Driver Education Initiative Annual Scholarship Essay 1

In my household, I’ve heard all of my life “Don’t be distracted while driving “, “Seat belts first”, and “No texting while driving.” Vehicle operation, traffic laws, and road safety are all important when it comes to driver education, especially with teenagers/young drivers. Without this fundamental basic, your life and the lives of others could be at risk. No one ever wants that to happen. I vividly remember the moment when I fully realized the significance of these lessons. It happened when I witnessed a near-miss accident caused by a distracted driver on the way to school. This experience reaffirmed and made me know the importance of the safety rules that my family had put in me. It also highlighted how my actions behind the wheel could affect not only my own life, but also the lives of passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers. This newfound awareness continues to fuel my dedication to being a responsible driver. Incorporating these lessons into my daily driving habits keeps me attentive and observant, ensuring that I do my part to make roads safer.

Learning these rules and laws will enable new and inexperienced drivers to drive safely and confidently. Prior to taking my driver’s education class, my dad always told me that whenever I get the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a vehicle, I should remember an important rule, be a defensive-minded driver. Those who drive carefully and with caution, have a better opportunity to get to and from their destination safely. I believe that driving in this manner ensures protection and minimizes incidents when on the road. An important step that can be taken to reduce the number of driving accidents and deaths is a common one that everyone should know, but all of us unfortunately do not practice this; DO NOT TEXT WHILE DRIVING! While unsafe, people still do it every single day. Other important steps to also take to reduce injury or death are using a seatbelt and not eating in the car. The ultimate message is to minimize as many distractions in the car as possible. Sometimes even loud music may not be a good idea as well. Being cautious will allow one to make the best decisions.

I have never been in a car accident but regrettably, I have been in situations where I witnessed friends and family driving irresponsibly. The impaired judgment of driving while under the influence can lead to lane changing without signals, speeding unnecessarily, and not making quick adjustments to the traffic and cars around them. I have even seen a relative of mine leave our house after an event and watched him grab a can of beer to go as he hit the road (after he consumed several cans of beer earlier). I was thankful that he was able to arrive home safely, but one can sense my concern for him. I have promised myself that I would never put myself or anyone in danger or in a position that would cause an intentional vehicle accident. I continue to tell myself that whatever the distraction is, it can wait till I arrive at a safe place.

In order to be a better and safer driver and help others be safer on the road, I plan to try to always be prepared for the unexpected and always assume that other drivers do not see me. If I’m focused and always paying attention to my surroundings, I’m putting myself in a position to be prepared for the potential dangers ahead. Also, doing the speed limit helps with quick decision-making.

Being a defensive-minded driver is the way to go. One’s alertness and awareness will better prepare them for any unforeseen situations that could happen, by thinking three steps ahead. As I embark on my senior year of high school this fall, not only will I be classified as a high school senior, but I will also be culminating my final year at Prince George’s Community College (PGCC). Instead of reporting to my high school daily, I will instead be on campus all day attending classes at PGCC. I will drive to classes daily. All of the principles mentioned above are not just what “I think” or “feel”, it’s how I am practicing life. Nothing in life is perfect, but I’m confident that the driver education I’ve received both in class and my instructional classes has prepared me to continue to be a successful driver.