Name: isabella
From: Santa Ana, CA
Votes: 18
When I think about the phrase impaired driving, what comes to mind is that in any situation where a driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle is weakened or compromised. Individuals assume that impaired driving only refers to being drunk behind the wheel, but the damage that takes in many forms. This can stem from any alcohol or drugs, but also from fatigue, distraction, or even being emotional. In my opinion, impaired driving means that any time that drivers are not fully in control such being mentally, physically, or emotionally there is a lack of focus that not only focuses on endangering their own life, but also the lives of pedestrians, passengers, and every other driver who is on the road.
The damages of driving sometimes is misunderstood, even by people who have passed their drivers education or traffic school. The problem is that many of the drivers think that impairment is only about breaking the law and driving over the legal blood alcohol limit and not understanding the full concept of the behaviors that created an unsafe environment. For example, drivers might believe that because they only had a little bit to drink or they’re just a little tired they are able to drive safely.
A personal story that has shaped what I view about the impaired driving came from a close family friend. She was a young mother who was driving home from work late one night after a tired double shift. She had fallen asleep at the wheel just long enough to cross the center line. She had survived the collision but she suffered injuries that had changed her life and could easily have taken it. Her story has influenced me every time I get behind the wheel. If I am exhausted. I do not drive, and I arrange a ride, rest first, or make some time for another day. During drivers education and traffic the safety courses play a significant role in being able to prevent huge tragedies like this. There are programs that not only teach mechanics of driving but they also show that decision making, responsibility, and awarness. Some students may not realize the harm of texting while driving until they see a video showing how fast accidents can happen. There are programs that can provide strategies like designating a sober driver, using public transportation, or putting your phone on Do Not Disturb which will turn into safer driving habits. My responsibility starts with making the safest decisions every time I drive whether that means refusing to drive after taking medication that may cause drowsiness, avoiding late night trips when I am very exhausted or putting down my phone completely out of my reach. This also expands to affecting my peers because as someone who has gone through driver’s education I can be able to share what I have learned with family and friends, but also reminding them of the real dangers. One person’s strength can set an example that influences others to be able to prioritize safety as well.
Driving is one of the most harmful activities that Americans can do every day, and yet is most likely taken for granted because more people die in car accidents each year than many realize, way more than American soldiers have lost in recent wars. These statistics show that the number of impaired driving is not just a personal issue but a huge crisis that demands education and action. Understanding the impairment means that by recognizing the different ways of how it affects the drivers, and by committing to safer choices we can be able to change the civilization around the driving for the better. When drivers understand the real dangers, they are more likely to take responsibility and protect not only themselves but everyone on the road.
In conclusion, being in the passenger’s seat is not just about driving a car but it’s about taking responsibility for lives. Driver’s education provides us with the resources to be able to make decisions, and it is up to us to put knowledge into practice. I believe that if we proceed to highlight education, encourage accountability, and be able to support one another in making better choices, we can lower impaired driving and save a numerous amount of lives. Every decision we make behind the wheel has the potential to be able to protect or endanger others, and understanding this responsibility is key to creating a safer environment. In my opinion that is the true meaning of being a safe and educated driver.
