Impaired driving. Two simple words that could impact one’s life tremendously. Impaired driving means operating a vehicle while your ability to do so safely is compromised by substances like alcohol or drugs. To me, impaired driving means to be a selfish individual who is willing to risk the lives of others for the pleasure of themselves. Impaired driving does not just mean you are drunk operating a vehicle; it means you have no control over what you are doing, what you are seeing, or how you are going about motions. There’s often a big misunderstanding of impaired driving even with those who claim they would never be intoxicated behind the wheel. Every simple distraction can end a life in an instant, and that includes the use of phones behind the wheel or even tiredness. All of these contribute to the dangers that come with irresponsible driving. 
 
   Understanding the meaning of impaired driving is important but to really understand it on a personal level is another way to comprehend it. I remember receiving the phone call early in the morning of my brother asking where our mom was. I had no idea what was going on, I couldn’t find one of my family members, and I feared as a 10-year-old standing in my kitchen all by myself that something very bad had just happened. As I stood there in confusion, I looked over to see the news playing on my T.V.  A driver who was under the influence that night ran a red light, was then struck by another car, and plunged over a freeway. It was devastating to hear and even more when I found out that it was my two brothers and their best friends in the car as well. Since then, I have had a huge perspective change on the decisions that people make behind the wheel. It is a choice to drive even if you “think” you are okay to. It is a choice to risk your own life, and it is a choice to risk the lives of others and allow their loved ones at home to feel the lifelong effects of losing someone or possibly losing someone.  That day truly shifted my whole idea of impaired driving, how fast someone can lose their life, how fast a family can lose a loved one, none of it is worth it. Harmless fun can turn into tragedy, and it is all a matter of one choice, to not drive behind the wheel without complete certainty that you can. 
 
   Driver’s Education is a primary and critical role in this discussion. Teaching how to drive and be responsible behind the wheel allows students to remind students of the importance of moral responsibilities that lie amongst the roads. To hear stories, such as my own, allows students to truly consider the reality of impaired and irresponsible driving and the ways it can impact lives in an instant. Hearing these real-life events, having simulations, and hearing discussions that may help students gain knowledge on a personal level can all contribute to the usage of safe and responsible driving. Through learning this, it teaches students to value their and others' safety by realizing the importance of a choice.  
 
 Through my own experience, I have made it my mission to prevent impaired driving in any way or form that I possibly can. I will be the first to take the role as the designated driver, I do not allow myself to ride with anyone who has been drinking or doing any form of drug, and I encourage those around me to make responsible choices when stepping behind the wheel. My ultimate goal is to prevent others from making the same mistake my siblings made that night.  
 
   In closing, the prevention of impaired driving comes within education on the topic and overall awareness. Sharing experiences, teaching those around you, and reminding each other of the importance of safety behind the wheel is essential to preventing such disasters. Impaired driving is a choice, not an accidental act. We, as a community, should continue to share and help others understand how reckless actions can cause devastating consequences. By stressing the importance of responsibility behind the wheel, we potentially can save many more lives, teach other's when to make the right choices when it comes to alcohol and drug consumption, and hopefully protect families from receiving the same devastating phone call I received that morning.