Name: Gracie Alexandria Lands
From: Fort Payne, AL
Votes: 0
“In
the Driver’s Seat”
My
name is Gracie Alexandria Lands and I am a senior at Fort Payne High
School located in the state of Alabama. I plan to attend the
University of Alabama and pursue a career as a family lawyer. Growing
up, I dealt with my fair share of attorneys. My parents divorced when
I was two years old, and their divorce case lasted eleven years. As a
child, the intimidation was through the roof when I would have to
speak with my parents lawyers or go into the courtroom. From that
experience, I want to create a safe environment for children going
through similar experiences that I went through. This scholarship is
very interesting, and will help to pave a path toward my dreams.
In
the summer of 2018, I took the drivers ed course provided
through my school. The instructor had many examples of why I should
take driving seriously, and I absorbed all I could. Driving is a
vital part of our lives and is something that you will never stop
doing. I remember the excitement I had when I first turned sixteen. I
could finally drive myself to go see my friends, to school events,
and basically anywhere that I had permission to go. I was also very
scared to get behind the wheel, but my instructor helped to make me
feel comfortable when I drive. When I passed the course, I applied
everything I learned from it and told my friends the rules of the
road that they had no knowledge on. I just wanted to say thank you
for the opportunity for the course and the great instructors that
taught me crucial rules and regulations for safe driving.
The
importance of drivers ed helps reduce the result of deaths by
driving from seeing what the impact causes. During the course, I
watched many videos on deaths caused by texting and driving, and
driving under the influence. Seeing the aftermath of the people who
sent the text or killed the person from driving intoxicated, was
devastating. The people that caused the accident hold so much guilt
and take the blame for the death. It leaves the victims families
grieving and so angry on why their loved one died from this cause.
After seeing the upset families and drivers hold so much pain on
their shoulders, I told myself I would not drive intoxicated or text
and drive. I am thankful to have seen these expiernces that showed me
the remorse that a simple text or dumb decision can make.
Some
steps that can be taken to reduce the number of deaths by car
accidents include paying more attention to your surroundings,
following your gut instinct, and knowledge of the road. Many people
that drive, especially teenagers, are using their cell phone while
driving. As I explained earlier, the results of doing so can be
dangerous. These accidents could reduce greatly if drivers would
watch the road and think one step ahead. Always be watching for cars
that surround you. Watch for their characteristics and what move they
are going to be making next. Put your phone down to not only save
your life, but everyone else’s also. Another way to reduce the
number of deaths, is to follow your gut instinct. If you are a
passenger of an intoxicated driver or feel that someone is a danger
to the road, do not hesitate to call someone to pick you up. Drunk
driving is very dangerous for not only the driver, but everyone
involved. Call a ride for the driver as well. Furthermore, if you see
someone who is possibly a danger, call the local police station and
tell them of your suspicion. Lastly, know the rules of the road. Many
deaths can be reduced if drivers knew essential laws and regulations
and followed them. I have seen many drivers not following the rules,
which resulted in car accidents. If you do not feel like you know the
rules of the road, ask a peer for advice or take the drivers
education course.
At
the age of thirteen, I was involved in a serious accident. I was the
passenger to my babysitter when a car pulled out in front of us. The
whole accident was a blur. I was in so much shock that I could not
get out of the car after it happened. Two elderly ladies were
supposed to yield when they did not, which resulted in the accident.
The accident happened at an intersection that turned onto the
interstate. That experience stuck with me, and is something I will
think about for the rest of my life. At such a young age, I realized
the dangers of driving and knew to learn the rules of the road and to
always pay attention to others.
The
main step that is very crucial to me and others, is to pay close
attention to the road. Always watch the cars in front and behind you,
and watch closely on what their next move is. Yield to others and
make sure that all cars are stopped from the other direction when you
decide to press the gas pedal. Pay attention to pedestrians and
remember they have the right of way. Focus on your safety, your
passengers safety, and other drivers at all times.
I
will always keep the safety of others while driving and follow the
rules and regulations of the road, and remember the personal
experiences of wrongfully driving. Thank you for this opportunity to
help pursue my dreams and for the opportunity of the drivers
education course. Drive safely and buckle up, Alabama.
