Safe Driving

My parents and many of my friends have been in a car crash because of distracted driving, one of whom died. Distracted driving is dangerous for not only the person being distracted, but for those in the car and others surrounding the vehicle. Hundreds of people die every year because of distracted driving and their death is completely preventable. Many deaths are not preventable, but death caused by distracted driving is. We need to make a better effort at eliminating distracted driving so we can save more lives.

Many states have now banned drivers from holding a phone. This is great, but it is not enough to stop people from doing. I am guilty of doing this myself when I am on a familiar road and get an important message. As someone who has been a distracted driver, I know firsthand how tempting it is to believe that I am invisible. Sure the consequences will not happen to me, right? That is what we all think. Until it is too late. Thankfully, I have never been in a car crash, but I have been affected by cancer. I was diagnosed with stage four high risk neuroblastoma at only five months old. No one ever thinks it will happen to them or their family, but cancer does not discriminate based on age, race, gender, etc. As I was ending cancer treatment, my identical twin sister, Ashlyn, was also diagnosed with the same type of cancer. She followed the same protocol as me, but unfortunately she passed away from a stem cell transplant. I miss my sister everyday and would do absolutely anything to have her here with me today. Due to my experience, I know how incredibly fragile and precious life is. It can be changed or taken away from you in a blink of an eye, and it should never ever be taken for granted. My sister's death could not have been prevented, unfortunately, but deaths due to distracted driving can. I cannot change the outcome for my sister, but I can change the outcome for someone else. I stand up to distracted driving so others can have their siblings with them and enjoy every special moment. 

One idea I have to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving is by having people who were affected by distracted driving come to schools and workplaces to educate not only teenagers, but all drivers. People are more willing to listen to and connect with someone who has a personal story, rather than read some facts or strict warning. Additionally, as a psychology major, I believe it would be beneficial to reward people who are not distracted driving rather than just punishing those who are doing it. People need to be motivated to be safe, not just scared to be punished. This could look like rewarding driver education students with an incentive for not participating in distracted driving. 

Additionally, people need to be intrinsically motivated to drive safely, not solely extrinsically motivated. This means that drivers should want to drive safely because they want to and for their own safety rather than to attain an incentive and avoid a punishment. I think it could be helpful for drivers to write down reasons why they want to be safe. Perhaps it could be for their family and friends, or it could be that they want to continue to participate in a sport or activity. Drivers could write down plans and hopes for the future they have as a reminder to stay safe as well. Any driver who participates in distracted driving is at risk of severe consequences, such as a fatal crash or severe injuries. Having a note of reasons why a specific individual wants to be safe that are uniquely relevant to them, and having that list in their car can remind them when they are tempted. Most people believe you should not drive and be distracted. However, that does not stop people from actually doing it. It is one thing to know something to be true, and another to continue to practice that belief even when you are met with temptations. Having your phone on do not disturb can help people remove some distractions, but that does not eliminate all of them. By having a list of reasons why a person should be safe, it gives them the strength and motivation to do the right thing when it is hard, and to encourage others to do the same.

This scholarship represents more than just financial assistance; it is an investment in people’s ability to transform their experiences into meaningful services. It teaches others the importance of standing up to distracted driving and saving lives. As for me personally, this scholarship will allow me to focus on my education so I can gain the skills needed to give back to my community, the same way that this scholarship does. I aspire to become a clinical social worker and as I am in that role I hope I inspire others to be safe in all aspects of their lives, including driving. A reason why some people may drive distractedly is because they may have passive suicidal thoughts and do want to live, or perhaps they are addicted to the rush of adrenaline. I want to help these people so that not only can they keep themselves safe, but also others around them. With the support of this scholarship, I am one step closer to making that vision a reality. I may not be able to reverse the damage the distracted driving has already done, but I can do my part in giving back to the community and show compassion and empathy to others in difficult times. I can be a light in the darkness and encourage others to be safe and live their life with consideration to others and love.