Name: McKadie Kracl
From: Blackfoot, ID
Votes: 0
Most people think of impaired driving as being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, but I see it as something broader. To me, it means driving when your physical or mental state is affected in any way that puts you and others at risk. This could be from alcohol, drugs, texting, being tired, or even feeling upset. Impaired driving is always dangerous. Sadly, many drivers, even those who have taken driver’s education or traffic school, don’t realize how many things can impair them or how quickly it can lead to tragedy.
In 2021, my family’s life was forever changed when my dad was hit by a drunk driver. He was coming home from work, driving the same road he had driven for years, when someone under the influence ran a red light and T-boned his truck. The crash not only totaled his vehicle but also destroyed the four-wheeler he was hauling at the time, an essential piece of equipment that he relied on for his main source of income. The physical injuries took months to heal, but the financial and emotional impact lasted even longer. We were fortunate he survived, but it could have easily been a devastating loss.
That experience opened my eyes to the true cost of impaired driving. It made the issue personal. It’s not just about numbers or laws, it’s about real people, real families, and real pain. Now, every time I get behind the wheel, I remember what could have happened. I refuse to take risks when it comes to driving, and I encourage everyone around me to do the same. If someone I know has been drinking, I offer them a ride or help arrange one for them. If someone is too tired or distracted to drive, I speak up. I’ve learned that being silent is dangerous.
Even though impaired driving is dangerous, many people still misunderstand it because of how it is shown in society and taught in schools. Some think you have to be clearly drunk to be considered impaired. But even a little alcohol, sending one text, or being too tired can slow your reactions and affect your decisions. These types of impairment are often ignored or not taken seriously. People tell themselves they are fine because they do not feel drunk, or because they have driven tired before and nothing bad happened.
That mindset is exactly why a more comprehensive education is needed. Driver’s education and traffic school programs can play a huge role in changing how people perceive and respond to impairment. However, to be truly effective, these programs must go beyond basic definitions and punishments. They should include personal stories, testimonials from victims, and interactive simulations that show the real-life impact of impaired decisions. When people are emotionally connected to an issue, they’re more likely to remember it and make better choices.
Good programs also focus on prevention. Teaching students to plan ahead, like arranging a designated driver, using rideshare services, or setting rules about phone use, helps them build safe habits early. Encouraging young drivers to look out for themselves and others creates a sense of responsibility. When students have both knowledge and practical tools, they are more likely to make smart choices when it matters most.
I feel a strong responsibility to help prevent impaired driving, not only by making safe choices myself but also by encouraging others to do the same. I remind friends not to text while driving, speak up if someone is too tired to drive, and share my dad’s story to raise awareness. I believe my actions can make a difference. My goal is to be part of a generation that values safety and chooses responsibility instead of risk.
As I pursue my education and career, I carry the lessons of that traumatic experience with me. I’m studying to enter the healthcare field, where I hope to support people through both prevention and recovery. I’ve seen firsthand how one person’s decision to drive impaired can ripple through an entire family. That memory motivates me to be an advocate for safer roads, better education, and stronger community awareness.
Receiving this scholarship would support my academic goals and help me share my voice with others. It would let me keep telling my story and encourage people to think twice before making risky choices behind the wheel. I want to turn my family’s pain into purpose and help others avoid the fear and helplessness we experienced.
Impaired driving is more than just a traffic violation; it is a real threat to lives, families, and communities. When we speak up, educate others, and set a good example, we can help change the story and work toward a future where everyone gets home safely.
