Driver Education Initiative Award: Annual Scholarship

What steps can you take to be a better and safer driver as well as help others become safer on the road? The first step you could take to becoming a safer driver is to not text and drive , put your phone out of reach, or make a pledge to your family to not text and drive. I know silencing your phone could be hard especially if you run a business , have children or just a busy life in general. Your safety should be your top priority. If something were to happen to you, your business, children or life itself wouldn’t function. You owe it atleast to yourself to be safe. You wouldn’t be doing your children, business or life justice if you constantly put yourself at risk by texting and driving. If you were to get in an accident , you very well could survive but what about the victim you hit or innocent bystanders that were caught in the crossfire ? You have now ruined someone’s life, their children’s life or a business that contributes to their lifestyle. You are now at fault for the accident and no amount of money could express your remorse.

Putting your phone out of reach may seem crazy as well but is very important. Safety is number one always.If putting your phone away physically is hard, just think about the heartache that your family will experience because you felt as If you couldn’t control yourself and stay off your phone. How does it feel just thinking about it? It feels awful right? Just switch your point of view and think how someone else’s family feels because you hit their loved one and they died from a car accident so before you get in the car place your phone in your back pocket or place it in your bag. Focusing on the road is better than being distracted by your phone. Just you being alert could save someone else’s life. While you’re paying attention doesn’t mean others are so people could very well be distracted by whatever is going on in their car but because you’re paying attention you are up one. You’re making yourself a priority and teaching whoever is in the vehicle to do the same. Practicing healthy habits for yourself and others to come along.

Making a pledge to your loved ones is a major commitment . It requires responsibility, trust, time management and overall care. Your family is important and so are you. Your family is all you have until you pass away, you want to cherish them and love them as if it would be your last time seeing them. Life is crazy and you shouldn’t live it recklessly. We only have one life so be responsible with it. Nobody wants to die but if you’re going to die, die with living a good life and making a difference. Don’t let your death be the only change to the world. When parents or loved ones give out cars that means you have made it to a major milestone in your life. You have or are leaving the birdnest so know you’re responsible for yourself. When you get behind the wheel you literally have full control of your life. It’s really in your hands and how you handle it will show. Do the pledge to reassure your family, just because you drive well doesn’t mean others do. Therefore, take a stand and prove your driving skills to yourself and family. You can’t stop accidents but just because of the driver you are and the driver that family knows you as . You will be exempt from any payments or charges if you happen to be in an accident. You wouldn’t be at fault.

Lastly , make good decisions, be honorable , and wise. The world already has expectations so choose to go above and beyond for yourself and family. Break old habits and put healthy , long-lasting habits before you and the generation to come. They will appreciate you and so will your family. They need you the most and you need yourself more than you think you do. We all matter! Furthermore, take your time, be patient and aware while driving. Driving can be a handful but with the proper guidance and help. You will be able to manage. Pay attention in driver’s Ed class and listen to your instructor. A lot of people miss valuable information because they disregard it. You will not be one of those people. You will be better than the last generations.