Name: Amy Elizabeth Holt
From: Great Falls, VA
Votes: 0
Driver
Education Initiative Award Essay
Amy
Holt
In
eleventh grade, my boyfriend and I were waiting in his car, at a red
light, on our way home from school. Suddenly, we were struck from
behind with enough force to plunge us into the car in front of us.
The driver of the car that struck us had fallen asleep behind the
wheel. When he woke up, instead of slamming on the breaks, he
accidentally slammed on the gas. This accident permanently scarred me
because it occurred right after I was finally able to drive alone,
without the supervision of my parents. While everyone involved was
okay, the accident could have been completely avoided if the driver
behind us had practiced safe driving techniques.
In
tenth grade, before my classmates and I got our drivers’ licenses,
we were required to take a Drivers ed Course put on by our high
school. This course was invaluable. Most people viewed it as a waste
of time, however. Unfortunately, I only recognized how important the
course was after I was in that accident, which occurred so early in
my solo-driving career. If more people took the class seriously, I
believe the number of driving-related deaths would decrease.
Therefore, drivers ed is unequivocally important in reducing
the number of driving-related deaths in the United States and
worldwide. I was fortunate enough to have it offered to me through my
public education system, however, some people do not have access to
this option.
If driver
education courses were more accessible to other members of the
community, besides teenage drivers, I believe the number of
driving-related deaths will decrease. I understand that these driver
education courses are already offered outside of the public-school
system. However, they are not publicized enough nor seen as a
priority for most people. The next step, after the completion of a
drivers ed course, should be to bring awareness to the dangers
of unsafe driving habits. I know, for me, everytime I see a sign on
the interstate that states how many automobile-related deaths have
occurred this year alone, I think twice. By increasing the appearance
of these signs and unfortunate statistics, people may respond like I
do, and think twice. Lastly, people should be aware of the
consequences of distracted driving. Most people know that texting
while driving is dangerous. However, many people do not realize that
eating, blasting music, and other seemingly harmless activities are
also forms of distracted driving. People like to multi-task, but they
do not realize the potential consequences of doing so while driving.
If everyone was aware of the associated risks, they may think twice,
and eliminate all forms of distracted driving from their habits.
For
me, personally, I have already eliminated all forms of distracted
driving. I do not text and drive, and if I have to answer the phone,
I do so through the bluetooth system in my car. Similarly, I am
constantly checking my mirrors, from my side mirrors to my back one.
I do this in order to know what is going on around me, because it is
often other drivers you have to be cautious of when driving. Some are
impatient, some are angry, some are simply bad drivers. Therefore,
you must look out for yourself to ensure that you will not fall
victim to their reckless habits. I always try and place my safe
driving habits on my friends and family members. If everyone who
practiced these same techniques ensured their loved ones did too, the
number of vehicle-related deaths will decrease. Driving should not be
considered dangerous, and it will not continue to be if everyone
practiced safe driving techniques.
