Driver Education Initiative Award – Annual Scholarship Opportunity
National Driving and Traffic School is proud to announce their 2024 scholarship opportunity, entitled “In the Driver’s Seat.” The company is seeking to reward essay applicants $10,000 in scholarships- for students entering college or already enrolled in a higher education institution – on the topic of being a safer driver.
Driver Education Initiative 2024: In the Driver’s Seat
The Topic of this year’s essay submissions deals with the serious implications of being a driver. In America, an average of 34,000 people die each year as a result of driving. This is more people who have died in one year as a result of driving, than the total number of American soldiers who have died from war in Iraq and Afghanistan combined. The total number of Americans who die within the span of two years as a result of driving is more than the total number of American deaths from the Vietnam war. This is to say, driving is more dangerous and deadly for our nation than being involved in combat, and highlights the serious consequences of being negligent on the road.
Courtesy: NHTSA, Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_military_casualties_of_war
Many drivers are not aware of these startling and very scary facts, especially newer drivers. The essay contest “In The Driver’s Seat” seeks to have applicants highlight the importance of being a safe and educated driver. This scholarship seeks to reward six students for his or her submission dealing with the importance of being a safe and educated driver. The application is handled in essay format. To apply, submit an essay of no less than 750 words in Microsoft Word format addressing the following questions:
Questions to be answered in your Essay/Application
- What is the importance of driver education in reducing the number deaths as a result of driving?
- What steps can be taken to reduce the number of deaths related to driving?
- Have you ever had an experience of being in car accident or have seen your friends or family members driving irresponsibly?
- What steps can you take to be a better and safer driver as well as help others become safer on the road?
This is an annual scholarship program.
2024 Drivers Education
Apply for the 2024 Drivers Ed Online Contest Round 3
Submission Details
Applicants must be currently enrolled in either High School, University or College. Employees and relatives of National Driving and Traffic School are ineligible. There will be three contest submission dates. To be eligible for the contest submit your essay by one of the submission dates.
- Round 1: January 3rd 2024 – March 31st
Winners: Announced May 3rd - Round 2: Accepting entries May 3rd – August 1st.
Announced September 1st - Round 3: Accepting entries September 1st – November 30th.
Announced 1/2/25
* Please note, to limit the number of entries, the minimum word requirement for the essay submissions is 750 words. Entries not meeting the minimum word requirement will not be posted.
Along with your submission please include a picture of yourself which we can post on our site to go along with your essay
The winner will be required to provide proof of successful acceptance to a Higher Institute of Learning, College or University. Payment will be made directly to the applicant’s college. If you have additional questions, please contact us. This contest is open to all students in U.S., Canada, and abroad.
2 winners are chosen for each contest: staff favorite, and most voted for. Vote tallies end on the date of the contest deadline. We award a prize of $500 to each winner every contest.
- Previous winners may not reapply.
- Due to the use of AI, we will be favoring more personal essays written from experience.
- For the most shared essay, shares are counted by the number of people who share your post on their Facebook Page. Share counts stop on the day of the contest submission deadline.
- Please note that, by joining the contest, you consent to the publication of your essay on our website.
Previous Contest Winner Announcements
- Summer 2024 Winners
- Spring 2024 Winners
- Fall 2023 Winners
- Summer 2023 Winners
- Spring 2023 Winners
- Fall 2022 Winners
- Sumer 2022 Winners
- Spring 2022 Winners
- Fall 2021 Winners
- Summer 2021 Winners
- Winter 2021 Winners
- Fall 2020 Winners
- Summer 2020 Winners
- Spring 2020 Winners
- Fall 2019 Winners
- Spring 2019 Winners
- Summer 2019 Winners
- Spring 2019 Winners
- Winter 2018 Winners
- Summer 2018 Winners
Previous Contests
- Summer 2024 Contest
- Spring 2024 Contest
- Fall 2023 Contest
- Summer 2023 Contest
- Spring 2023 Contest
- Fall 2023 Contest
- Summer 2022 Contest
- Spring 2022 Contest
- Fall 2021 Contest
- Summer 2021 Contest
- Winter 2021 Contest
- Fall 2020 Contest
- Spring 2020 Contest
- Fall 2019 Contest
- Summer 2019 Contest
- Spring 2019 Contest
- Scholarship articles archive
2024 Drivers Ed Essays Gallery – Round 3
by Jasmine Pham
The crucial role of driver education in enhancing road safety and reducing driving-related fatalities. Outlining the benefits of such programs, including defensive driving techniques, and practical training, all of which contribute to safer driving behaviors. Addressing the issues and steps of reducing the death counts from driving. Shifting to my personal experience where I escape an accident, highlighting the importance of awareness and caution while driving.
by Jayla Griggs
An essay detailing my experience as a driver in Illinois
by Nicole Rickley
With age comes a lot of wisdom, that can be passed to the next generations. There is a saying that if we had known what we know at our age, we would have been different when we were younger. It is possible to pass our wisdom on to benefit the safety of young drivers.
by Kimberly Daniela Narvaez Ceballos
Driver education, strict enforcement of laws, and personal responsibility are all vital components in reducing traffic-related deaths. A comprehensive approach that begins at home, continues in school, and culminates with rigorous driver training can help shape responsible drivers. My personal experiences have shown me just how devastating car accidents can be, and they’ve motivated me to be vigilant on the road. Ultimately, being a safe driver means recognizing that our actions can save lives, and taking that responsibility seriously can make a significant difference in the safety of our roads.
by Aryan Dipak Raut
The essay emphasizes the importance of driver education in lowering traffic deaths by providing drivers with the required knowledge, abilities, and attitudes for safe driving. It goes over how comprehensive driver education programs educate road safety, traffic rules, defensive driving, and the perils of distracted and intoxicated driving. The essay also discusses further ways to reduce road mortality, such as stricter law enforcement, better infrastructure, public awareness campaigns, and higher car safety requirements. The author discusses his personal experiences with reckless driving and highlights the necessity of human responsibility in developing safer driving habits. To become a better and safer driver, consider practicing defensive driving, avoiding distractions, remaining sober and rested, educating others about road safety, and maintaining your car.
by Thelma Elizabeth Weldy
This essay is take on the prevention side of distracted driving and the importance of understanding the dangers, especially for teens or early drivers.
by Melanie G Anderson
Imagine losing your life because of a cell phone. The small rectangular device that is used to connect people is in fact separating them. People are being split apart from one another when they choose to call, text or do some other non-technology-based distractions besides driving while on the road. One always hears about drunk driving or road rage taking lives, but distracted driving is just as dangerous.
by Adah Dale
Driver Education Essay
by Lillian Rauch
An essay about my experience in a car accident and what I have learned from it.
by Melissa Cardenas
Driving is a privilege. It is a privilege that comes with the great need to be highly responsible and knowledge on the safety of being behind the wheel not only for oneself, but for those on the road around use and those we transport.
by Olivia Strand
Driving is an important privilege in our day to day lives. However driving comes with many serious responsibilities that need to be taken seriously. Injuries, accidents, fines, and death are all possibilities every time someone gets behind the wheel. Luckily we have an amazing resource called Driver's Ed to teach us how to be safe and efficient drivers!
by John Obinna
The important of being a responsible driver for your safety as well as the safety of others and also the economic and emotional implications for car accident and driving related incidents in the USA.
by Kaelin Durrah
This essay states the crucial importance of driver’s education and important safety steps that should be taken. It’s opened up with the reason for drivers education and essential skills. Statistical Stats have been included to show correlation between driver’s education and related accidents. There is a discussion about raising awareness and how technology promotes safe driving. Everything is then closed out with my own personal experience, what I learned and how it changed my perspective. I express the steps I take to be a safe driver and how I can help others. I appreciate your time for reading my personal essay and the opportunity!
by Johanna Schoeneck
My essay is based off of the human side of driving safely. People tend to forget that each driver behind the wheel and a seat of a vehicle has a story, a place to be, each life is valuable. Each action has consequences that change lives at each tire rotation.
by Jahnavi Makaraju
The reductions in accidents, saving lives and human blood, and most importantly, safety for everyone on the roads, are the importance of being a safe and educated driver. Safe driving education, when combined with education, learns the risk-avoiding skills as well as the answers to emergencies, traffic laws, and actually teaching to be responsible. Educated drivers would be more aware of the dangers of distraction, impaired driving, and reckless behavior and most importantly will help create safer roads for all.
by AFOLALU OLAJIDE GREGORY
In the essay, I started with narrating a personal experience of how and why my family lost our local pastor. I further gave a statistic of road accident with specifics to the fatalities in the United States and the world. I then enumerated on the steps to be taken to reduce death related to driving accidents, while drawing inferences from my home country, Nigeria Finaly, I gave my commitment to ensure I am a safe driver.
by Evelyn Guerra
Loss due to car accident, solutions, and reflection
by Jocilyn R. Harrington
This essay describes my experience in a car accident when I was 17, and how that changed my life forever.
by Amelia Jordan
I’m excited about getting my driver’s license, but my dad’s car accident has made me deeply aware of the importance of road safety. His experience, which left him with permanent injuries, constantly reminds me to be cautious every time I drive. I know I’m responsible not only for my own safety but also for others on the road, and as the oldest sibling, I want to set a strong example for my younger siblings. Driver education has been a key part of my journey, and I’m committed to avoiding distractions and sharing safe driving habits with others.
by ADRIAN GEORGE
The essay discusses the critical role of driver education in reducing car accident fatalities, particularly among young people. It emphasizes the importance of teaching defensive driving techniques, understanding the dangers of distractions, and recognizing legal responsibilities. The essay also highlights the need for graduated licensing programs, public awareness campaigns, and the use of technology to promote safer driving. Additionally, it shares a personal experience of being in a car accident, reinforcing the importance of responsible driving. Ultimately, the essay advocates for community engagement and open discussions about road safety to create a culture of responsibility and save lives on the road.
by Ashley Hartung
This essay explores the critical role of driver education in reducing traffic fatalities. It highlights how proper training equips individuals with essential skills and promotes responsible driving behaviors. The essay outlines several steps to enhance road safety, including stricter licensing regulations, public awareness campaigns, and community involvement. It also shares a personal experience involving a partner's road rage that led to a dangerous accident, underscoring the importance of safe driving practices. Ultimately, the essay emphasizes the need for continuous learning and advocacy to foster a culture of safety on the roads.
by Mylie Torchia
In today's society, driver education seems to be a burden for those desperate to get their driver's license. Driver safety is often not appreciated by younger drivers, and many kids do not truly understand the dangers that come with operating a vehicle. It is sadly not until a fatal or devastating accident that people tend to finally realize the importance of taking driving seriously and safely. In order to spread awareness about the importance of driver education, it is essential that people of all ages understand the risks associated with having a driver's license.
by Alain F Toumeni
Becoming a safer driver and helping others adopt safer driving habits are critical steps toward reducing accidents and fatalities on the road. To improve personal driving, one must follow traffic laws, avoid distractions, and practice defensive driving. Staying calm, avoiding aggressive behaviors, and maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles are essential for reducing risk. Using seatbelts and adapting to road conditions also enhance safety, while regular vehicle maintenance ensures that cars are in good working order.
by Janine Pynummootil
I believe the solution to a problem can only be found by addressing it by the roots. Likewise, understanding why most accidents happen is the first step before taking preemptive measures and changing statistics. This allows society to be more progressive in making social changes that address the root problem.
by Sydney King
As I sorrowfully reflect on my car accident, I face emotional scars left by the ignorance of Drivers Education. With tears flowing freely, the brutal truth reveals reckless choices and distractions that caused this collision into a tree. This personal tragedy underlines how urgently necessary comprehensive driver education is, which would turn other young drivers into alert and responsible road users. The story then moves into a general crisis-how roadway accidents break up families and societies. I emphasize the inclusion of new safety technologies and a change in cultural attitudes regarding road safety. Dedicated to ensuring those lost to reckless driving are remembered, I look to educate others on how to make the roads a safer place for all, illustrating how each decision made while behind the wheel has its own consequences. Using education and support I hope to cause ripples so others take the time to review their driving habits and make safety a point, ensuring that no one else endures the pain I have experienced.
by Makenzie Joviana Clark
My essay, Driving Kills People, shows the importance of driver education as well as city planning. We much protect our people by educating them in the importance of driving safely, but also plan cities according to growth.
by Nguyen Tang
Driver education plays a pivotal role in teaching about awareness, but it needs to cover more aspects in vehicle maintenance and knowing what to do in an emergency. Furthermore, insurance companies and other legal entities need to reward good drivers, take incapable drivers off the road, and ensure there are protected areas for enthusiasts to go and push their vehicles in a safe, controlled environment.
by Kamryn McCorkle
This essay explores the critical importance of driver education and personal responsibility in reducing road fatalities. Through the lens of my personal experiences, including a near-accident due to hydroplaning while driving from Charlotte, NC, to Georgia, I reflect on the lessons learned about the inherent risks of driving. The essay emphasizes the need for awareness around distracted driving, stricter penalties for reckless behavior, and the integration of technology in vehicles to enhance safety. Ultimately, it advocates for a culture of accountability among drivers, encouraging both individual responsibility and collective efforts to create safer roads for everyone.