DMV Scholarship 2026

DMV Scholarship 2026

Question 1:  What is the importance of Driver Education in reducing the numbers of deaths as a result of driving?

Question 2: What steps can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving?

Question 3: Have you ever had an experience of being in a car accident or have you seen your friends or your family members driving irresponsibly?

Question 4: What steps can you take to be a better and safer driver as well as help others become safer on the road?

I turned 16 in February of 2025. Although I met the age requirement to start driving. I knew I didn’t feel comfortable with one of the biggest responsibilities of my life so far. I chose to wait until the summer of 2025 to start taking my drivers education classes. I understood that driving means having freedom, independence and responsibility. I understood that while it meant all those things, it also meant making decisions for my life and the lives of everyone around me. Once I felt ready to learn how to drive, we made that phone call to the Drivers Education School. 

Driving Education classes and practice hours on the road was and is the most important tool we have for educating ourselves, in order to reduce deaths by car accidents. It wasn’t just signing up for me, it was a commitment to learn. It taught me so much more than just how to operate the car, check the gages, brakes, lights and front and rear wipers, it taught me traffic signs and laws to follow, being aware of my surroundings not just by immediate sight in front of me but using my other senses and peripherals. The classes taught me how to handle stressful situations, tailgating, merging and navigating distractions.  I discovered that the hardest part isn't steering or parking. It's making safe decisions every time you get behind the wheel.

My driver’s education teacher helped me build confidence as I met with her for a few hours every week. Many new drivers are petrified to get behind the wheel at first, and that nervousness can lead to mistakes. Qualified teachers help with experience in different driving conditions, as well as roads and highways before taking the leap of being on our own.

I believe reducing traffic fatalities starts with personal responsibility. Every driver controls three important decisions: staying focused, following traffic laws, and refusing to drive impaired. While we cannot control the actions of other drivers, we can control our own. Every safe choice we make has the potential to protect not only ourselves but everyone sharing the road.

 

I have been in a small car accident. I had experienced firsthand being hit by someone who was not paying attention. It was a very early Saturday morning; I was headed to work at Talucci’s Bakery. One minute I was driving to work, the next I was in my first car accident.  It happened so quickly I almost didn’t understand what had happened but even though I was scared and nervous I knew I had to really focus and make sure I was ok, and pull over. Thank goodness the other driver who hit me was ok as well, it was a mistake of working an overnight shift and he was in a hurry to get home to sleep. I called my dad and he showed up right away as this happened right near our house, and then the police followed.  What I learned from that scary experience was a few things. I learned to be mindful of other cars on the road regardless of the time of day it is, and not to freak out even though I was so scared. Being privy to this happening made me realize how these things can happen and happen in a split second.

As I continue to gain more experience driving, there are steps I can take to remain safe as well as encouraging others to do the same. Speak up, if it’s a seatbelt, or music too loud, or when the cell phone makes a sound, I can tell the driver to ignore it for now.  I have personally signed a driving contract with my parents, and while it may seem silly to some, we as a family take this very seriously. I made a pledge to them, to myself not give them the control over me, but to show them I was serious about driving and I wanted to earn their trust and hold myself accountable.

I, Anna Lorraine Cios, pledge to never text and drive because I choose to live and drive responsibly. I choose to live and be safe for myself, safe for friends that I drive around, safe for others who are on the road with me and for my parents so that they have peace of mind and trust during this stage of high school. My life and the life of others are not worth any Snap Chat check or text.  If a friend starts texting while driving, I'll speak up. If someone has been drinking, I'll offer to call a ride or drive them home. Safe driving isn't just about my own habits. It's about having the courage to protect others, even when those conversations feel uncomfortable.

 

 

DMV Scholarship 2026

Anna Lorraine Cios