaking alcohol into parties or older siblings offering rides when they probably shouldn’t have been driving. I’m grateful that my parents raised me to be cautious and honest about safety. They’ve always told me, “You call us, no matter what, no matter where, no matter when.” And that promise has shaped how I think about impaired driving today.

Since I’m underage, I obviously can’t call an Uber or Lyft if I’m somewhere and feel unsafe. My only responsible option is to call my mom or dad, something I wouldn’t hesitate to do. But the truth is, my role in preventing impaired driving goes beyond just what I would personally choose. I can also influence the people around me, my friends, my peers, my teammates, to make safer choices too.

One of the most important ways I can prevent impaired driving is simply by speaking up. It sounds small, almost too simple, but a lot of bad situations happen because no one wants to be “the one” who ruins the fun. I’ve seen it enough to know that silence can be dangerous. I’ve learned that courage isn’t always loud; sometimes it’s just saying, “Hey, maybe this isn’t a good idea,” even when everyone else shrugs. Being willing to be that person matters.

I also try to set an example in how I plan ahead. If I’m going out, whether it’s to a friend’s house, a football game, or a small get-together, I make sure my parents know where I am and when I’ll be home. It gives them peace of mind, and it keeps me safe. I’m also open with my friends about that. They know that my house is always a safe place to stay and that my parents would never turn someone away who needed help getting home safely. Just having that as an option can stop someone from getting into the car with the wrong driver.

Another way I help prevent impaired driving is by being honest about pressure. Teens don’t always admit it, but the pressure to fit in can feel huge, especially when it comes to parties or social situations. I remind myself, and my friends, that our safety matters more than anyone’s opinion. It’s easier to make a good decision when you talk openly about the pressure behind the bad ones.

I’ve also had real safety training that shapes how I think. Programs at school, community presentations, and even my experience in golf and softball have all emphasized discipline, responsibility, and decision-making. Being an athlete teaches you to think three steps ahead, to evaluate risk, and to take accountability for your choices. I carry those lessons into everyday life. I’ve learned that impaired driving isn’t just about alcohol, it includes being sleep-deprived, distracted, stressed, or under the influence of anything. Those lessons make me more aware of my surroundings and more confident when I step in to help someone else.

My training at the National Youth Leadership Forum for National Security also changed the way I view responsibility. That program emphasized how one person’s choices can impact an entire community. It made me realize leadership isn’t always about having authority, it’s about being willing to stand up for what’s right. When it comes to impaired driving, leadership might look like taking someone’s keys, refusing to get in a questionable car, or calling a parent for help even if it feels embarrassing. That willingness to act could literally save a life.

Looking ahead, I know that my career goals align with keeping people safe. I plan to pursue a career in the FBI or another intelligence or public safety field. Preventing harm, whether through impaired driving, violence, or other risks, is something I feel called to do. Understanding the importance of safety now prepares me to be an advocate for others in the future. If I can practice speaking up today, I’ll be even stronger when working on behalf of people who need protection later.

In the end, the role I play in preventing impaired driving comes down to three things: making responsible choices myself, influencing others to do the same, and planning ahead so no one ends up in a dangerous situation. I may not be an adult yet, but I know that my voice and my actions matter. I can help create a culture where my friends and I choose safety over convenience, honesty over pressure, and responsibility over risk.

And if there is ever a moment when I need help, I’ll do exactly what my parents taught me, I’ll call Mom or Dad. Because the safest decision is always the right one, no matter how old you are.