When I hear the phrase “impaired driving,” I don’t think of just one thing. To me, impaired driving means being behind the wheel when you are not fully capable of paying attention and making safe decisions. Most people automatically think of drunk driving, but I believe impairment can come in many forms—texting, being overly tired, using drugs, or even trying to drive while you are emotionally upset. In simple terms, it means your mind and body are not working at 100%, and yet you are still operating a vehicle that can weigh thousands of pounds and travel at high speeds. That combination is dangerous, and it is the reason impaired driving is one of the leading causes of accidents and preventable deaths.

I think one reason impaired driving is often misunderstood is because people tend to separate “driving drunk” from all the other ways you can be impaired. Even people who have taken driver’s education sometimes think impairment only applies to alcohol. They may not realize that staying up all night and then driving in the morning can affect your reflexes just like alcohol does. Others believe that “a quick text” or “changing a song” won’t matter because it only takes a second. The truth is, those few seconds are often the difference between stopping safely and hitting someone. Many drivers believe they are skilled enough to “handle it,” but that false confidence is what makes impaired driving so dangerous.

Today, the most common types of impairment I see are distraction and fatigue, along with alcohol and drug use. Phones are probably the biggest issue because they tempt drivers constantly. I know people who say they only glance at their phone for a second, but research shows looking away from the road for even five seconds while going 55 mph is like driving the length of a football field blindfolded. That is terrifying when you think about it. Fatigue is another problem that doesn’t get enough attention. I’ve had family members who work overnight shifts and then try to drive home in the morning. I remember sitting in the car once with someone I cared about, watching them fight to keep their eyes open. It scared me because I realized they were essentially driving half-asleep. That moment made me understand how being overly tired can be just as unsafe as being drunk.

Alcohol and drugs are still major contributors to impaired driving. Sometimes people assume “a few drinks” won’t affect them, but alcohol slows your reaction time and makes you less aware of your surroundings even when you don’t feel “that drunk.” The same is true with drugs, including prescription medications that warn against operating heavy machinery. People don’t always connect “heavy machinery” with cars, but they should. All of these types of impairment—alcohol, drugs, phones, tiredness—affect judgment, coordination, and awareness, which are all critical to safe driving.

One story that really shaped the way I think about impaired driving came from a close family friend. His cousin was killed by a distracted driver who was texting behind the wheel. She was young, just starting her adult life, and in a split second, it was gone. Hearing how her family suffered and how her parents would never see her graduate, get married, or start a family of her own was heartbreaking. What stuck with me the most was how preventable it was. A text message that probably could have waited cost someone their life. That story has stayed with me, and it made me promise myself that I would never text while driving. I silence my phone every time I get behind the wheel now, and when I’m riding with friends, I call them out if they try to check their phones. I don’t want to be part of another story like that.

Driver’s education and traffic safety courses are powerful tools in fighting impaired driving. They don’t just teach the rules of the road; they create awareness of real-world dangers. When I was in driver’s ed, I remember seeing videos of crash survivors and hearing about how quickly a normal drive can turn tragic because of one bad decision. Those lessons hit harder than just reading rules in a book. Some courses use reaction-time simulators or goggles that mimic being drunk or tired, and those experiences make people realize how much impairment slows their ability to react. Programs like these work because they go beyond teaching— they make you feel the risks.

Another reason driver’s education is effective is because it creates a sense of responsibility. It’s not just about passing a test; it’s about understanding that driving is a privilege and a responsibility to others on the road. When young drivers are shown how impairment leads to consequences—legal trouble, injuries, or death—it can shift their mindset from “this is just about me” to “my choices can affect everyone.” That shift is what creates lasting change.

For me personally, I know I have a role to play in preventing impaired driving. I can start small by setting the example. If I refuse to drive tired, if I put my phone away, and if I refuse rides with people who are impaired, I am showing the people around me that safety comes first. I can also influence my peers by speaking up when I see risky behavior. Sometimes people are embarrassed to call out a friend, but I would rather speak up than risk losing someone I care about.

In the future, I also want to use my voice to raise awareness. Whether that means volunteering with local safety programs, encouraging my family and friends to take safe-driving pledges, or just sharing my own choices on social media, I know that influence spreads. Even one reminder or one conversation can make someone think twice about picking up their phone or getting behind the wheel after drinking.

Impaired driving is 100% preventable, which is why it’s so important to work toward deleting it from our roads. It takes education, awareness, and personal responsibility. For me, it’s not just about following the law—it’s about protecting lives, including my own and the people I care about. Driver’s education gave me the tools to understand the risks, but it’s up to me to use that knowledge every time I drive. My commitment is to make choices that put safety first and to encourage others to do the same. Because in the end, one safe decision can save a life—and one careless choice can take it away.