Driving is about a lot more than just getting from one place to another. It’s a kind of freedom, but it’s also a big responsibility. When I turned 16, I got my license right away and a car soon after-a sweet 2010 Mazda 3 Sport. It wasn’t all mine; I had to share it with my twin brother. My mom reminded us from the beginning about the level of responsibility driving has, especially when she strictly enforced the law that my twin brother and I couldn’t drive with friends or even our little sister for six months after getting our licenses. It was a “provisional license” after all. At the time, that rule seemed overprotective, but now I understand that she was trying to help us stay safe while we learned how to handle real-world driving situations without distractions. It’s easy to forget that cars can be dangerous if we don’t treat them with respect, and that includes being responsible about impaired driving—something I take seriously.

  When most people think of “impaired driving,” they usually think of alcohol or drugs, which used to include me. Those are definitely major causes of crashes, but impairment can also mean being tired or distracted. As a student athlete and a lifeguard, I’ve had plenty of long days. After a late shift at the pool or a long out-of-town swim meet, I sometimes feel exhausted on the drive home. There have been nights when I’ve realized that fatigue can make me just as unfocused as alcohol could possibly make someone else. My reaction time slows down, my eyes feel heavy, and even small mistakes start to feel more likely. Recognizing that tired driving is also a form of impaired driving has changed the way I think about getting behind the wheel. Now, if I feel too tired after a meet or a late shift, I’ll take a few minutes to rest, stretch, or even call my mom to let her know I might take a break before heading home. That’s one way I can personally help prevent impaired driving—by not letting exhaustion become a risk factor.

   Another role I can play is setting an example for my friends. Since I’ve started driving with friends more often, I’ve noticed that how I drive affects the way they act, too. If I follow the rules and keep my phone away, they’re more likely to respect the car as a serious space, not a place where anything goes. I make it clear that I don’t text or answer calls while driving—it’s just not worth it. Even though it might seem small, putting my phone on “Do Not Disturb” when I start the car is a choice that can prevent a crash. I know some of my friends see me as careful or “the responsible driver,” and that’s okay. I’d rather have that reputation than be someone who puts others in danger. If one friend decides to do the same because of me, that’s already a win.

   Working as a lifeguard has also taught me lessons that connect directly to preventing impaired driving. Every day at the pool, I’m trained to pay attention—to notice small details, react quickly, and stay alert even when things seem calm. That mindset doesn’t just switch off when I leave work. Driving safely requires the same kind of focus. One of the first things I learned as a lifeguard was that accidents can happen in seconds, even to strong swimmers. The same is true on the road: one distracted or impaired moment can change lives forever. Because I’ve been trained to think in terms of safety, responsibility, and prevention, I can use that training to encourage my friends to make smarter choices about driving. If someone I know seems too tired or otherwise impaired, I’ll step up and offer to help them find a ride or call someone for them. That’s what I’d do if I saw someone in danger at the pool—and the road isn’t any different.

   There’s also a bigger influence I can have just by talking about these topics openly. We don’t always like being told what to do by adults, but hearing it from someone their own age can make a bigger impact. If I share what I’ve learned about how dangerous impairment can be, it might make someone stop and think before they drive. Even a quick reminder, like “Hey man, you good to drive?” may be enough to get them thinking. It’s not about judging anyone; it’s about caring enough to speak up.

   Preventing impaired driving isn’t just about laws or rules; it’s about attitude. If I can help shift that attitude in my circle of friends—even a little—I feel like I’m contributing in some way. I’ve learned that it’s not enough to just avoid doing something dangerous myself; I also have to use my knowledge and my voice to encourage others to do the same. That’s especially true for people my age, since car crashes are one of the leading causes of death for teenagers. We’re at the stage where our choices really start to matter.

   Ultimately, the role I can play in preventing impaired driving is to be consistent—consistent in my own behavior, consistent in setting an example, and consistent in standing up for safety. Whether I’m driving home after a long night at work, giving my friends a ride after practice, or helping a teammate figure out a safe way home, I can make small choices that lead to safer roads. My training as a lifeguard, my experiences as an athlete, and the lessons my family has taught me all give me the tools to be a responsible driver. If I use those tools well, I can influence others to make safer decisions too.

  Driving is a privilege, not a right. Every time I get into my Mazda and start the engine, I remind myself that the lives in that car—and on the road around me—are in my hands. That’s a responsibility I’ll never take lightly.