In the Driver’s Seat

In the Driver’s Seat

 

The sound of screeching tires and shattering glass is something many people might hear in their nightmares, but for those involved in impaired driving accidents, it’s a haunting reality. As a new driver, I’ve always been concerned about safety. In my driver’s education course, we studied the terrifying impacts of impaired driving and were shown stories of those affected by it. These stories were hard to hear and even more difficult to watch. This left a strong impression on me. I also have a friend who was very lucky to walk away from an accident caused by distracted driving. These experiences have opened my eyes to the dangers that lurk on the road. Despite common beliefs, impaired driving goes beyond just alcohol and drugs; it’s any distraction like texting that takes focus off the road, and through personal experiences and education, I’ve learned the importance of staying alert and attentive to prevent life-altering accidents.

In driver’s education, we watched videos and testimonies from victims and offenders of impaired driving. Seeing real people’s lives turned upside down in a split second changed my view on driving entirely. It became clear to me that driving is not just about getting from one place to another. It requires total attention and responsibility. I realized how easily a single moment of distraction can lead to consequences that last for a lifetime. Before watching those stories, I had heard about the dangers of texting and driving, but seeing the aftermath firsthand made the statistics real for me. It inspired me to always prioritize safety whenever I’m behind the wheel. 

Every time I leave home, my mom hugs me and tells me to drive carefully. I lovelingly roll my eyes and tell her I always drive carefully, but the truth is she’s not worried about me. She’s worried about everyone else on the road who may not be driving as carefully. She always tells me that driving is a lot like playing a video game. It’s important to stay vigilant and always be on the look out for the bad guys.

One story I will never forget involves my friend who was t-boned by a distracted driver while heading to work. The other driver was rummaging through her purse for a ringing phone and didn’t notice the red light. My friend also had a mom who would tell her to drive carefully when she left home. And she was driving carefully. It was an impaired driver who felt she was able to multitask while driving that could have potentially caused a catastrophic event. My friend was extremely lucky to escape with only minor injuries. Her car was a total loss and it was a terrifying experience that could have ended much worse. Hearing her recount the crash, with the detail of how suddenly everything changed, emphasized to me that focus is the most important part of driving. This experience solidified my commitment to being a cautious driver and encouraged me to speak up about the importance of staying alert on the road.

These experiences have shaped my perspective on the importance of responsible driving, aligning with my future goals. As I prepare to pursue a degree in exercise science with the goal of becoming an occupational therapist, I see a strong connection between safe driving and overall health. My friend’s accident reinforced my belief in the importance of occupational therapy for recovery after traumatic incidents. I am motivated to help others regain their independence, and I hope to work with individuals who have suffered from accidents and need support to return to their daily lives. 

Furthermore, I see the opportunity to take what I’ve learned and share it with others to create more awareness about the dangers of impaired driving. Whether it’s sharing my friend’s story with fellow drivers or encouraging those close to me to think twice before picking up their phone, I want to contribute to making our roads safer. By integrating what I’ve learned from these experiences into my future profession, I can make a meaningful difference both in preventing harm and in aiding recovery. 

Receiving this scholarship would not only help me financially as I work toward my degree, but it would also enable me to focus more on my studies and less on working extra hours to cover tuition. This opportunity would allow me to devote more time to volunteering and gaining experience in my field. I believe that investing in my education is investing in someone who is committed to promoting safety and well-being both on the roads and in people’s lives. 

Ultimately, my journey has been about growth and learning how crucial it is to remain vigilant and attentive as a driver. It has taught me to value the precious moments of life and understand the impact of our choices. I am dedicated to continually sharing this message and promoting safe driving habits because they can and do save lives. I hope to continue applying these lessons as an occupational therapist, where I will help people affected by accidents to rebuild their lives. This scholarship would be a significant step in achieving this goal, and I am grateful for the opportunity to apply.