2023 Drivers Ed Essay Contest

I was driving on a Sunday afternoon, leaving my friend’s house; it seemed like nothing could ruin the beautiful day, and then, out of nowhere, a car rear-ended me. My chest and face hit the steering wheel. The airbags deployed. I tried to stay calm, but I was scared. I called the police and my parents. The police were kind and asked me questions about the accidents. My parents were thankful I used my seat belt. I suffered whiplash. I was pleased I wore my seatbelt because my injuries could have been worse. I am grateful my life was spared. Since the accident, I have shared my experience with family and friends to encourage them to wear seat belts and be mindful of their driving, even on a sunny day.

Driver education plays a vital role in reducing the number of deaths associated with driving. Driver education is important for all drivers, especially for newer drivers. The majority of teens my age tend to be reckless and think unsafe driving is cool and fun. Driving education provides skills and knowledge of state laws. For example, I could legally take my driver’s permit test at age 15 in my state, but before taking the permit test, I read the manual and practiced road tests with my parents. I studied for ninety days before I took the permit and road test. I mapped out a plan to expand my knowledge of the rules of the road for my state. Therefore, I didn’t just read to pass the practice tests; I dove deeper to learn the importance and skills of becoming a safe driver. I realized during my study prep that I didn’t want to harm myself or others once I passed the road test; therefore, my parents enrolled me in a certified driving program. The driver school ensured I had enough information about the rules of the road, recognition of road signs, and speed limit acknowledgment before navigating on a public highway.

I believe four steps can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving. The first step is that each state should mandate wearing a seat belt while in a car, whether the individual is driving or a passenger. If seat belts aren’t enforced, then the death rates related to driving will continue to increase. The second step that can reduce the number of deaths related to driving is to make driver’s education a mandatory requirement during every student’s junior year. The knowledge learned will prepare high school students to understand and respect traffic laws, stay focused, drive cautiously, and obey road signage. The third step is for high school districts to partner with driving training programs. For example, once a high school student passes the mandatory driver’s education class, the school system can partner with a certified driving training program to further the student’s training and provide an in-depth, hands-on experience. Parents can receive a percentage off the final bill to help with the financial cost of the driving education programs. This step will allow the school districts, students, and parents an opportunity to validate their ability to drive more safely and help the students retain the knowledge for years to come. The fourth step is to have students participate in after-school activities to promote driver education campaigns for community outreach initiatives. For example, most high schools have a Kings and Queens Competition announced at the senior prom events. The prom committee at each school should have a safe driving campaign where candidates must develop a unique idea to promote safer driving campaigns. Since most teenagers use social media, school districts can announce and post the most effective Safe Driver campaign winner on the school’s website. The school will financially donate to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) on behalf of the winner.

The steps that I can take to become an even better driver are not to rush or drive recklessly. While I have sought to educate myself on safe driving, I must make driving a lifelong learning experience. Additionally, I will drive more cautiously when it is raining or snowing. I will wear my seatbelt and refuse to text and drive. When driving with my friends, I will instruct them to buckle up. When I enter college, I will not drink and drive, make mature decisions to use an Uber, and make sure my friends do the same. I may get peer pressure from my friends, but I know it is never worth risking a life.