To me, impaired driving means operating a car in unsafe conditions while influenced by substances like alcohol, drugs, potential fatigue or prescription medication. Even though Impaired driving is usually associated with alcohols ability to slow down the functioning of the brain, impaired thinking and muscle coordination impaired driving can include a vast range of behavioral traits that can distract or reduce the drivers judgement and reaction time. Driving while texting, tired, acting off of irrational emotion or even with certain medical conditions can be considered as a form of an impairment. To be impaired is anything that can potentially keep the driver from being in complete control of the vehicle both physically and mentally. Driving takes to much constant concentration and observation of the road to underestimate the power of being under any kind of influence. Even Attempting to drive when feeling the slightest bit of nausea is not only a risk to the person behind the wheel but a risk to everyone else driving along the road.

The most Common impairment around young drivers today is Marijuana. In spite of the blatant rules and regulations impaired driving is often misunderstood-especially by those who have attended traffic school or a driver's education course. Driving high impairs the ability to react, can control balance, body movement and perception of time. While Marijuana and Alcohol both impair multiple driving related skills the effects of Marijuana vary between people than they do with Alcohol because of tolerance levels, complexity of smoking techniques and the advanced absorption of Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC a crystalline compound that is performs as the main and active ingredient of Marijuana. Combining the two annihilates the ability to use strategic thinking and can only end in severe impairment.

Distracted driving as in eating, putting on make-up and especially texting is another vital form of impairment that is often understated.

Due to the increase in car entertainment systems and cellphone production drivers are persistently tempted to pick up a call or respond to a text message. Because of the casual skyrocketing usage of technology responding to a text is seen as more of a priority than focusing on the road.

Driving with certain medical conditions like cardiovascular issues similar to a stroke or heart disease, past neurological disorders like Epilepsy, Parkinson's and visual impairments like needing glasses or cataracts can be considered as a form of driving impaired. Even symptoms of other idle conditions like severe diabetes-having low blood sugar, respiratory problems- issues regarding receiving oxygen to the brain or sleep disorders like sleep apnea can affect coordination and lead to daytime sleepiness making you a threat to not only yourself but a danger to everyone along the road.

Another main issue within impaired driving is that being taught right from wrong can only work if you apply it to yourself. Usually among experienced or younger drivers is a belief or complex that impaired driving is convenient or even acceptable. Some drivers may know the laws on phone use and alcohol limits and still engage in the risk of driving a vehicle. 

Additionally, there becomes a mental disengagement between common logic and convivence. A lot of impaired drivers know they shouldn't consider driving after drinking but choose to do it anyway because they live close or believe they can "hold their liquor". These justifications help contribute to the endless underlying cycle and toll of impaired driving.

Drivers Education and Traffic school courses change and shift the negative stigma around impaired driving by teaching and insuring students logical skills for planning ahead when driving on the road. Courses like Drivers Education are effective because they directly address idle rumors about even the slightest sign of possible stability when driving impaired while helping students develop a more realistic understanding of the risked involved.

In conclusion, addressing the issue of impaired driving requires complete comprehension and understanding. Shifting societies cultural attitude on what they define as "driving impaired" and enforcing stronger laws are the only key solutions in ending the occasional act of impaired driving. A small yet strong role I can personally play in truly preventing impaired driving is by helping someone arrange a ride home, host a non alcoholic gathering to prevent any attempts in drunk driving home or offer a designated driver to a friend in need. Preventing impaired driving isn't an act of heroism but and an opportunity to make a responsible choice and decision insight of someone else. Changing unsafe behavior takes more than just awareness but self restraint.