Defense

Defense

The importance of drivers ed is apparent every time a careless or ignorant driver takes control of a motor vehicle. Precious lives are often put on the line, simply because someone chooses to ignore the vital tools which drivers ed imparts; leaving others as potential victims of irresponsible behaviour. Understanding the responsibility and dangers of driving are crucial factors in understanding why all drivers should take a drivers ed course before being granted a license, and certainly before they are allowed to freely cruise the streets of a crowded metropolis like New York City. It is in courses like Drivers Ed that individuals learn the life saving tactic of defensive driving.

While there are many rules which one must follow when driving I believe the most important to be driving defensively. Driving can be very unpredictable because one cannot always anticipate the actions of drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. Being defensive when driving as opposed to aggressive prevents potentially fatal situations by using calm, intelligence and patience. A defensive driver is constantly aware of their surroundings and always follows the rules and laws while adapting quickly to changing driving conditions and scenarios. In order to be a responsible driver, one must avert dangers by taking action, and sometimes even inaction. Personally, there have been a number of experiences where I’ve been in a car with an irresponsible driver, and did not get into an accident. In a very morbid way, this contributes to the problem of reckless driving because the reckless driver seems to believe that they can be both irresponsible and a good driver at the same time. I am not suggesting that it would be a good thing for a driver’s recklessness to result in an accident, but it is noteworthy that bad behaviour without consequences, often results in more, increasingly worse, bad behavior. If more people are made aware of the very real life and death potential of their recklessness while driving, maybe they will be more careful.

The main thing to keep in mind is to be alert and on the defensive while operating a motor vehicle. A driver should never allow other drivers to cause them to act carelessly, but should always remain calm and in control. In order for me to be a safer driver I can study the rules of the road, and ensure that when I am about to drive I am always focused, undistracted, careful and controlled. I can turn off my cell phone until I reach my destination, leave early enough to anticipate traffic and detours, as well as, use all the safety features the vehicle I am driving comes with. I can help others be safer drivers by communicating safety tips I’ve learned with them and encouraging relatives to practice the same safety measures I mentioned before. If I am awarded this scholarship I can help further my desire to become a neurosurgeon. I will also work with campus wide initiatives to help advance drivers ed and training. In the future I also intend to create a nonprofit that uses those that cause accidents to help take care of incapicated victims of accidents.