The Solution to Reducing Accident Death.

My name is Adonijah Looy. I currently am homeschooled and dual-enrolled at Ferris State University. I am enrolling in the pre-veterinary program and will graduate in 2024. After earning my Bachelor of Science in Biology at Ferris I will attend Michigan State University for four more years in order to obtain my doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. From there I will go on to specialize possibly four to six more years. I am seventeen years old.

History has always at some point called on one person to make a difference and write a new chapter. Today in America we have a rising crisis; thousands die every year from auto accidents. Babies are left to cry without their mothers; mothers are left to live without their little ones. The last glimpse a boy has of his girlfriend is through a cracked windshield.

Drivers ed classes can help to reduce those number of deaths by educating young Americans about the reasons why those accidents occur. Driving drunk, texting, getting distracted... of course the list goes on. Our driving instructors do an awesome job giving us the tools and knowledge to drive safe.

Recently my brother called home. I had seen him only hours before at a local grocery store; but, shortly after leaving he rolled his car. It didn’t occur to me that I might have spoken to him for the last time. My life as I know it would have been drastically changed if my brother had died. I still cringe when I look at pictures of his mutilated car. But can auto accidents and driving fatalities be prevented? Not all of them, however a good number of fatalities can be prevented if we follow several important rules.

First and again, a salute to our instructors. Keeping young drivers aware of the problems and why they occur is crucial. Our instructors are our first defense and our first step towards fewer deaths. Education must outline the common errors such as driving distracted and using a phone while driving.

Secondly, deaths can be reduced with the budding technology we see appearing. Better traffic sensors, safety mechanisms, cameras, and awareness design will lead to a safer driving environment. Also, driving recognition apps that turn alerts and notifications off will help. Keeping safety features of our vehicles will go a long way to reduce accidents and death.

Third and most important, awareness and responsibility are absolutely necessary. Young people of America, some of you will be the cause of death in the future. Does that not shake you? The death of that next baby will be on your hands. I do not consider myself exempt... I will take responsibility to judge and refine my own actions and habits. I inspire you to review yours. You can prevent the next death when you change bad habits or start good ones. You are the hero of the future. Let safety start with the next generation. Decide to put the phone on silent or in a backpack. Teach yourself to recognize irresponsible behavior on the road and how to respond. Be a pillar and an example to your peers. History has always at some point called on one person to make a difference and write a new chapter. YOU ARE THAT PERSON.

Thank you for considering me for this scholarship and I hope the heart of this essay rings true; it's up to you and me to prevent the next auto accident.