Name: Heather Signs
From: Urbandale, IA
Votes: 4
Impaired driving is operating a vehicle when your ability to do so safely is compromised—whether by alcohol, drugs, fatigue, or distractions like texting. It’s not just about being drunk. Legal substances like cold medicine or prescription painkillers can be just as dangerous, and even being awake too long can mimic the effects of alcohol. According to the CDC, impairment can begin at blood alcohol levels below the legal limit, and combining substances like alcohol and marijuana makes the risk even greater.
Despite formal education, many drivers still misunderstand what impaired driving really means. Driver’s ed often focuses heavily on alcohol and blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits, leaving out how everyday medications or sleep deprivation can affect driving. There’s also a false sense of control—people think they’re fine to drive because they feel alert, but impairment affects judgment, so they may not even realize they’re unsafe. Traffic school tends to be rule-based, not scenario-based, so drivers don’t always learn how to recognize subtle signs of impairment. And culturally, we’ve normalized behaviors like driving after a drink or while tired, which blurs the line between what’s legal and what’s actually safe.
The most common forms of impairment behind the wheel today include alcohol, drugs (both legal and illegal), fatigue, distracted driving, and polydrug use. Alcohol remains the deadliest, contributing to nearly one-third of fatal crashes. It slows reaction time, impairs judgment, and increases risk-taking. Drugs—including cannabis, prescription meds, and over-the-counter medications—can cause drowsiness, poor focus, and delayed reactions. Fatigue is often overlooked but just as dangerous; being awake for more than 18 hours can impair driving as much as a BAC of 0.08%. Distracted driving, especially texting, combines manual, visual, and cognitive distraction, making it one of the most dangerous behaviors. Polydrug use—mixing substances—amplifies impairment and leads to unpredictable behavior and extreme drowsiness.
When I was in high school, my best friend wrapped her car around a telephone pole late one night after leaving a party where she had been smoking marijuana. She was in the hospital for months, and we didn’t know if she would survive. That experience changed me. Since then, I’ve been strongly opposed to drinking or drugging and driving. It’s not just a statistic—it’s personal.
Driver’s education and traffic school can do more than teach rules. When done right, they reshape attitudes and build safer habits. Programs that reframe impairment to include fatigue, distraction, and emotional distress help students recognize risks they might otherwise ignore. Sharing real-life stories—like mine—makes the issue emotionally impactful and relatable. Interactive tools like simulators and scenario-based training allow learners to experience the effects of impairment in a safe environment. Programs backed by behavioral science, like those from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), use techniques like self-assessment, peer accountability, and habit tracking to reduce risky behavior.
Effective programs also include ongoing education to keep drivers informed about new laws and technologies, tailored content for young drivers to address peer pressure and overconfidence, and tech-enhanced learning through mobile apps and online platforms. Community integration—using local stories and campaigns—builds emotional relevance and accountability.
With the future I’m planning in cybersecurity or data analytics, I believe I’m uniquely positioned to be more than just a safe driver—I can be a catalyst for change. I’ll lead by example, never driving impaired and modeling responsible behavior in my social circles. I’ll speak up if someone’s about to drive impaired, offering alternatives like rideshare or a place to stay. If I host events, I’ll make sure guests have safe ways home and encourage pre-planned transportation.
My tech background gives me tools most people don’t have. I can use data to create visualizations that show how impairment affects crash risk. I’ll advocate for responsible tech use, like disabling notifications while driving or using “Do Not Disturb” modes, and push for safer in-vehicle tech design. I’ll also volunteer with schools or safety coalitions to educate others about impairment beyond alcohol, sharing insights on how legal medications, stress, or multitasking can affect driving ability.
Impaired driving is preventable—but only if we recognize it in all its forms and take action. I’m committed to being part of that change.
