Each year, we gain a new generation of teens given the privilege to get behind the wheel. We trust that they will follow the rules of the road and take precaution when driving. But one fun night with friends, one careless moment, can change everything in an instant.  Impaired driving can happen to anyone, anytime and anywhere. 

Impaired driving is not a simple mistake. It is a choice - one that is extremely risky and unsafe. Some drivers convince themselves that they’re fine to drive after a night out drinking or smoking, especially if they completed driver education. But that confidence doesn’t make it true. Others may get behind the wheel because they have no other way home. So they take the chance and drive, not only risking their own lives, but everyone else's. 

One of the most common and dangerous impairments today is texting while driving. We rely on our phone for nearly everything, and notifications constantly demand our attention. When we hear that familiar “ping” our instinct is to check it immediately. Stopped at a red light or stuck in traffic, we have an almost natural urge to pick up our phone “just for a second” to see what we have missed.  Cars now allow phone calls and text messages to come through the speakers, making it even easier to become distracted. The moment you focus on your phone, whether reading a message or texting one, you no longer have your full attention on the road. It only takes a second and anything can happen -  a car drifting into your lane, not noticing a pedestrian or failing to see a child running out into the street.  Any of these can lead to a serious accident, and you would be held responsible. 

A story that has changed the way I personally think about impaired driving involves two of my closest friends. They had gone to get breakfast during their free period, something they had done almost everyday since the first day of school started. On their drive back to the high school they were listening to music and enjoying their free time. My best friend, who I have known since preschool, was behind the wheel while my other close friend was in the passenger seat. As they were making a left turn, oncoming traffic began moving straight. The light had turned yellow and my friend did not want the light to turn red before she completed the turn. But the moment she began turning, the passenger looked up and saw a car only two feet away from them. 

They got into an accident instantly. They were incredibly lucky, both of them were fine, but my friend's car was completely damaged. I've heard so many stories of accidents happening to other people, and I’ve always taken them seriously, But hearing it happen to two of my closest friends, one of them practically family, made the impact hit so much harder.  Since that accident, I have been extra careful. The moment made me realize how quickly things can change and how important it is to stay fully focused when driving. 

Driver's education plays an important role in preventing impaired driving. In my classes, we heard real life stories directly from those who had experienced these tragedies. Volunteers would come and talk about what happened to their families, or even themselves, because of impaired driving. These stories stay with you. These stories make you want to follow the rules, stay aware and take driving seriously. Hearing real people share situations from their past experiences made everything feel real in a way that no textbook can. It teaches us the realities of the road, the weight or our decisions and the importance of staying alert and responsible every time we get behind the wheel.

My role in preventing impaired driving starts with myself. I need to keep all distractions away from me in the car. I have to stay focused, because even if I’m a careful driver, others may not be. Being aware of my surroundings can save lives. I can also influence others by sharing stories I’ve learned and all the reasons why driving impaired is never worth the risk. If I can help someone else make a safer choice, then I'm doing my part.

Impaired driving is preventable. With stronger awareness, better education and personal responsibility, we can protect lives - our own and those around us. Every time we get behind the wheel we have a choice,and those choices change everything.