Name: Brijkumar Patel
From: Queens, New York
Votes: 0
When I first thought about learning to drive, I just imagined getting behind the wheel and going wherever I wanted. I didn’t think much about the responsibility that comes with driving. Driving isn’t just about controlling a car—it’s about keeping yourself and everyone else on the road safe. That’s why impaired driving is so serious to me. To me, “impaired driving” isn’t just about drinking alcohol. It’s anytime someone drives without being fully alert or focused. That could mean texting, being really tired, taking certain medications, or using drugs. A lot of people, even those who’ve finished driver’s ed, don’t realize how risky even small distractions can be. I think one reason impaired driving is misunderstood is that people often think it only happens to other drivers, or that a little impairment is “okay.” Some people think, “I only had one drink, I’m fine,” or “I can check my phone for a second, it won’t hurt.” Even drivers who’ve taken traffic safety classes can fall into this trap because it’s easy to forget how quickly accidents can happen. Impairment slows your reaction time, blurs judgment, and makes it harder to focus. That’s true whether you’re a new driver or someone with years of experience. The types of impairment I notice most today are alcohol, drugs, texting, and fatigue. Alcohol affects decision-making and reaction time. Drugs, even some prescribed medicines, can make people drowsy or unfocused. Texting is especially dangerous because it takes your eyes, hands, and mind off driving at the same time. Fatigue is also a big risk, especially for students or people who work long hours. Being tired can be just as dangerous as being drunk because your reactions slow down, and you might drift or zone out without realizing it. All of these put drivers and everyone around them in danger. A story that really stuck with me happened in my neighborhood. A family friend was hurt in a car accident because the driver was texting. The driver looked down for only a few seconds, but that was enough to crash into another car. My friend had injuries that took months to recover from. Hearing about that made me realize how something as small as a text can completely change someone’s life. It made me think about how careful I need to be behind the wheel, and how one bad choice can have consequences for so many people. Driver’s education and traffic safety courses can make a big difference in preventing accidents like this. Classes don’t just teach the rules—they show real examples of what happens when people drive impaired. Videos, stories, and statistics make the risks feel real, instead of just numbers on a page. They also teach ways to avoid risky situations, like calling a friend instead of driving after drinking, waiting until you’re rested, or putting your phone away. These lessons stick with you because they focus on real-life choices, not just passing a test. For me personally, preventing impaired driving starts with the choices I make every time I get in a car. I plan to never drive tired, distracted, or under the influence of anything that can affect my judgment. I also want to speak up if I see a friend trying to drive impaired. It might feel awkward, but stopping them could save a life. Beyond that, I try to set an example for my little sister and friends. If they see me making safe choices, I hope they’ll do the same. Impaired driving is preventable, but it requires everyone to take responsibility. Driver’s education can teach you what’s dangerous, but it only works if you actually use the knowledge in real life. Every safe decision—ignoring a text, refusing to drive tired, or waiting for a safe ride—can prevent someone from getting hurt. Driving isn’t just a personal choice; it affects everyone on the road. By staying alert, aware, and responsible, I can do my part to make driving safer for myself and others.Impaired driving is preventable, but it requires everyone to take responsibility. Driver’s education can teach you what’s dangerous, but it only works if you actually use the knowledge in real life. Every safe decision—ignoring a text, refusing to drive tired, or waiting for a safe ride—can prevent someone from getting hurt. Driving isn’t just a personal choice; it affects everyone on the road. By staying alert, aware, and responsible, I can do my part to make driving safer for myself and others. I also think it’s important to share what I’ve learned with others. Talking to friends, family, or even classmates about the dangers of impaired driving can help more people make safer choices. Sometimes, just hearing a story or example from someone you know can make a bigger impact than any statistic. I want to be that person who encourages others to think before they drive impaired, because even small actions can save lives. Driving safely isn’t just about protecting yourself—it’s about protecting your community and everyone you care about.
