A Recent Anecdote

Dmvedu Scholarship (Due August 1, 2020)

What is the importance of drivers ed in reducing the number deaths as a result of driving? What steps can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving? Have you ever had an experience of being in a car accident or have seen your friends or family members driving irresponsibly? What steps can you take to be a better and safer driver as well as help others become safer on the road? (<500 words)

I took driving school because my parents wanted to fully make sure that I am comfortable and safe at the wheel. In the classroom, I noticed how many safety-related videos regarding alcohol, drugs, sleep, etc. we had watched. This included several videos detailing accidents that cost someone a loved one, some with pictures that I would have rather not seen. I wondered what the reason for this was at first. Obviously drinking alcohol, taking drugs, and getting little sleep may negatively impact a person’s ability to operate at the wheel. What I did not realize though was how many do not heed this warning and choose to put their life and those of their passengers at risk. According to dmvedu.org, close to 45000 deaths on the highway are caused annually just in the US, which scares me every time I look at it. 45000 people’s lives are gone because of some fatal mistake by a driver. Life is too precious to put bad stuff in your body!

There are so many things we can do to stop car-related deaths. The car itself is relatively safe nowadays because of seatbelts and airbags, but there should also be measures in place that protects the riders of the car. One idea that I have is a breathalyzer built into the dashboard, which acts as a second key for the car. This is to ensure that the operator of the car isn’t intoxicated. Secondly driving school should have victims of car accidents as guests so they can tell their stories. Drivers would need to take driving seriously after facing someone who failed to listen or who lost something valuable to them because of someone else’s incompetence.

I have never been involved in a major car accident, though there was one instance where another car crashed into my family’s. I remember we were parked and then a car which was speeding brushed against our car and scraped all the paint off while losing their entire bumper. I would not drive like this once I get my license. I am currently still learning at the wheel under an instructor, who makes sure I follow all necessary laws and guidelines so I and my passengers can stay safe.