Name: Jasmine Wilson
From: Hurlburt Field, FL
Votes: 0
Impaired driving is one of the most serious threats on the road, yet it’s often misunderstood, even by educated drivers like myself. When I first received my driver’s license, I thought passing the written exam and completing driver’s education meant I was fully prepared to be a safe driver. But I’ve come to realize that knowing the rules and actually following them, especially when you’re overwhelmed, tired, or distracted, are two very different things. Impaired driving, to me, isn’t just about drunk driving. It’s about any condition that takes your focus, judgment, or coordination away from the task of driving; whether it’s fatigue, distractions, drugs, alcohol, or emotional stress.
Despite all the training and knowledge we’re given, impaired driving is still misunderstood because of how normalized many of these impairments are. Most drivers wouldn’t think twice about picking up their phone at a red light, even though that moment of distraction can lead to devastating consequences. I’m guilty of this myself. After long days packed with school, dance practice, and the responsibility of picking up my younger sisters, I often get behind the wheel completely exhausted. There have been times when I’ve found myself blinking hard to stay awake or responding to texts while driving, actions I knew were unsafe, yet somehow felt “justified” because I was handling so much.
Fatigue, in particular, is one of the most underestimated impairments. People think of impaired driving and imagine alcohol or drugs, but being sleep-deprived can be just as dangerous. Studies show that drowsy driving can slow reaction times as much as alcohol does. When I reflect on those moments where I nearly drifted off at the wheel or missed a stop sign because I was zoned out, I realize how easily an accident could have happened, not because I didn’t know better, but because I wasn’t at my best. That’s the scary part, even a responsible, educated driver can be impaired if they’re not fully alert and focused.
Impaired driving also has a human cost that goes far beyond statistics. One story that deeply impacted me was when a close friend of mine lost a classmate in a motorcycle accident. The crash was caused by an impaired driver who made a reckless decision. I didn’t know the victim personally, but seeing how that tragedy affected my friend changed the way I think about driving. It reminded me that every time I get behind the wheel, I’m not just responsible for my own life, I’m also responsible for the lives of everyone around me. That story made the consequences of impaired driving painfully real and taught me that even one bad decision can change lives forever.
This is why traffic school programs are so important, not just to teach the rules of the road, but to help change how we “think” about driving. These programs should go beyond memorizing signs and laws. They should include honest discussions about real-life scenarios, like the pressures of managing school, extracurriculars, and family responsibilities. When students hear stories of people affected by impaired driving or are shown how texting can delay reaction times by precious seconds, it becomes more than a lesson, it becomes a wake-up call.
As for my role in preventing impaired driving, I’m committed to making better choices and holding myself accountable. I’ve started putting my phone on “Do Not Disturb” while I drive, and I make a conscious effort to avoid driving when I’m too tired. If I need to pull over and rest for a few minutes, I will. These are small decisions, but they make a big difference. I also talk to my friends and younger siblings about the risks of impaired driving, not to scare them, but to help them understand how easily it can happen, even to people who think they’re being careful.
Moving forward, I want to be an advocate for change, especially among teens who are just beginning their driving journeys. I believe in leading by example, and I want others to see that taking impaired driving seriously doesn’t make you overcautious, it makes you responsible. If I can use my experiences and what I’ve learned to help even one person to think twice before driving impaired, then I’ve made a difference.
Impaired driving is not just a legal issue, it’s a personal one. It affects real people with real lives and families. And while education is the first step, awareness, accountability, and empathy are what truly prevent accidents. That’s the message I want to carry forward; not just in my driving, but in how I live.
