In the Drivers Seat scholarship

Accidents/vehicle-related deaths are among the top leading causes of death in America. Distracted driving is a primary contributor. Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving, this includes talking or texting, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, or fiddling with the stereo, entertainment, or GPS. As a new driver, I had to learn the importance of safety on the road starts with me. Such as putting my seatbelt on, checking both side and rearview mirrors, and above all limiting the distractions I may have on the road. Most importantly to minimize the chances of mechanical failures, I diligently keep up with my car maintenance, including regular oil changes, the inspection of tires, and addressing any unusual light or noise promptly.

Here are the measures I take to combat distracted driving. I set my phone on Do Not Disturb to limit the notifications and select my playlist and the songs I would like to listen to during the duration of the drive ahead of time, causing me to not touch the stereo or my phone. I refrain from eating in the car to prevent spills and messes. And if I am hungry, I have small one-bite snacks in the car if necessary. Additionally, I always pull over when faced with harsh weather conditions and try my best to never exceed the speed limit by more than 5 miles.

Although I take all these precautions, I acknowledge there are some habits I do that may be detrimental. For example, I tend to listen to music at high volumes, which, while not yet problematic, could eventually distract me or worse impair my hearing. To address this, I plan on limiting my volume to 50 percent. Occasionally, I find myself uncertain about my actions, such as deciding whether to turn or who has the right of way at a four-way stop. however. This is a common experience for young drivers. I expect these nerves to diminish as I gain more driving experience. A more concrete approach would be to trust my instincts and seek advice from a more experienced driver. Additionally, I am aware of the dangers of conversing with friends while driving. Therefore, I opt to avoid the topics we want to talk about until we get to our destinations, or we discuss the key points and elaborate later. The main challenge I face is that I tend to zone out while driving past certain distances. I have had this issue since I first started driving. To combat this, I have developed the strategy of verbally pointing out everything I observe on the road when I start to feel unfocused. This technique has helped me stay engaged and even notice beauty in my surroundings.

Furthermore, I have learned the importance of defensive driving, which should not be confused with aggressive driving. Defensive driving involves being aware of other drivers’ behaviors and anticipating potential dangers. Although one cannot predict an aggressive driver, there are ways to handle the situation when faced with it. Aggressive drivers exhibit dangerous behaviors like tailgating, speeding, and erratic lane changes, posing a significant risk on the road. To best avoid or handle such situations, avoid making eye contact or engaging with them. It’s crucial to remain calm and composed, maintain a safe distance, and allow them to pass if possible. If their behavior becomes dangerous, consider pulling over to a safe location and reporting the incident to authorities. Staying focused on your driving and not letting their aggression influence your actions is key to ensuring your safety and that of others on the road. This approach has helped me react promptly to unexpected situations, such as sudden stops and, above all, other drivers being distracted. And has prepared me with the skill set to anticipate and properly react if I ever encounter an aggressive driver.

To reduce deaths related to driving, everyone should adopt a multi-faceted approach. First, always adhere to traffic laws, including speed limits, seatbelt usage, and avoiding distractions like mobile phones. Additionally, never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as impaired driving significantly increases the risk of accidents. Public awareness campaigns and education on safe driving practices can further reinforce these behaviors.

As a new driver, I understand that my actions on the road have a significant impact on my safety and the safety of others. Something as minuscule as taking your eyes off the road for 5 seconds to change the volume or grab a quick drink could greatly affect and change your life. By adopting these safety measures and continuing to strive to improve my driving skills. I aim to continue to contribute to a safer driving environment for everyone.