Driver Education Initiative Award Annual Scholarship Opportunity

Drivers Education ensures drivers understand and follow the basic rules of the road. The training

covers driving skills and knowledge so drivers won’t be at risk. The importance of driver education in

reducing the number deaths as a result of driving is driver education provides a prevention method for

drivers. Driver’s education prevents future accidents by teaching drivers the rules of the road of how to

stop, how to properly make a stop, and the proper speed of the road and so much more. Other safe habits

drivers will learn in drivers education is keep their car current and in good working condition, don’t text

while driving, stay out of the fast lane, keep a clear head and be calm and courteous to the police officer

who has stopped you.

According to teen drivers statistics, traffic accidents are the main cause of death for teens. Teens

see driver’s licenses as a step toward freedom. But, parents are not sure of their child being ready for the

road. Teens speed and make mistakes while driving. Teen drivers have a higher rate of fatal crashes,

mainly because of their immaturity, lack of skills, and lack of experience. By learning the traffic

law, teens have the opportunity to become an experienced driver by avoiding accidents,

collisions and dangers of the road. Driver education will teach students how to become safe

drivers. Other steps to take to reduce the number of deaths related to driving is that everyone in

the car wear seat belts, never drive if you are impaired (alcohol drinking or smoking). This

method is also called the 360 mindset and may reduce the number of deaths related to driving.

Meaning, embracing safety not just as a priority but as an obsession — in all settings and at all

times. Applying a Safety 360° mindset to the three main causes of motor vehicle crashes—

alcohol, speeding and distracted driving — translates into the following list of “Always” and

“Never” admonitions

Always insist that all passengers buckle up in every seat. According to the Motor Vehicle Safety

division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this reduces the risk of death and

injury by nearly 50%

Never get behind the wheel if you’re impaired by alcohol or other drugs. Always err on the side

of caution, keeping in mind that even one drink compromises your ability to drive safely.

Remember, even medication prescribed by a doctor can also be impaired.

I have had the experience of being in a traffic accident. It was not due to me driving

irresponsibly? The other driver hit me and on top of hitting me, the driver did not have car

insurance. My insurance company had to fix my car. I wanted to go through the other driver’s

insurance company to fix my car but due to them not having insurance my car insurance

company fixed my car. The experience of being hit had me shaken for a moment. I wondered

what I did wrong and if I could have done anything differently to prevent it . Driving education

may have prevented this accident if the other driver knew the rules and laws of the road. I

believe it’s important for everyone, teens and adults. When a person is in a car accident, lives are

forever changed. I was hurt in my accident. I had to go to the hospital and go through therapy.

The accident interrupted my life and even though the accident was not my fault the insurance

company informed me the accident goes on a no fault list with them. Also, the insurance

company informed me they would sue the other driver to retrieve the loss of damage to my car. I

was hurt by all of this. My car was totaled out and I had to purchase a new vehicle and I did not

want to. Meaning, I had to start all over again with a new car note.

Several steps I can take to be a better safe driver as well as help others become safer on

the road is first to know the principles of driving: look ahead, look around, leave room, and

communicate. These four principles encompass all safe driving techniques, and best of all, these

safe driving tips are easy to memorize and teach. Next, The most important skills for driving are

concentration, patience, and defensive driving. I make sure I practice these skills regularly, and I

drive safely and confidently. Lastly, knowing the traffic laws in my area, staying calm under

pressure, concentrating and scanning for potential dangers on the road, and driving defensively

and following the safe driving distance I know I am doing well on being a safe driver.