An Essential Reminder

An Essential Reminder

Researchers Duane Shell and Ian Newman of the Nebraska Prevention Center for Alcohol and Drug Abuse at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln compiled the driving records of 151,800 youth over an eight-year period. Their findings showed students not taking driver training were 75 percent more likely to get a traffic ticket, 24 percent more likely to be involved in a fatal or injury accident and 16 percent more likely to have an accident. What is the importance of driver education in reducing the number of deaths as a result of driving? The study showed that 24 percent of youth not taking driver training were involved in a fatal body injury accident. That is one in four not taking drivers training having a serious accident or death. That statistic alone should be enough to require driver training for all students.

An October 9, 2020 Indiana AGRINEWS article stated, “of people injured or killed from mid-March to mid-July this year, two-third tested positive for at least one drug, including marijuana, alcohol, or opioids.” What steps can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving? The obvious solution would be stricter regulations on driving while under the influence of any drug, such as losing one’s driving license for a year on the first offense. Stiffer penalties would do two things. First it would lower the number of drivers using drugs while driving and second it would prevent the ones who have had accidents from driving. Although stricter laws may be effective in reducing accidents and deaths, I do not see this happening. A more subtle solution would be to infuse more real life situations of drug related accidents and deaths into the driver education lessons. Using pictures, videos, and having speakers give their personal experience to make the reality of what happens when driving while impaired will become something they will remember as they make choices. During my own drivers education experience, this was a common theme of the lessons. However, I believe more of this type of media could be beneficial.

One of my close friends was in a minor car accident. Her sister was driving her and a friend to the movies. For some reason my friend’s older sister leaned over to turn the volume dial in order to turn the music up. As she was doing this, the car in front of them came to a screeching halt. My friend’s sister looked up, but couldn’t stop in time. They rear ended the car in front of them and my friend and her sister thankfully walked away from the accident unharmed. However, the scars, both emotionally and physically, will stay with them when they drive in the future. This was a great lesson for me as I began driving. I often think of their accident when I am tempted to be doing something that could distract me while driving.

Driving without distractions, being alert, and keeping one’s mind on driving is important for safe driving to reduce the risk of major accidents. In Drivers education, my classmates and I were taught the 20 common sense safe driver steps, such as: Go the speed limit, watch the weather, look both ways, wear a seatbelt, etc. In addition to using these 20 safety steps I use the five step Smith System when driving. It not only makes me a safer driver but also my friends that I have shared the system with. First, I aim high. Looking ahead not only avoids rear-end collisions, but also lets me view the road as a whole, not just a few feet in front of me. Second is the big picture. This is looking out for the other guy by being aware of my surroundings at all times. Third, I keep my eyes moving. Consistent eye movement prevents one’s body from entering the trance state, keeping me alert. Fourth, I leave myself a way out. I try not to get boxed in and always anticipate what choices other drivers make. And fifth, I make sure the other drivers see me. I am aware of other drivers’ blind spots. By using these steps, I am sure that I will be able to do my best to prevent accidents on the road. I also make sure that I am not distracted by other passengers, the radio or my phone. I know that driving is a privilege that could affect other people’s lives if I am not responsible.

Thank you for considering me for this scholarship.

(756 Total Words)