Prior to taking my driver’s Ed classes I was given driving lessons by my family in our community. I admit to finding it extremely annoying during those times when we would just sit in the parking lot, me ready to drive off, but my parents making it their priority to quiz me relating to the strict rules’ drivers must adhere to, vehicles meeting vehicle standards and even having to know that car insurance was a legal requirement! I am not ashamed to say that once I enrolled on my drivers Ed classes those seemingly tedious moments served as a solid foundation for my training as during our class, we were informed that whilst driving was certainly a pleasure and a privilege, we were given the worrying stats about the dangers of not abiding by the driving laws. I’m grateful.
As a new inexperienced driver and having seen some worrying habits whilst on the road, from reckless speeding to being distracted on cell phones, I think at least four strategies should be re-evaluated to help reduce deaths related to driving. Firstly, general safety measures: Statistics show that countries with higher general road safety standards also have safer young road users. Education: by expanding and mandating formal training to also highlight the benefits of defensive driving and introduce perception training. Safer vehicles and technology: encourage young people and their families to use safer vehicles and utilize assistive technologies to cover driving and riding styles, with an incentive being lower insurance costs. There should be a year-round advertisement blitz along all media platforms that provides monthly stats about the fatalities the nation has experienced as well as breaking these incidences down by age demographics. I would like to see local government funding to increase non- profit safety programs around driver education in schools nationwide.
Back in 2021, I was so excited to receive my new driver’s permit where I could drive independently, my car, that my parents had bought was waiting in the driveway. As the months went by, I naturally got confident on the road and felt that I was adapting well to the ever-changing conditions that our roads present. I remember offering to take my best friend’s brother home from school one day as she had an errand to run. I remember that day like it was yesterday, it was early evening and had been raining all day. As I headed to my friend’s home, her brother and I were laughing and joking about something, when suddenly, I rammed right into the back of a very nice sports car that had stopped at the junction. I was in shock, hysterical and afraid, thankfully the other driver and we were not injured. The front of my recently purchased car, by my parents, was not looking good, I was afraid of what they would say. Thankfully, when I got home whilst they may have been annoyed, they didn’t show it and just said they was happy no-one was hurt…Oh and that our car insurance would now increase! The lesson learned that day is that you can never take the roads for granted no matter how experienced a driver you may be.
As I continue to enjoy the independence of driving there are many things I have and will continue to do to improve my overall awareness as a novice driver. Following my accident, in 2022 my parents signed me up for the defensive driving program B.R.A.K.E.S (Be Responsible and Keep Everyone Safe) which is a non-profit 501(c ) 3 whose mission is to prevent injuries and save lives by training and educating teenage drivers and their parents of safe and responsible driving. I could get to know my car much better by looking through the driver’s manual more often so that I’m able to respond to any mechanical alerts that come about. I could practice and be more intentional in keeping my required distance to the car in front of me, regardless of the pressure I may have coming from traffic behind me to speed up at times. Additionally, I could certainly improve my focus by pledging not to be too distracted whilst behind the wheel and answer any calls and reply to text messages when I have come to a complete stop to do so. I have given a few examples of how I can improve to become a better driver, and I believe once I implement and stick to those standards, I can be a good example to my friends who are currently training to obtain their licenses. From my upbringing it has become second nature, for me to always aim to be a role model and good example to others. Being a natural born leader doesn’t mean that I’m perfect and haven’t made mistakes while behind the wheel as I continue to learn the roads, but I do give myself time to self-reflect and assess where I could have done things better. I hope I have demonstrated this in the essay. The famous quote by Mahatma Gandi really captures the person I strive and hope to become in life, ‘be the change you want to see in the world.’
Thank you for this opportunity to share why I would be a great ambassador to receive this scholarship to help my college experience.