Hello. I received my North Carolina Limited Provisional license on 6/10/24. I have never been in a serious car accident. I also do not know anyone personally that has been in a serious car accident. However, those are the exact reasons why I am expressing my interest in this scholarship and this topic. I am honored to be able to apply for this scholarship. I am in my right mind, and I do not have any physical ailments from any accidents. I am alive and well! There are many teenagers, along with people of all ages, that lost their lives in car accidents. My family watches the news daily. Although I am not an avid news watcher, it does catch my attention from time to time. I’ve heard of many sad and unfortunate deaths. A lot of them being minors. In research, I also learned of a teenager passing away, in a car accident, on I-40 in Durham NC. That is my city. I’ve lived in Durham my entire life. So, it was near and dear to my heart. That person can’t apply for this scholarship. An 18-year-old died in a car accident in June of 2007. That accident was in Durham. His name was Barry. I was born in April 2007. Barry isn’t here to apply for this scholarship. I also learned that a North Carolina Central University student died on December 8, 2007 in an accident. Her name was La’Reshia. My dad went to high school with someone by the name of Jessica. She died in a car accident. Jessica never got a chance to apply for this scholarship. I want to be a voice for Barry, Jessica, La’Reshia and all the other teenagers and young adults that aren’t here to pursue their college dreams. This is why we must reduce the number of deaths as a result of driving. If possible, I want to speak on their behalf. Although some car accidents are merely ‘accidents’, it is unfortunate that lives are taken because of it. The people that die from these situations leave their families behind. Some are left without mothers, fathers, sisters, or brothers. I’ve also heard of pets being displaced due to car fatalities. This is why we must reduce the number of motor vehicle deaths. Accountability comes to mind. That is a starting point to prevent things like this from happening. For me, my parents drilled in me the importance of not texting and driving. I also am not able to answer my cell phone while driving. It is my belief that limiting technology will help with vehicle crashes. In my opinion, this will help teenagers my age. It can be a distraction. We must be accountable and alert while on the road. I can’t be responsible for others, but I am responsible for myself. My parents are constantly giving my driving pointers. I was told that it is ok to be a student forever. Never stop learning! This applies to driving as well. I don’t want to ever become overly confident with my driving. I know I can always learn and improve my skills.  Even when I am not physically driving, my dad talks me through driving situations. Adding to that, I drive with my parents. I also listen to the conversations my parents have. They correct and help each other as they drive.  We are all students. These are some of the steps I take to be a better and safer driver. While completing my supervised driving hours to obtain my driver’s license, I learned a lot. The hours were tracked on an app. This was a great technological advancement. Just like A.I. or any other advancements, I believe some people may abuse the luxury. Although accountability is huge in this area, what happens if someone cheats the process. They are putting lives at risk. I wish it was a way to monitor these supervised hours. It is a lot of room for error with the driving app. Not everyone is truthful. However, they are allowed to get their license on an honor system. That can be dangerous. If someone didn’t tell the truth with their hours, it may be too late when it is discovered. By then, an accident may have happened. Somone may have lost their life. Or we may not ever find out if they didn’t tell the truth. In further research, I learned that Norway is considered one of the safest places to drive. They have strict driving rules. Seat belts have been required since 1975. Children under four years old must be seated facing backwards. They have very strict alcohol laws with a legal blood alcohol limit of 0.02%. In North Carolina, the legal blood alcohol content limit is 0.08% and 0.04% for commercial drivers. Should NC mimic Norway to reduce deaths related to driving? That could be the answer. I was happy to learn that you can be charged with a DWI if your blood alcohol limit is below 0.08% in NC. I have younger siblings that look up to me. Aside from wanting to go to college without having to take out student loans, they look up to me when I drive. I want to teach them how to drive when they are old enough. I need to be here, on earth, for them. I appreciate your time and consideration as safe driving and starting my career, without debt, is of the upmost importance to me. I LOVE life. If Barry, Jessica and La’Reshia were here today, I think they would share with these sentiments my heart’s desires. Thank you!