In The Driver’s Seat

Driver’s Education Scholarship Essay

“In The Driver’s Seat”

By Sidney Roberts

Driver’s education is essential for all drivers, as it maximizes the opportunity for all drivers to be safe. Many studies show a reduction in crashes and traffic violations in drivers who have taken driver’s education, compared to those who have not. One study from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln shows that drivers without driver’s education are 75 percent more likely to get a traffic ticket and 16 percent more likely to be in an accident. 24 percent of those accidents are fatal or result in serious injuries.

At 17 years of age, I have not been involved in an accident. However, recently, I witnessed an accident in which a woman was ejected through her front windshield. I was at a red light, when a man in a pick-up truck sped past me, through the red light. The man ran into the woman, flipping her car upside down. I had witnessed someone’s death. I was overwhelmed with sadness thinking about how possibly her parents, husband or children would have their lives changed in an instant and plagued by grief from losing her. What is even more tragic, is that she did nothing wrong. She obeyed the rules of the road. Yet, her life was taken, because of another’s poor decision.

In order to reduce the number of deaths related to driving, I believe a few steps that can be taken are: 1. all states should require all drivers, regardless of age, to take driver’s education 2. there should be education for parents of new teen drivers. Parents need to understand the risks associated with teen driving and be advised on how to best teach and monitor driving practices 3. increased utilization of driving phone apps for new drivers to monitor their driving and inform them of mistakes and how to improve.

The steps I have personally taken to become a better driver include first, acknowledging the impact that my youth and inexperience can have on my driving skills. This coupled with the fact that I have ADHD makes me more susceptible to becoming easily distracted. Second, I have taken action to minimize distractions including: 1. staying off my phone 2. allowing my phone to disable any notifications once I start the ignition 3. setting a playlist for my music so I don’t search for songs while I drive. 4. avoid eating or reaching for things while I drive. One other helpful thing my parents did was to require me to sign a driving contract. It forced me to commit to safe driving practices and outlined a gradual progression toward full personal responsibility and independence on the road.

Through my driving experience and the accident I witnessed, I recognize, that it only takes a split second for a mistake to occur that can forever change lives or take away lives. I have determined that this is a risk I am not willing to take. I only hope that other drivers will also be as reflective and mindful so we can all be safe.