Anna
Harveson
November
30th,
2019
Safe
Driving Scholarship

Better
Safe Than Sorry

When
I was enrolled in Drivers Ed I was very upset with my parents; I
was a safe driver! I always followed the rules, whether they were the
rules for the road or anything else. I didn’t want waste two weeks
of my summer sitting in a hot room for four hours a day, listening to
some guy drone on and on about everything I’d previously read in
the handbook. Yes, I read that thing. I know many people don’t, but
once again, I follow the rules. However, after taking that class I
realized it served a bigger purpose than just reiterating the book.
Every day in class we looked at the statics of deaths while driving,
especially in teens, and watched many heart wrenching videos. Most
times I couldn’t watch them because they hurt too much to look at.
I don’t know about the other kids, but the videos and pictures I
saw, and the guest speakers we had scared me into driving safely
every time I’m behind the wheel.

Car
accidents happen for various reasons, some in the driver’s control
and others unfortunately not so much. People need the education to
understand what can really happen in an accident. There’s no way to
know for sure until it’s experienced, but it’s better to educate
now than wait for an accident. The number one most important step for
safer driving I feel is to reduce distracted driving. Distractions
can come from anywhere, whether it’s food, changing music, a loud
friend, or a cell phone. I know I’m guilty of it too, just like
everybody else. I don’t stare at my phone while behind the wheel,
but I will send a short text at a stoplight, turn to look at my
friend while talking to her, or down a quick drink of water. I’ve
found that I drive safer when my parents are in the car. I’m less
likely to give into distractions and I drive safer and more alert.
Reducing these distractions will help everyone drive safer.


Luckily
I have not had to watch my friends or family get into a serious car
accident. However, some of my friends drive irresponsibly and quite
frankly, it is scary. Two of my closest friends always drive with
their cell phone in their hand. I get snapchats of them at the wheel
in a moving car. I always tell them to put their phone away but they
hit me with how they’re a responsible and alert driver, nothing
will happen. That does not guarantee that nothing will happen. Some
friends also like to mess around at the wheel, like swerving when
it’s unnecessary or driving above the speed limit. My friends never
let me drive because I follow the rules and get us where we need to
be safely.


I’m
definitely not perfect when it comes to driving. In order to be a
better driver, I need to put my phone and other distractions away
before driving. I need to pay attention to the road at all times and
not let my focus drop. With my friends and family, I can encourage
them to drive safer if I’m with them and they aren’t driving
safe. My little sister is fourteen and soon she’ll be hitting the
roads. I drive with her all the time and I need to set a good example
to make sure she stays safe.