Driving Scholarship

Hello my name is Alexander Soto and I live in Southern California about 45 miles east of Los Angeles in a city called Rancho Cucamonga. I just turned 18 years old and passed my driving exam in 2022 at the age of 16 years old. I’m an active driver and at my young age, I have experienced and witnessed a few unfortunate events.

In California, under the age of 18, you are required to a one-week safety driving course before you are eligible to test and obtain your driver’s permit. The in-person course was simple and basic, but It provides a foundation for a student to understand the importance of safe driving not only for the protection of yourself, but for your passengers as-well. I believe that driver’s education should be mandatory for all new drivers regardless of their age to ensure drivers understand the basic knowledge of safe driving instead of learning bad habits from your friends or family members. Having a good driving foundation makes you aware of your surroundings not only for yourself but your fellow neighbor which can reduce our fatality rates.

I feel that driver’s education should be refreshed or updated at least every two years to ensure it’s current with today’s available car technology. New and existing drivers are accessible to so much technology in a car itself that our phones are almost a thing of the past. I’m not saying that phones are not a distraction, but having a 10 inch screen in front of you is pretty distracting in my opinion. Drivers Education is the foundation of a new student, so the more up-to-date training is available, they will be able to relate and apply once they begin to drive on their own. A major step I would encourage and make into law, is once you turn 21 years of age, drivers would be required to take a four-hour drivers education refresh class to reinforce your safety skills if you have received a driving ticket violation or accident that you were at fault. Another option I would take is during your drivers license renewal process, drivers would be required to take a four-hour drivers education refresh class. These are options that I feel can continue to reinforce safety driving and reduce fatalities in our roads.

I have been involved in two cars accidents unfortunately. The first accident, I was about 9 years old, and we were heading home from a baseball game. The accident happened about two-miles away from our home, and my mom was making a left when an incoming driver decided to take the red and hit us. Because of the laws, my mom was at fault because she was making a left turn. I recall the airbags deploying and the loud noise of the metal crushing but we were ok with minor bruises. My dad broke his thumb mainly caused by the airbag deploying. Scary situation but we were all ok including the other driver.

The second accident I was involved in, I was 17 years old. Similar situation like my mom, I was two miles away from home and I was making a left turn. As the light turn green for us to proceed, another driver entered my lane and hit me on the front passenger side. I was not hurt and the airbags did not deploy, but in talking to the other driver, he was distracted and just made a left into my lane without thinking. The insurance cleared me from any wrong doing and found the other driver at fault. I did get nervous and I called my dad, who met me at the scene of the accident. I’m thankful for the drivers education training that I obtain as a minor, because I was able to access the situation and move to a safe location where me and the driver can interact safely.

I just love driving. I’m an old soul at heart, so I alway like to prepare for my road trips regardless if its a short drive or have a distance to go. I always ensure I know the route I will take in advance, check my tires and I avoid looking or using my cell phone while driving. I don’t have a fancy car, but I enjoy playing music. I do everything possible to follow the speed limit and to be aware of my surroundings as I’m driving, things happen that are out of our control but as long as I continue to trust my driving safety foundation I think I will be ok. I do encourage my family members and friends that are currently learning how to drive regardless of their age, is to take a drivers education course and to use a driving instructor. To me this has made the difference in my driving and I feel that I’m the best driver in my family. I just haven’t told them yet. My best advice to any driver, is take your time, its not worth it.