2020 Drivers Education Essay Contest Camille Hanks College of Southern Idaho In The United States of America, driving is viewed as a rite of passage for many youth. It’s an exciting time that is anticipated for years. It’s also a huge responsibility. Youth are not merely becoming licensed drivers, they are now heavy equipment operators. Is this also emphasized? Drivers ed programs are available in the U.S. through public and private means. Usually they are a requirement for citizens up to the age of 18 (depending on the state of residence). They arm each new driver with the skills and experience needed to be a safe driver. In addition to this traditional approach, I propose a solution to motor vehicle related deaths. It is to educate new drivers about the responsibility they are taking on. They need to learn that they are responsible for their choices and that choices always have outcomes. It’s an invaluable lesson.  Additionally we are vulnerable to the choices others make. It’s vital that we know we are responsible for where we place our trust. In this spirit, I have learned to never do two things:  I never trust the person in the other car. One of the most valuable lessons I have learned is to be a defensive driver. For example, if the other driver’s blinker is on, I watch for indications of them turning rather than trusting that they will. Secondly, I am responsible for who I choose to ride with. I need to know that the person I am riding with is competent, responsible and sober.  Ten months ago, I saw a young man approaching a stop sign at an intersection on the rural road in front of my house. Shortly after, I heard the unmistakable sound of metal crashing together. The young man wasn’t wearing a seatbelt and was thrown out of the passenger side window. The person he hit had a seatbelt on and was in his car, unconscious, upon my arrival. That person finally awoke and was able to go home without transfer to the hospital. The young man who ran the stop sign later died. It was so tragic AND real. Some outcomes of our choices are harsher than others. On this day- at this moment- his was inescapable. From this experience, I have been forever changed. That day, I saw firsthand the value of a seat belt. I realized that I would never ride an amusement park ride without being strapped in. So why would I ride in a car at such high speeds without being properly secured?  The choices others make are out of my control. Yet, I can do some things to honor my responsibility. These include:  Learning the laws necessary to safely operate a vehicle. Choosing to be a defensive driver. Being responsible for what I choose. Wearing proper safety restraints.  It all comes back to learning about and honoring my responsibilities as a driver. This has the power to effect change because it begins with each individual; at the very source. 2