Driving is a skill that has to be mastered. It is a privilege not to be taken for granted. To me, impaired driving means when a person is operating a vehicle without being in their right state of mind or is easily distracted. It could be from alcohol use, drug use, sleep deprivation, or just simply texting while driving. While driving, a person may not be able to react quickly if they have any substances in their system or if they are distracted. The term “impaired” may confuse some drivers because they may think of it as someone who only has alcohol or drugs in their system. However, it is much more than that. Drivers that have completed driver’s education or traffic school may have been taught that “impaired driving” is when you have certain substances in your system but in reality, it is anything that can reduce focus, coordination, stability, and reaction time while driving. 

The most common type of impaired driving involves the use of alcohol. Most accidents and crashes are caused by drunk drivers, unaware of their surroundings. The use of drugs while driving can make drivers unable to react quickly or think clearly. By putting these substances in your body and then getting behind the wheel of a car is reckless and can be deadly. You are putting your life and someone else’s life at risk, and it could all happen in an instant. Teenagers and young adults texting and driving can cause major accidents as well. The second you take your eyes off the road to text can significantly increase the chance of you causing an accident. Although some may think texting is not as bad as having alcohol or drugs in your system, it can still cause the same amount of harm and misfortune.

When I found out my sister was involved in a wreck, I was nervous and scared. Although there were no major injuries and everyone walked away safely, later, I found out she was at fault. She was distracted on her phone while coming to an abrupt stop and did not realize how close she was to the other car in front of her. She rear ended the car! Learning this made me want to be extra cautious behind the wheel and to always be aware of my surroundings. On that day, I made a promise to myself that I would never text and drive or drive if I felt tired. I am also committed to not putting anything in my body that could affect the way I think or react. I do not want to put myself at risk or anyone else because of a poor decision that I made. I was able to learn from my sister’s mistake and it made me realize how quickly an accident can happen, no matter how good a driver you are. Now, when I get behind the wheel, I make sure to not speed, never tailgate someone, and always expect the unexpected.

Driver’s education and traffic school courses can be a major benefit to help new drivers understand the importance of why impaired driving is risky and dangerous. Showing videos, providing statistics, and allowing for simulations is a way that learners can see how impaired driving affects people every day and the actions that can be taken to prevent these accidents. I feel like drivers need to see the actual affects impaired driving can cause such as injuries, car damage, and even death. It will paint a picture in their mind of something they would not want to witness or be involved in. Hopefully, this will allow for more safe drivers on the road. 

I can play a role in preventing impaired driving as well. Personally, I have created safe driving habits for myself that would prevent me from putting myself and others in any danger. I pledge not to put myself in a situation where I am not in the right state of mind. I will always be cautious and alert when driving. I encourage my friends and peers to not text and drive, speed or participate in any activity that can alter their driving. I would instead offer to drive them to ensure that everyone is safe. Spreading awareness about the risks of impaired driving to everyone can help reduce the problem and create a safer environment on the road. By doing this, it would ensure that people never get behind the wheel of a car if they feel impaired in any way. I will continue to emphasize to not text and drive because it can lead to the same bad results caused by drinking alcohol or using drugs. I would love a world where drivers make better decisions to ensure our roads are safer, and it all starts with learning the consequences of impaired driving and being responsible for our choices so that we all arrive to our destinations. This privilege is all ours.