Impaired driving is an important topic to address because it impacts many people throughout our nation and around the world on a daily basis. The consequences of it are devastating to those left to pick up the pieces from the tragedy. Unfortunately, my best friend’s life has been affected by someone driving when they shouldn’t have. I know what it’s like to wake up one morning and have your life changed forever. Driving while drunk, high, or distracted can cause an absolutely devastating outcome, and nobody deserves to deal with the consequences that can occur. You may think just because you’ve done it before that you can do it again, but you never know what might happen. Why take the chance?

Impaired driving is when an individual operates a vehicle while fatigued, distracted, or under the influence. In a lot of cases, impaired driving is misunderstood because we underestimate how the situation will affect us. We often think we are in control, but while intoxicated or distracted, it can be a whole lot harder. While intoxicated driving and texting are the most common forms of impaired driving, distracted and fatigued driving are also very common. Driving while impaired is so dangerous because it reduces your reaction time and decreases hand eye coordination. If your judgment isn’t sound, it makes driving a very hard task, which can ultimately lead to an injury or even death. 

     It’s important to spread awareness about these tragedies because we don’t want them to keep occurring. Drivers education, classes and traffic school courses can help change and spread awareness about impaired driving by providing education on the risks and consequences. Whether it’s from personal stories to engaging activities, they can make a difference. We need to encourage people to make responsible decisions and ultimately avoid driving while impaired. We all can make a difference and change the outcome if we truly understand the consequences and take simple steps to avoid these heartbreaking situations. We can share stories of our loved ones who have suffered the consequences of impaired driving and inform others about how unsafe it is. Together we can create a society that is safe and responsible for our roads. 

     I will always advocate for an end to impaired driving because on June 25, 2022 many lives including mine were changed forever. It was about 8am when I received a call from my best friend, Anna. I ignored the rings as I silenced my phone for the third time when I had a weird feeling that something might be wrong. I was slightly worried but dialed the number anyway. When she answered all I could hear was soft sobs from the other end and I said “What’s wrong?” She could barely find the courage to sound out the horrid words I was about to hear, but just then she did. She practically whispered so she wouldn’t have to bring herself to think about it again but there was no denying the tragedy that had taken place. “Gavin’s gone.” Gone? I didn’t understand it. Gone on vacation? Gone to work? But no. Gavin was just gone. Not gone for the day or a night. He was really and actually gone forever. “What do you mean? Where’s he gone” I said hoping it wasn’t reality. I couldn’t believe it. My mind filled with questions. Anna explained that Gavin had been at the bar the night before and decided when it was time to go home that he was going to just drive. He had done it before and he wasn’t worried. His friends called out for him, practically begging him to get a ride, but it was no use. Gavin was stubborn, and like I said, he had done it before. What was the harm? He knew how to get home and he felt okay. But that was the reason why he didn’t make it home that night. And now that’s the reason his family will never see his cheerful smile, his chocolate brown eyes, or his short silky brown hair.

     Impaired driving is a life altering event that leaves individuals broken, families, destroyed, and communities shattered. Not only was someone so dear to me affected, but there are hundreds affected every day. Let Gavin's story and many others spark a reminder of the importance of making responsible decisions, and prioritizing safety above anything else. Together we can honor everybody who has been a victim of impaired driving, spread awareness, and advocate for a change in our world.