Name: Cameron Drew Atwood
From: Staten Island, NY
Votes: 0
Cameron
Atwood
Drivers
Education Scholarship
6/6/19
Many
prospective drivers, anxious for the advantages driving can provide,
view the hour and study requirements of Drivers ed as too
extensive and a hindrance. They want the freedom of driving to come
sooner. I enrolled several weeks ago into drivers ed with
the same anxious spirit. After several weeks however, I now recognize
that the foundation of the training is not simply learning to drive
but learning to minimize the risk of being in a motor vehicle
accident. The goal of Drivers ed is to learn how to enjoy
the benefits of driving while accepting the responsibility to promote
a safer driving environment for yourself and others. Focused
attention on obeying the rules of the road are paramount to
minimizing that risk.
The
lectures are extremely helpful. An example of practical advice is to
mentally project yourself about 20 seconds ahead of your current
circumstance to anticipate potential dangers and determine how best
to minimize risk. Another point of advisement that struck me was when
the professor said, “Always assume the other guy will do the wrong
thing.” New Yorkers are notoriously bad drivers, so this quote has
application to my situation. Nearly everyone here speeds, people run
red lights, stop signs are ignored, etc. It’s chaos! We must be
prepared for the worst.
I
have witnessed irresponsible driving, not only from strangers, but
from people I know personally as well. A friend of mine was a
terrible driver. He would floor the gas and make a big U-turn in a
busy street to turn around. At times I feared for my life!
Fortunately, I was never hurt or in an accident with him. A tendency
I’ve recognized however, is that no one really wants to be the
person to tell their friends or family to slow down or obey traffic
rules. However, we’re playing with our lives. It’s not wise to
worry about being the cool guy if your life is in danger.
Good
Education is designed to train us, prepare us, and equip us with
knowledge that if properly applied can benefit ourselves and others.
Drivers ed has the same meritorious objective.
