Name: Jamie Vu
From: Garden Grove, California
Votes: 0
Jamie
Vu
Driver
Education Initiative
Scholarship
1
Aug. 2019
Confide
in the Drive
The
automobile industry has bloomed, especially in today’s world. More
cars means more drivers, and more drivers means a larger possibility
of more accidents. Many teenagers have licenses and are therefore
able to take a further step into adulthood, but with this privilege
also comes great responsibility. Perhaps it is the thrill of being
able to drive that makes teens more prone to dangerous habits while
driving. These dangers may include drunk driving, underage driving,
the use of cellphones, and having distracting passengers. In order to
prevent future car accidents from happening, we must understand and
be educated of the dangers of driving and the power we hold behind
the wheel to lessen the number of deaths related to driving.
Every
second on the road counts; anything can happen in a short amount of
time. Even looking away from the road for just a second can pose as a
danger. Driving is a privilege for teenagers, but it should also be
viewed as a responsibility. We must be responsible to drive safely.
We must be responsible to make sure that everyone, including
ourselves, is safe and unharmed. However, this responsibility needs
to transform into action. Drinking and driving is unsafe. Texting and
calling can wait. Minimal conversations with passengers should occur.
Understanding the dangers of certain driving habits is a step to safe
driving.
Unfortunately,
I have been involved in a car accident. While I had the right-of-way,
the other driver tried to speed into her left turn but ended up
hitting my car. Although the damage was bad, I was unharmed except
for a burn on my hand from the airbag popping out of the driver’s
wheel. This was my first car accident, and I was scared. I didn’t
know how to react at first, but I ran to the other car involved in
the accident to make sure she was fine. Although we both were not
majorly injured, we were shocked.
After
that accident, I have taken some measures to make myself a safer and
better driver. My phone is never touched – even for the smallest
notifications. I always drive slowly in my neighborhood and check all
sides of the street before turning. I keep my radio music on at a
minimal level. To help others become better drivers as well, I will
advise them of the consequences of distracted driving. Additionally,
I will tell them of my own experience to let them realize that an
accident can happen at any moment and at any given time. Safe driving
is the key to safer roads, and it may just save one’s life.
