Drivers ed Initiative Award: In the Driver’s Seat

Randal (Nicci) Vehovc

16 July 2020

Scholarship Essay

Drivers ed Initiative Award: In the Driver’s Seat

The importance of drivers ed in reducing the number of deaths as a result of driving is tremendous. I think that parents and guardians need to do their part in educating their children about the rules of the road and do’s/don’ts of things that drivers can do safely while operating a motorized vehicle. I believe that although some of the statistics on the number of fatalities while driving can be scary, if we teach it as “you don’t want to end up as a statistic,” drivers may be more inclined to drive responsibly. I know that all kids take drivers ed or a class through the DMV but I believe there needs to be more insightful options, because I think these classes are the bare minimum of what you need to know. As times have changed, so have the risks of driving. 20 years ago we didn’t have to worry about someone texting while driving and swerving into another lane or oncoming traffic. There are lots of things that can limit the numbers of deaths related to driving, one of the most important being, turning your phone on ‘do not disturb.’ Too many accidents have happened because of us checking a text or answering a phone call, nothing is too important, wait until you have stopped. Or if it is that important, pull over. Everyone loves to listen to music, podcasts, etc., while driving as well and sometimes even looking down for a split second to change the song can be life changing as well. Take the step to create a playlist, so you can greatly limit your chances of getting in an accident. In addition, drivers need to take a huge step and stop trying to multi-task while driving! Even if it’s putting on chap stick, what if you drop it? Then you will be trying to grab for the chap stick while driving, and could potentially end up in an accident because of this too. I think one of the most important steps is to allow other people in the car to do things for you while you drive, GPS, changing songs, finding the chap stick you dropped, etc., to limit the chances of an accident even more. I have never been in a car accident, nor has any family member due to them driving irresponsibly. But I have had friends and seen plenty of accidents due to irresponsible driving. I have to admit I am guilty of driving irresponsibly, mainly when it comes to changing the songs I’m listening to. So I need to take my own advice and create a playlist, which will stop me from looking down to change the song. I think I could also be a safer driver by turning my phone on ‘do not disturb’ as well! To help others and the ones you love be safer, hold your friends and family accountable for driving irresponsibly.