Impaired Judgement

Being a 17 year old who is new to driving is scary. Knowing impaired driving exists, creates an even bigger fear within. I hope every day I do not get into a crash due to someone being intoxicated. I am a beginner at driving, and just being on the road is enough to spark the high awareness for driving. Within the time of me learning how to drive, I learned really quick that most people are ruthless, unmerciful, and impatient. I have been honked at and passed by drivers who drive quicker than the speed limit, road rage by driving off quickly to show their anger towards me. Doing this is clearly against the law, but many people do it because they are in a hurry and do not think about the possible consequences. Many people on the road within California have enabled several accidents a week, such as those who are impaired. Many reports shown on the road have taken an innocent life due to impaired driving. Driving becomes unsafe and scary for newcomers who haven’t driven much yet. Impaired driving to me means to be tainted by alcohol, smoking marijuana, over the counter drugs that make it unsafe for others on the road. Even without physical toxins, there are emotional toxins in most people on the roads today that build negative emotions and cause them to act on feelings. My grandfather has smoked plenty of times since the passing of my grandmother. Going from being sober to losing his partner and struggling with his emotional state has made him angry on the road, attempting to “get back” at others who cut him off, and curses at them without a thought of empathy. These possible accidents never stir in his mind even when people have unintentionally cut him off or made a decisions to stir his temper. People think they’re capable of handling a few drinks and getting home safely if it’s within their range of consumption— but it isn’t always the case. This is common amongst those who believe driving at all after drinking or doing any sort of drug is okay. The level of thought is lower than usual, and their emotions are being toyed with, by toxins that provoke negative emotions on the road. Seeing my grandfather have those issues with smoking and drinking invokes this fear that I soon will come in contact with another individual who have the same issues. This puts my life and theirs in danger if a car accident were to happen. I’m a big overthinker which is why I’m super patient. I make sure the chances of me getting into a crash are slim. A driver’s education and traffic school courses help change attitude and behaviors around impaired driving because it causes them to be aware of the possible situations. Other drivers are more safe if there are not individuals who consume toxins like some who are on the road. These programs are effective in real-world situations because they help the driver be ready for irresponsible drivers. I can personally play a role in these types of situations by reminding those that I am with in the car, to remember to be cautious of the way they drive. Driving is not just getting from A to B anymore, it is about surviving the road with those who take negative action and choosing poor decisions that can cause another life in the end. This is a very common fear nowadays with how crazy people drive. I can acknowledge the influence of others to make safer decisions by providing viewpoints of my experience (such as my grandfather) and outline the possible and terrible outcomes of making the same poor decisions. Exercising these safer options can become a good thing for those who are on the road a lot or others who are new to driving. I hope to reach the hearts of those who want to take the much more darker route and see that they too, can also lose their lives in situations of impaired driving. They’re not anymore safe than those who don’t give into decisions that can be fatal for their lives. My testimony can give others the ability to feel more comfortable on the road knowing those who make hurtful decisions are now making better choices from voices such as myself who have had scary experiences. I hope to see forth that the activity going on in the road can lessen the effects of deaths and crashes due to impaired driving. Thank you.