Driving is the one thing every teenager looks forward to. Going places on your own time, not having to stress about searching for a ride, and not to mention parents could use the extra help running errands on the weekends. But let's face it, though it’s thousands of drivers on every roadway, how many of them know the actual dangers behind impaired driving? Motor vehicle accidents are caused by impaired driving nearly every week. The death tolls from these accidents are comparable to the number of deaths in the U.S. military. 

First and foremost, in order to understand the dangers of impaired driving, you must first understand what impaired driving means. Some may describe it  as what we all know it as, drunk driving. It’s greatly more than that, simply just driving intoxicated isn’t the only reason to get charged with a DUI. Not getting enough rest before getting behind the wheel, or something as simple as sending quick text messages to your bestie could be the last thing you ever do in life. Impaired driving is caused by the lack of focus from the driver, rather it be from alcohol, drugs, or even lack of sleep.

Undoubtedly, most drivers get charged with a DUI for driving under the influence of alcohol, but the amount stopped for marijuanna are equal to or greater than drunk driving. Marijuanna impaired driving is just as dangerous as alcohol impaired driving. While many will say that smoking heightens their abilities, that’s in fact not true. Your senses, such as your hearing and taste may become heightened, but your reactions are slowed. Mary Jane gives its user an euphoric feel in the brain, causing the person’s movements and reaction time to be more delayed in  a sense. Along with the delayed reaction time, for most, the experience that ‘cloud 9’ feeling and sometimes forget they’re behind the wheel. Not only does that cause a collision, the rise in ticket infractions also increases. Being under the influence of marijuanna causes swerving, running stop signs and stop lights, and driving way below the speed limit. No high is more important than a life, it could wait until you’re home safe, and can enjoy your free time however you please safely. 

Being the one to experience someone putting their life in danger can leave you in a difficult spot. Not only do you have to step up and say something, but you’ll have to deal with that person possibly lashing out on you. I have an associate who always finds themselves in an impaired driving situation. My associate wanted to follow me and some friends to a club one night, but I told them I don’t think that would be best because he has clearly reached his limit. He kept pressing us about following, but we insisted on him just staying home. After a combative moment, he finally went inside and headed off to the club. Not even thirty minutes later, he shows up and purchases a bottle of Patron. Now he’s really done it, he’s mixing his liquor. Now fast forward to the end of the night, we leave and he’s nowhere to be found so we assumed he went home. The next morning, my boyfriend receives a phone call, it’s our associate, and he’s in the hospital. What happened was, he tried to drive home but ended up crashing into a pole int the middle of the street because he passed out at the wheel. Witnessing things such as this shows me that no matter how much you may think you can handle, if someone is saying you need to see this one out, just take their word and sit this one out. Alcohol can impair your judgment and only others can see how you truly are acting versus what your impaired mind may be telling you.

Unfortunately, many people believe they may not need drivers education or traffic school once they receive their drivers license. I’ve seen with my own eyes people use traffic signs incorrectly, or they don’t know how fast or slow to drive on the freeway. For example, the misuse of a turn signal can be a deal breaker. Some drivers forget to signal when their turn is approaching, and they’re not aware that by doing so you’re causing the person behind you to smash their breaks, possibly causing a multi-car pile up. Another key aspect is the misuse of the yield signs. Many will come to a complete stop when there's no on-coming traffic, or they’ll speed right through it as if it’s a green light. To sum it all up, driver’s education can help people drive with sense, and learn why it’s important to signal for others, meanwhile traffic school will just go more in depth when it comes to the rules of the road.

I believe responsible driving begins with personal accountability, choosing never to drink under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or fatigue, and refusing to ride with anyone who is impaired. I’ve learned how quickly impaired reactions can turn deadly on the road, not just for yourself, but for innocent bystanders as well. With that knowledge, I can help others understand that even “just one drink” or a moment of distraction can have life-altering changes. It never hurts to have alternatives set in place such as designated drivers, rideshares, or just plan ahead before the big night out. 

All in all, impaired driving has been the leading cause of motor vehicle accidents. It’s never that serious to put not only your life, but the lives of others in danger because of your stupid decision. If you must have a drink, assign a designated driver or take an Uber to your function. Before drinking, always think of the consequences that may come with it. Is drinking your life the way you really want to end it, rather it be behind bars or dead.