Safe drivers essay scholarship

I am writing to apply and be considered for the In the Driver’s Seat scholarship to financially assist my educational journey post-high school. So I can pursue my dreams to become an architect. I take great honor in writing this essay and am very grateful to be considered for this scholarship.

I am Jacob from Farmington, Minnesota. My interest in this scholarship stemmed from my love of driving and being a safe driver. One of my favorite things to do is drive with my friends, listen to our favorite music, and drink an iced coffee with the windows down on a nice day. Although I’ve been driving for about two years, I haven’t gotten a ticket nor put myself or anyone in a major accident from distracted driving. If anything, I’m more of a backseat driver than causing distraction for my driver. Some may say that is a distraction or causes a panic for the driver, but I think you can never be too safe when driving, and if you see something, say something. 

When I was in my sophomore year entering driver’s education, I remember dreading it the most, thinking it was the most boring, painfully long four hours after school anyone could endure. But it was truly the most important four hours because driver’s education is the beginning and the building blocks of forming safe drivers for years to come. Young beginner drivers who just got their permit should be fresh with knowledge on the laws, safety, and the do’s and don’ts of driving. That is so important when reducing the number of deaths associated with driving. Most times, these beginner drivers are very defensive and extra cautious behind the wheel for the first time. Which ultimately makes them make smarter decisions on the road. This is important because new drivers, no matter what age, are always at higher risk of accidents. Statistics have shown that students who take driver’s education in high school can drastically decrease the number of accidents on the road considering they are a high-risk group. A good driver’s education program can provide an understanding of road safety, like speed limits, traffic signs, traffic laws, and how to drive responsibly. Learning this can or may prevent many dangers on our roads and reduce the number of deaths from driving.

In Minnesota, we are a hands-free state. That means it’s illegal to use a cellphone while driving. Phones are the most distracting thing a person could use when operating a vehicle. I think it’s a great safety measure to reduce deaths while driving. States should make this law here in Minnesota a universal law for all states. With all new safety integrations with new cars, I think that is another great way that is reducing the number of deaths related to driving. In driver’s ed, I remember learning the five-second rule, which was a mental reminder that keeping your distance between cars on the road is very important. The rule is to remember that if it takes less than five seconds from when the car in front of you passes an object you’re approaching in less than five seconds, you’re driving too fast behind them. With how often rear-ending accidents happen, people need to be more mindful with their distance on the road. Not every car brakes the same, or drivers can avoid these accidents; keeping your distance is one of the easiest ways to avoid an accident from happening on our roads.

I personally have never experienced being in a car accident. But I have been in many cars with my friends who were driving way too fast sometimes when they shouldn’t have been. I do believe everyone does speed. I don’t think it’s right or safe at all. It’s only putting yourself in more danger and can easily be avoided by just simply following the speed limit. Most times, I’m with a family member. They always drive responsibly because driving unsafely would only put our whole family in danger, and my parents have no intention of doing that.

How I stay a safe driver is to ensure my safety and the safety of others on the road. I will continue to adhere to the fundamental laws of driving. I avoid distractions, whether they’re my own or those of my passengers if I’m in the car. I make sound decisions, refraining from speeding, running red lights, and driving too close behind others. For helping others, I have a younger sister that will be driving in a couple of years, and I want to make sure she is safe on the road. I’d hope she takes driver’s ed. As seriously as I did and make sure she takes the most from it and becomes a great new driver for the upcoming generation of drivers on our roads. For everyone else, I think it would be amazing if driver’s safety and educational classes became more involved in the education system instead of optional classes that people have to want to learn.