Driver Education Initiative Award Scholarship
“What is the importance of driver education in reducing the number of deaths as a result of driving? What steps can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving? Have you ever had an experience of being in a car accident or have seen your friends or family members driving irresponsibly? What steps can you take to be a better and safer driver as well as help others become safer on the road?”
Driver Education. Being a licensed driver is a well-earned privilege that is often taken advantage of. Most people are filled with excitement as teenagers when they first get their driver’s license but often do not realize the big responsibility and consequences that come with it. A simple right turn without checking left and right can end in tragedy. When a driver is well-educated through driver education, these car accidents can be greatly reduced. Simply learning the possibilities of car accidents on the road and knowing how to avoid them is an amazing skill that all drivers need to assist in reducing vehicular deaths that happen every single day.
Reducing Car-Related Deaths. There are several methods for reducing deaths that often occur in the driving setting. Many people can simply benefit from doing all their proper car checks before getting on the road like seat belts, mirror checks, and gas/oil life. Next, people must understand how much power a car can hold and the damage it can do just going at an average speed. A car only going 40 miles per hour has enough energy to kill a person 90% of the time. This statistic should always be restated in the minds of drivers so they can drive in the realization that their car is dangerous but can also be controlled by the operator. Lastly, a driver must be mindful of the passengers in the car. A driver often has passengers who will suffer the same consequences if not more from a car accident. So, when one is driving, one must remember the lives of the ones in their vehicle and the vehicles around them.
Personal Experience. I have never been in an official car accident, but I have friends who experienced a tragic car crash this past summer (that indirectly impacted me). In July 2024, my family and I were driving to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on a Saturday morning when I received a telephone call from my friend back home. Three of my classmates were in a crash of a golf cart and an SUV. One did not survive. She was such a sweet girl with many passions and had a love for all people in her life. When I heard that she succumbed to her injuries, it was hard to process because the girl I had done a math project with a month prior is now not returning to class next semester. For the rest of the car ride, I could not drive anymore. I had my parents take over. This disassociation I felt lingered for the entire trip while in Philadelphia. For some reason, I could not wrap my head around the idea that a girl my age is permanently gone from a car accident. My classmate’s death is still being constantly mourned by the people of my hometown as she was such a light soul who left Rock Hill, South Carolina dim after her death. Her death was tragically caused by a teenager’s irresponsible driving, and I pray that an event like this never happens again. Sadly, I know that it will if people do not get a driver’s education.
Better Driver(s) All Around. I know now from our town-shared mourning that there are steps I can take every single day I drive to keep myself and all those around me safe. First, before I drive, I always check with myself to make sure I am in the right mindset to be a rational and responsible driver. If I am not, I simply will not drive and will ask my parents or sister to take over. Next, when I am 100% ready mentally, I will do my car checks for everything like mirrors and seat belts. Once I am confident that my car and everyone in it are in good condition, then I will drive to my destination with as little distractions as possible. I believe that my steps to driving are crucial and do make a difference in my performance when I drive. People can certainly benefit from this process as well because if a person is like me and has many thoughts racing through their mind, the first step of checking yourself mentally can set you up to evaluate how your driving experience will be. I never knew the classmate who passed as a close friend, but she was sweet, and I always helped her when she needed it (mostly ninth-grade math). Now as a driver, I cannot go on the road without thinking of her life and how irresponsible driving led to the end of it. In sum, I believe that driving is a privilege that should be achieved with respect and honor for all people/drivers.