Driver’s Education Scholarship

Everyday, most of the world’s population enters vehicles and drives to school, work, and extracurricular events and activities. Driving is a necessity and is done multiple times a day. Amid our daily routines, we are consumed by busy lives, often forgetting how highly dangerous driving can be. Collision injuries are in the top ten causes of death globally. In Ontario, there were 359 car accident fatalities in 2022 and 74172 collisions in total. In 2021, there were 315 car accident fatalities and 60659 in 2021. As time suggests, the number of collisions and fatalities increases each year. More people are dead each year for partaking in an activity that the majority of us participate in every day. Driver education can cause these numbers to be reduced by bringing awareness, reducing lifelong pain and suffering for many.

Driving education plays a crucial role in reducing the number of deaths resulting from driving by providing individuals with essential knowledge and skills. The overall traffic safety knowledge provides drivers with a deeper understanding of road rules and practices, making drivers more vigilant and prepared to make correct decisions on the road. Driver education also raises risk awareness about the potential dangers with driving. These awarenesses include a better understanding of risk potential, hazard potential and defensive driving techniques. In essence, the importance of driver education lies in its ability to share responsible and skilled drivers, contributing to a safer road environment and inevitably leading to a decrease in driving-related fatalities. The only drivers education program during driving school, in car lessons and a final in car exam. Through this, I learned the importance of driving safety due to the statistics demonstrated in the lessons. I would like to further deepen my understanding and take lessons in the summer months when the school year is over.

Personally, I have experience dealing with the aftermath of a fatal car accident withs family members as victims. It is arguably the hardest battle to fight daily and is the reason I am so passionate about safe driving, as I know the pain and suffering it causes to families and friends. My mother was a victim of a reckless driver in 2006. A driver made the conscious decision to drive while knowingly tired after staying awake the previous night due to traveling. My mother was struck by a vehicle while on the sidewalk, which as a pedestrian, is clearly where she is supposed to be. She went out that day for a walk with my older sister as she did everyday, followed the rules by walking on the sidewalk, yet still paid the ultimate price. Almost eighteen years later, the actions caused by the driver consumed my family and me. It is still an evident part of our lives and a clear void in our hearts as we reach milestones, move forward, and accomplish goals. Drivers should be taught that driving tired is equivalent to driving impaired. Furthermore, my older cousin was killed in 2022 at University in a parking lot. A landscaping company car had a trailer attached to it. Despite rules prohibiting it, the trailer reversed in the narrow apartment complex parking lot, backing into my cousin and taking her life instantly. The fact that these incidents are a lifelong pain caused by someone else which could have been avoided is the hardest to come to terms with. It is gravely unfair that my family is experiencing this pain twice. In recognizing the importance of responsible driving, individuals contribute to creating a safer and more secure environment on the road.

To be a better driver on the road, I will continuously educate myself, as cars are always changing. I will avoid distractions such as the radio and phone calls. I intend on maintaining my vehicle by regularly checking my brakes, tires, lights and fluids. A well-maintained vehicle is less likely to experience mechanical failures. One of my pet peeves is when other drivers do not signal, and I have to break extremely hard. This is why I always signal and indicate intentions and lane changes to promote a smoother traffic flow. Another important aspect of driving is to be aware of surroundings, anticipate potential hazards and follow care at a safe distance. This is referred to as defensive driving. On the contrary, I intend not to drive aggressively by not driving when I am upset and manage my temper and mental state.. Moreover, I ensure to be courteous on the road. This includes yielding when appropriate, allowing merging vehicles and respecting other vehicles. Remembering that a positive driving attitude fosters a safer environment is crucial. By consistently implementing these steps, I can enhance my own driving safety and contribute to creating a culture of responsible driving that benefits everyone on the road.

The significance of driving safety resonates deeply with me due to the personal tragedies of losing my mother and my cousin in car accidents. These heartbreaking experiences highlight the crucial role of driving safety. People should be taught the importance of adhering to traffic rules, and prioritizing responsible driving behavior to promote positive driving behavior on the roads. By implementing these principles into our lives and embracing them, we protect our own lives and of others, fostering a community where every journey is marked by caution, respect, accountability and a shared commitment to preventing further loss and heartache on the roads.