In the end, you are the one who oversees your life and others around you

Since 2008 I have had the opportunity to drive and in 2014, I received my CDL (Commercial Driver License) and I am blessed and grateful to have this experience, the chance to continue my education, and for DMVEdu to host this scholarship opportunity. While driving is a privilege it does come with reasonability’s with it and understanding the rules of the road, and proper technique on operating a motorized vehicle because in the end, you are the one who oversees your life and others around you. As a seasoned veteran being on the road all over Texas, I have seen accident after accident some bad some minor which most were preventable. Research has shown that keeping your eye on the road and not being distracted and taking a defensive driving course while having refresher courses can help lower the results of deaths and accidents.

Studies by Triple AAA and the University of Nebraska Lincoln have shown that people who have taken driver’s education courses were at a lower risk of being in a crash or receiving a traffic ticket. Compared to not taking the driver’s education course, they were 24 percent more likely to be involved in a crash or fatal accident. So yes, a driver’s education course can reduce the number of accidents and deaths on the road. This not only educates a driver through basic skills in driving and correcting bad habits, yet it also insures the confidences of a driver skills in extreme weather conditions, construction, and heavy traffic. It also teaches the basics of automobile mechanics from changing a tire, checking fluids, replacing windshield wipers, and checking air filters. Also, it can help inexperienced drivers because reading a state manual and having hands on experience can be a dramatic difference while driving on the road. Lastly it lowers premiums on car insurance, and which who does not like saving a few bucks. While drivers’ education may sound suitable for inexperienced drivers it also acts as a reminder for the more seasonal driver who may have forgotten a step or two.

There are multiple steps to being a safe and responsible driver, something that I would learn while driving for a living. Number one is always check your vehicle, this should be done daily tires, fluid leaks (which involves you looking under your vehicle should not take longer than a minute), lights/turn signals, and the inside of your cab. Number two, which happens to be a weekly thing, is to check under your hood check all fluids, belts, battery, windshield wipers and anything that may look unusual and repeat step one. Lastly understand the rules of the road, practice your defensive driving skills while on the road, and always come with prepared tools and an emergency kit just in case you are stranded due to severe weather.

I have been in multiple car accidents regardless of being a CDL driver. I am not going to sit here and lie to everyone that I am a perfect driver while none were severe, they were a growing pain teaching me lessons down the road. The first accident accrued when I had just got my driver license the lesson that I leaned was not to tailgate other drivers. The second happened when I had just turned 21 years of age for that one, I learned to adjust my mirrors right and double check before turning which caused me to collide with another driver which was due to him being in my blind spot. At that time if I had taken my defensive driving seriously, I could have saved myself headaches and money due to high insurance rates.

Some good steps in being a safe and responsible driver is by staying focused and alert around your surroundings for other drivers around you and any debris on the road that can cause an accident. Also, practicing on controlling aggressive driving (also known as road rage) from tailgating, speeding, cutting off drivers, slowing down on others, and not letting other drivers pass. Additionally keep at the posted speed limit, pay attention to road signs which may indicate warnings or construction up ahead. Keep any distractions away from you which can include loud music, phones, food, pets, kids, passengers, and anything loose in the car that can cause you to look away from the road. Lastly adjust any mirrors, seats, ac/heat control, and the radio also understand when driving on the highway that the left lane is for passing and the right lane is for slower vehicles and exiting vehicles.