There are few things that the law takes more seriously than sobriety behind the wheel, and for good reason. The consequences of intoxicated driving are ones that society has been trying to do away with for years. Most nations across the globe have legalities in place to penalize those who drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Anyone driving in the United States or Canada is aware that there is very little, if any tolerance at all, for impaired driving.

The reason for this legislation is obvious. Impaired driving has brought about more tragedy than anyone could have realized it would. The fatalities and injuries caused by impaired driving are as high in numbers as that of an incurable disease. The strife inflicted on victims of impaired driving and their families is unspeakable. Impaired drivers do not typically injure themselves on the road because their bodies are loosened up under the influence of a substance. But the drivers and pedestrians they collide with are tense with fear and frequently sustain serious or even fatal injuries.

It is very important for every driver to make a commitment to never drive impaired, for their sake and for the sake of the people they share the road with. It is very easy to forget this commitment when you have had a few drinks and feel like you are fully capable of operating a vehicle. However, you never know when traffic will require a split second decision from you that could mean the difference between life and death. When that moment arrives, you will need all of your mental clarity, and you cannot afford to be even slightly impaired.

When it comes to sober driving, strive to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. Concern for people’s safety, your own and those around you, should be motivation enough for you to stay clear headed behind the wheel, but if it is not, consider the legal consequences of driving under the influence. Most jurisdictions have very strict laws governing the amount of alcohol one can consume before operating a vehicle, and no tolerance at all for drug use anytime, but particularly while driving. One can expect to serve jail time and pay a hefty fine if caught driving while intoxicated.

Good driving is not a commitment one makes lightly. Most teenagers get their licenses only thinking about the rewards and freedoms of driving, seldom of the consequences. If they had the driving experience they will gain over a number of years on the day they got their licenses, their approach to driving would be far different. In order to be a good driver, one needs to commit to the task on several levels. Good driving means making a commitment to staying informed, staying alert and keeping up with vehicle maintenance.

Staying informed as a driver means keeping yourself up to date on driving requirements and laws, as they are prone to change. Road legalities stay the same in general, but the specifics of road rules can change over time, and one should always keep up to date with their local motor division office through the mail or the internet to stay current on driving legislation. Vehicle insurance, conduct with a police officer and driving requirements can all be legally adjusted over night.

The importance of staying alert as a driver cannot be overstated. Operating a vehicle can cause injury and death when mishandled. It is not something anyone is intended to do without good mental clarity. A driver should always be energetic, focused, attentive and calm behind the wheel. They should always be well rested and never tired. It is never a good idea to drive emotional, so be sure to pull over if you are feeling emotionally disturbed. Never drive while under the influence of a mind or chemistry altering substance, such as alcohol or drugs.

And lastly, a vehicle must be properly maintained in order to be safe to its driver and safe to the other drivers on the road. Vehicles must pass regular safety inspections and comply to set legalities in order to be road legal. Vehicles are only able to pass inspections if they have been properly maintained, meaning all fluid levels were kept clean and full, brake pads were replaced, tires were rotated and periodically replaced and all other services the car required were kept up to date.