Impaired driving, to me, is any situation where a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle is weakened by alcohol, drugs, fatigue, distraction, or even emotional stress. Although most people associate impaired driving only with alcohol, the truth is that impairment can come in many forms. It is often misunderstood—even by drivers who have completed driver’s education or traffic school—because many assume impairment means being visibly “drunk” or obviously under the influence. However, as someone who holds a Class B commercial driver’s license and works as a Parking Enforcement Representative for the City of Richmond, I see firsthand how impairment can show up in ways people don’t recognize. Commercial drivers undergo stricter training and higher standards, so I understand more than most how even a small lapse in judgment, such as distraction or fatigue, can create dangerous situations.

Today, the most common forms of impairment include alcohol, drugs, texting or smartphone use, and fatigue. Alcohol and drugs can impair coordination, delay reaction time, and make drivers overconfident in their decision-making. Texting and smartphone use are extremely dangerous because taking your eyes off the road, even for a moment, is enough to miss a pedestrian, cyclist, or a sudden stop. Fatigue is another major issue that many drivers underestimate. In my line of work, I see drivers who operate their vehicles while clearly exhausted, drifting too close to parked cars or reacting too slowly to posted signs. Whether someone is tired from work, distracted by a phone, or under the influence of a substance, all of these factors lead to unsafe behaviors that put others at risk.

A story I heard several years ago permanently shaped the way I think about impaired driving. A family friend lost her teenage cousin because another driver had been awake for more than twenty hours after a double shift. He fell asleep behind the wheel, causing a collision that changed their family forever. There was no alcohol involved, no illegal substances—just exhaustion. Before hearing that story, I believed impaired driving mainly meant drinking and driving. Afterward, I realized how broad the term truly is and how dangerous it is to underestimate the effects of fatigue. As a mother of two and a commercial license holder, I take this lesson seriously. I make sure never to drive when I feel overly tired, and I avoid touching my phone while driving, even at red lights. That tragedy taught me that a single moment of impairment can take away someone’s life, and that awareness influences every decision I make behind the wheel.

Driver’s education and traffic safety programs play a critical role in changing attitudes and behaviors around impaired driving. These courses are effective because they do more than just teach laws—they show the real-world consequences of unsafe driving. When I completed training for my commercial license, I was exposed to simulations and safety scenarios that highlighted the enormous responsibility of operating a large vehicle. Those lessons made me more aware and accountable each time I drive. Driver’s education for teens and refresher traffic school courses for adults work the same way. They help drivers understand how impairment affects brain function, decision-making, and reaction times. Many programs also incorporate videos of real collisions, testimonies from families affected by impaired driving, and practical strategies for reducing risk. These experiences create lasting awareness that simple lectures alone cannot achieve.

As a Parking Enforcement Representative, I also see the importance of ongoing education every day. I interact with drivers in a variety of conditions—some rushing, some distracted, some frustrated, and some simply unaware of how their behavior affects others on the road. These daily experiences reinforce why education matters. People don’t always recognize their own impairment, and sometimes they just need reminders or guidance to make safer choices.

I believe I have a personal responsibility to help prevent impaired driving. I can commit to never driving under any form of impairment, whether it is exhaustion, distraction, or emotional stress. Because I hold a Class B license, I understand that I must model safe driving at all times. Additionally, I can influence others around me—friends, family, coworkers—by encouraging safe decisions, offering rides when someone is impaired, and speaking up when I see unsafe behavior. As I continue my education in criminal justice, I hope to use my training to advocate for stronger community awareness around impaired driving. Even small actions, like educating younger drivers or sharing my professional experiences, can help someone think twice before making a risky decision.

Impaired driving is preventable. Through education, accountability, and personal commitment, we can create safer roads for everyone. With the right training and the willingness to act responsibly—both individually and as a community—we can save lives.