To me, impaired driving means risk—any time someone’s focus, judgment, or reaction time is weakened. I learned this lesson the hard way one night when I realized that driving isn’t just about skill, but it’s about awareness and responsibility. Not only is driving while impaired dangerous and unsafe, but doing so means you’re risking your life and the well-being of everyone else on the road. The fact that deaths, damage, and lifelong sadness could be prevented through simple precautions—like pulling over when you’re too tired to drive or having a designated driver after drinking—is truly astonishing.

I feel that texting is the most common form of impairment among drivers today, especially with how dependent we’ve become on our phones. Many people feel confident using their phones behind the wheel, but that confidence creates a huge risk to their safety and everyone else’s. A friend from high school once told me they were so addicted to their phone that they couldn’t stay off it while driving. It struck me how such a small action could potentially end or ruin many lives. Texting or using a phone while driving takes your attention away from the road in several ways—it distracts your eyes, hands, and mind during an activity that demands complete focus. When you look down to read or send a message, even for a few seconds, you stop watching what’s happening in front of you. At highway speeds, that’s like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed. Having one hand off the wheel also slows your ability to react if something unexpected happens, like a car suddenly stopping. Mentally, part of your attention stays on the phone instead of the road, which delays your reaction time and weakens your judgment. Many drivers believe they can multitask safely, but this false confidence often leads to swerving, missed signals, late braking, and crashes. Using a phone while driving might seem harmless at the moment, but it’s one of the most common and dangerous forms of impaired driving today.

One story that truly changed my perspective on driving was the death of Arkansas Razorbacks walk-on Brandon Burlsworth. I remember watching the movie about his life with my family late at night over the summer, and it broke my heart to see how, after achieving all his success through hard work and perseverance, his life was cut short by an alcohol-impaired driver. It’s heartbreaking to think about how such an incredible person with a bright future lost everything because of someone else’s poor decision. Not only did it take Brandon Burlsworth’s life, but it also forever changed the lives of his family, friends, teammates, and fans. This made me realize how many different factors come into play when someone decides to drive while impaired. Now, before getting behind the wheel, I always stop to think—am I in the right state of mind to drive safely for myself and others?

Driver’s education and traffic school courses help change attitudes and behaviors around impaired driving by going beyond the rules to build true understanding and responsibility. They use real-life stories, videos, and hands-on activities to show how impairment—whether from alcohol, drugs, fatigue, or distractions—affects reaction time and judgment. Simulations, such as wearing “drunk goggles” or navigating distractions, make the risks feel real instead of abstract. These experiences, combined with open discussions and true stories from crash victims or first responders, create emotional awareness that facts alone can’t achieve. By helping drivers see the human cost of impaired driving and teaching practical ways to prevent it, these programs effectively encourage safer, more thoughtful decisions in real-world situations.

Younger people aren’t always interested in sitting through lessons about safety rules and procedures, so it’s important to make the message real and engaging. To help prevent impaired driving, I would organize small events that let people experience different forms of impairment firsthand—showing how even simple tasks become difficult when your coordination or focus is affected. Then, I’d connect those experiences to what it’s like trying to drive under those same conditions. I would also include guest speakers and videos sharing true stories from people whose lives have been changed by impaired driving to connect emotionally with the audience.

Personally, I play a role in preventing impaired driving by setting an example and speaking up when I see risky behavior. I make it a rule never to drive if I’m tired, distracted, or under the influence of anything that could affect my judgment, and I encourage my friends to do the same. If someone I know tries to drive impaired, I’ll offer them a ride, call a rideshare, or help them find another safe option. My knowledge from driver’s education has shown me how easily impairment can lead to tragedy, so I share what I’ve learned with others—especially younger or new drivers who might underestimate the risks. By being responsible, starting conversations about safety, and reminding others that impairment isn’t just about alcohol but also distraction or fatigue, I can help build a culture where everyone thinks twice before getting behind the wheel in an unsafe state.