“With great power, comes great responsibility”

“With
great power, comes great responsibility.”

Driver
Education Initiative 2020: In the Driver’s Seat – Scholarship
Essay

“I GOT MY DRIVERS LICENSE!” This moment is one of the most
exciting moments for students, but nerve-racking for parents and us
educators. Students don’t see the responsibility that comes with
having a driver’s license. Unfortunately, some of our own students
had to learn about the consequences of irresponsible driving the hard
way. November 2019, two of our students sadly passed away because
their friend was driving under the influence. They died only a few
months after being accepted into college and being recipients of
scholarships. They were taken from us too soon, simply because of
irresponsible driving.

In response to this, my colleagues and I have heavily pushed our road
code program to our students, which teaches teens good driving
skills. This program also shows students the dangers of driving
irresponsibly (through videos and real life stories). The looks on
their faces when they hear some of the tragic stories really show how
big of an impact these videos have on the way they see driving. After
the lesson and videos, students use the driving simulator. This
simulator simulates real-life driving scenarios, like pedestrians
crossing, getting cut off by speeding cars, sudden car accidents, and
other events many students don’t realize could happen to them. They
always thank us and tell us how much they’ve learned about the true
responsibilities of becoming a driver.

We have all our high school students participate even if they don’t
drive or don’t plan on driving anytime soon. Why? Because if they
know safe driving skills, they can pass that knowledge on to parents
who may have road rage, a brother/sister who loves to speed and cut
people off, or a friend who’s constantly texting and driving. They
can spread good driving skills amongst their families and friends,
possibly saving them (and others) from a car accident that could cost
them their lives.

Whether you’re 15 years old or 50, freshening up on safe driving
skills can help reduce the deaths related to driving. We should also
make everyone aware of the consequences of poor driving. Driving is a
responsibility and like Uncle Ben told Peter Parker, “with great
power comes great responsibility.” Be the hero by keeping yourself
and others on the road alive.

And to my students and all the teens out there, this is a message for
you in terms I know you are familiar with:

There’s nothing “LOL” about crashing. It’ll be an
“OMG” moment if you crash, and an “SMH” moment
when you realize you’ve not only hurt yourself but others on
the road as well. It would be tragic to say “RIP” if you were to
die in a car crash like 11 teens do every day. You won’t be able to
“TTYL” with your friends, family, or loved ones. Instead of
texting just “LMK” when you are home safe. And “OFC”
I don’t mind waiting for your response if it’s going to save your
life. ILY all so much, please be safe out there. Kk?