DMV Scholarship

Driver education can significantly influence drivers’ behaviors and choices. Driver education is vital in reducing the number of driving-related injuries and deaths. From an elementary perspective, this type of education provides fundamental awareness of rules and context of why such regulations are set in place: Safety. Without understanding the driving system, the likelihood of preventable injuries and/or deaths can statistically skyrocket. Drivers who are well-informed about traffic rules can be less likely to engage in risky behaviors that can lead to accidents and/or deaths.

A key element of driver education in the age of technology is learning how to adapt the car’s environment to better reflect a distraction-free zone. I know this type of adaptation would radically assist in reducing the number of driving-related injuries and/or deaths. There is an influx of influenced and/or distracted driving. Educating drivers on the consequences of this behavior can mitigate this misfortune by encouraging drivers to focus solely on the road. This is also why information regarding defensive driving is crucial to the safety of the driving community. Defensive driving instructs drivers to be continuously alert to their environment because hazards are highly unpredictable and can spontaneously occur. However, driver education can only go so far – in other words, the burden of behavioral choice is on the driver. It is the driver’s responsibility to educate themselves and consciously decide not to be influenced and/or distracted.

While I am fortunate enough to have never experienced a severe car accident, I have been in a fender bender. I was driving and the road conditions were not the best. It had snowed the night before, so the road had iced. I was merging to get onto the interstate, and fortunately, it was not very busy. I still cautiously drove at an exceptionally low speed with my lights on, demonstrating safe and defensive driving. A red truck appeared in my rearview and the driver was going too fast for the current road conditions. I kept peering at the truck’s reflection, and I had noticed that it was getting uncomfortably close to my car as it was attempting to pass me on the driver’s side. I slowed down more and tried to get over, but I was running out of road as I approached the shoulder. I honked my horn to indicate my presence and to alert the driver they were being unsafe. I could not determine if the driver’s tires slid or if there was another reason they could not steer their vehicle away from mine, but as I continued to honk and break, their truck bed hit my front fender. The driver ignorantly continued to drive. It was a hit and run. Fortunately, I was uninjured, and I assumed the same of the other driver if they were capable enough to continue driving after hitting my car.

Additionally, I have witnessed numerous behaviors both as a driver and a passenger that could have led to accidents. The majority of behaviors were drivers clearly distracted by their phones, only partially paying attention to the road. Another example I tend to see frequently is drivers that have their back windshield and rearview mirror view blocked by items piled up in their trunk. When I encounter these drivers, I become even more defensive. I am aware that their unsafe choices could ultimately affect my driving experience as well.

There are countless steps I could engage in so that the driving community is a safer space. Specifically, I am dedicated to keeping my distractions to a minimum. I am privileged to have a car equipped with Bluetooth, so I can connect my phone to be an official handsfree device; nonetheless, I try to use my phone only when it is necessary. When I am in my car, I regularly place my phone into “Do Not Disturb” mode to further limit my distractions. Moreover, I obey traffic rules and always wear my seatbelt. In the future, if I have the resources available, another step to promote driver safety would be to upgrade my vehicle to a safer one. Specifically, I know I would feel safer with additional airbags and other safety features equipped such as lane assist. I hope by setting this example, I can also be a model for other drivers. My main behavior that demonstrates safe driving though is my continuous defensiveness. Although I am dedicated to making the driving community a safe environment, that does not always mean the drivers around me share this commitment.

I know that driver education is foundationally promoting safe driving behaviors for the greater driving community. I would also encourage regular driver education courses for even experienced drivers; this would serve as a way to reintroduce safety measures to the driving community – in turn, reducing the alarmingly high rate of driver-related injuries and/or deaths. Driver education proactively demonstrates safe driving practices that can eliminate driver-related casualties. Responsible and defensive behaviors that are underscored through driver education can contribute to a safer driving environment for everyone.