To me, impaired driving means making a choice that puts your life and the lives of others at risk. It is any situation where a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle is weakened—whether by alcohol, drugs, distractions like texting, or even fatigue. Many people immediately think of drunk driving when they hear “impaired driving,” but impairment can happen in many ways, and it affects judgment, reaction time, and awareness. What makes this issue especially dangerous is that people often underestimate their own impairment. Even drivers who have completed driver’s education or traffic school sometimes misunderstand how quickly their abilities can be affected and how easily one wrong decision can change everything.

One reason impaired driving is misunderstood is because people tend to believe that impairment only happens at extreme levels. For example, someone may think they are “fine to drive” after drinking because they don’t feel drunk, or a driver who is tired may believe they can “push through” a long trip. The same happens with texting. Many drivers convince themselves that glancing at a phone for a second is harmless, even though taking your eyes off the road for even a moment can be life-changing. Even with all the information available today, some drivers believe they are exceptions to the rule. That overconfidence creates dangerous situations.

There are several types of impairment that are common among drivers today. Alcohol and drugs—whether prescription, over-the-counter, or illegal—can slow reaction times, blur vision, and reduce coordination. Texting while driving has become one of the leading causes of crashes for young drivers. It is especially dangerous because it combines three kinds of distraction: visual, cognitive, and physical. Fatigue can be just as harmful. Driving tired affects judgment and slows responses in ways similar to alcohol. All these forms of impairment affect the brain’s ability to process information quickly, recognize hazards, and make safe decisions. When drivers are impaired, they take risks they would normally avoid, such as speeding, running lights, or failing to see pedestrians or other vehicles.

A story that changed the way I think about impaired driving involved one of my teammates. His older brother left a party and he was inumbrated, he had three passengers with him in a comfortable jeep. He was driving down a narrow dirt road to take a girl home and was going too fast and went head on with another driver. The two passengers in the back flew out of the jeep and one girl did not survive. The driver and other passengers survived but suffered very serious injuries that changed their lives' forever. Hearing him talk about how fast everything happened—and how avoidable it was—made a deep impact on me and my friends. It made me realize that impaired driving does not just affect the person behind the wheel. It affects families, friends, and entire communities. This accident changes the lives of so many, we were heartbroken to hear about Tanya's death. That incident shaped my awareness and influenced the way I approach driving. I put my phone away, I speak up when I feel unsafe as a passenger, and I try to set an example for my younger sister and friends.

Driver’s education and traffic school programs play an important role in shaping attitudes and behaviors around impaired driving. These programs are effective because they provide real-life examples, data, and scenarios that help students understand the consequences of their choices. My cousin and I took driving school together and we watched videos of impaired driving crashes or heard stories from victims that left a lasting impression. These programs also teach skills like hazard recognition, defensive driving, and the importance of planning ahead—such as arranging a ride if you know you might be too tired or in a situation involving alcohol. When the information is repeated and reinforced, it helps drivers build habits that stick with them beyond the classroom.

Personally, I believe I can play an important role in preventing impaired driving by being responsible and speaking up when it matters. I can refuse to ride with anyone who is impaired, and I can offer to drive someone home or help them find another ride. I can use what I have learned to remind friends about the dangers of texting behind the wheel or driving when they are exhausted. Even small actions, like choosing to silence my phone or pulling over when I need to send a text, demonstrate safe habits that others can follow. Sometimes people need to see someone their own age making the right choice before they believe they can do it too.

My knowledge and training have taught me that impaired driving is not just about rules—it is about protecting lives. If I can influence even one person to make a safer decision, then I am doing my part. Preventing impaired driving starts with each of us choosing safety, thinking ahead, and understanding that no text, no drink, and no shortcut is worth risking a life.