The typical definition of impaired driving is driving while under the influence of substances, alcohol, or both, lessening your ability to operate a vehicle. To me, impaired driving is more than that. It is driving without a care for yourself or the people around you. It is a sense of overconfidence and selfishness, causing you to possibly lead into the death of more than just  yourself. I feel as if the meaning of impaired driving can be misunderstood, even if the person at fault is fully educated on driving rules, because people forget that this can relate to more than just cigarettes or vape pens. The law includes limitations caused by just a store bought prescription or medication, which a lot of people do not remember to take into consideration. Of course, there is always the peer pressure from the social normality that drinking and driving is not as serious as it really is. Many people try to downplay their symptoms not realizing how much of a risk they are at.      

The two most common impairment found in drivers today is drunk driving as well as usage of drugs while driving. The common side effects of both alcohol and drugs involve a decrease in coordination, drowsiness, and even dizziness. All three of these mixed together is not a good combination, especially when behind the wheel. Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, being caused just by the tiniest of distractions. Right as you start a vehicle while being impaired is putting not only yourself but everyone else on the road in danger. Another very common issue with drivers behind the wheel is the distraction of technology. Most cars that are a new model connect to your phone, constantly providing drivers with updates from their notifications, which takes their mind off of driving. They most likely have to look over and read the text message that popped up on the screen in their car, taking their eyes off the road and shifting their focus on what really matters. Texting and driving is such a normalized thing within the drivers on the road and I feel as if people forget that it is a law that they are breaking. I think if people were more educated about not only the rules of the road but also more informed with the laws regarding their driving, they would act more safely.   

My family friend was in a tragic accident about five years ago and passed away due to being in a car with drivers who were under the influence. All three people involved had been drinking, and my family friend sat in the back, without his seatbelt on. Things got very intense between the couple sitting in the front of the car, and one thing led to the next, and my family friend was outside of the car. Except, he did not use the door but was thrown out by force and through the window. His death was devastating and caused a great community upbringing. Personally, it made me realize just how important it is as to who you trust to drive you from place to place. It brought to life just how serious it is to always be sober when driving, no matter what. It also reminded me that the rules and laws that we have in place are there for a reason. They are not something to be taken lightly or as just a loose guideline. Driving is a privilege, not a right, and so when putting yourself behind the wheel it is important to realize you are in charge of keeping your passengers safe. Messing around or making fast dangerous movements in the car can alter the path of someone's life in a heartbeat.   

Knowledge is power. Driving education school’s main job is to inform their students about all of the rules of the road, every single one. Along with this they are also preparing their students to perform well on the permit paper test as well as the physical driving exam. If people were to change their mentality about this system, I feel as if these tests would be all around more beneficial. People should not be just singled in focused on only having the ability to drive but actually taking a step back and seeing the responsibility they are about to take on. Yes, it is exciting to finally have some freedom and independence but with that comes your duty as a citizen to be responsible enough to operate a vehicle. 

As a teen driver, I want to lead as an example for my friends. Fully stopping at stop signs, driving slow in school zones, or leaving my phone turned off are just some small things that I can do to make a big difference. I want to ensure that I am fully educated myself that way when I am in the car I am able to be a tentative passenger. I am able to guide my driver as a helpful navigator, or just as a second pair of eyes. Acting as a helper in the car might make some of my other friends realize what I am doing, encouraging them to do the same. I also call my friends out when they are doing something that is not right. I also want to be able to feel as if I can speak up for myself if someone's driving is making me uncomfortable. I have spoken out like this before, and it has brought me a lot of ease of mind. I see it as my responsibility as a citizen to take care of myself and others, especially while on the road. I want to become the driver that is always trusted among my friends, and step one of my plan is to remember that driving is a privilege, not a right.