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Round 3 – Driving With A Purpose

Name: Alexis Stovall
From: Davenport, Iowa
Votes: 0

Driving With A Purpose

Driving With A Purpose

By Alexis Stovall

My name is Alexis Stovall and I am from Davenport, IA. I am currently a Senior at Davenport Central High School. I received my driver’s permit at 14 and my provisional driver’s license at 16 with my full driver’s license at now 18.

The importance of driver’s education in reducing the number of deaths as a result of driving is to learn the fundamentals of driving as well as the rules of the road. It’s important to know that all of the learning goes hand in hand and one should always take it seriously. It is important now more than ever that young people stay educated about paying attention to the road and not other distractions such as cell phones and friends in the car.

There are various steps that can be taken in reducing the number of driving related deaths such as;

  1. Wear your seatbelt.

  2. Drive the speed limit.

  3. Pay attention to all traffic signals.

  4. Be on the lookout for distracted drivers.

  5. Be on the lookout for emergency vehicles.

  6. Turn your cell phone on “DND” or do not disturb.

  7. Drive with minimal passengers.

  8. Keep your eyes on the road at all times.

I have had the experience of being in a car when there was an accident. It was about 8 years ago I was with my mom and sister. We were sitting at a four way stop light facing west on a one way. The light turned green and my mom pulled off to go and a car heading north on a one way ran the light. The car was going at a good rate of speed to the point it pushed my moms car a little ways. It happened so fast that we were all dazed and shook up. The person had been looking down or at her phone. I’m really not sure but the accident was bad enough that my mother’s car was totaled. This was the perfect example of someone distracted while they were driving and ran a light. It was very scary. I was 10 years old at the time.

No matter a person’s age we can all take steps to be better and safer on the road as well as help those around us do the same. I, personally, feel that leading by example is one of the best ways. The things I would do and hope that those around me were watching is always get myself ready before I even turn on my car which includes adjusting mirrors, my seat, my radio (if I’m going to have it on), and put on my seatbelt. Then I would drive the speed limit, use caution when coming through intersections, and stay off my cell phone when driving. I would also talk to my friends and family about the things they shouldn’t be doing while driving as it can cause harm to themselves as well as someone else. I want my family, friends, and strangers safe.