Name: Madison Smith
From: Baytown, Texas
Votes: 0
Madison Smith
Scholarship Essay
12 October 2019
Shiny
New Keys
So
you passed the test. License and shiny new car keys in hand, you’re
ready to go. It’s exciting isn’t it? The newfound freedom and
independence. Sure it comes with countless new responsibilities and
expenses, but it’s okay because you finally get to drive. Driving
alone can be an exciting time in a teenager’s life, no longer
having to rely on family members and friends to chauffeur you from
place to place. Though even with all of the exciting benefits that
driving brings, it also presents itself with numerous risks and
potential dangers.
In 2018, 40,000
lives were painfully cut short behind the wheel, and at least 2
million seriously injured. Though, I was lucky enough to not become
apart of this statistic. March 11, 2018 I found myself in the worst
situation I could’ve ever imagined. In a single moment, my life had
changed because of a careless mistake. I crashed my car into the
vehicle in front of me after failing to stop because I wasn’t
paying attention. Instead, on my phone checking a text. This
thoughtless decision had cost me not only my car but my parents
trust. l lost the most important thing to me, all while putting
others lives in danger. Distracted driving is the leading cause of
car accidents in the United States. The simplest things such as
checking your phone, skipping a song, or sneaking a french fry in,
all pose themselves as potential driving hazards because they shift
your focus from what’s ahead of you.
Though
distracted driving is the leading cause of car accidents in America,
it’s not alone. In 2018, The Brown Firm published an article
stating the top factors involved in motor vehicle accidents. Drunk
driving, road rage and improper training are among the top ten.
Thirty-two out of the 50 states require teens to take Drivers
Education before getting behind the wheel. Drivers Ed. is a series of
mandatory classes put in place to teach novice driver’s the rules
and regulations of the road. Not only do driving courses
significantly decrease the probability of getting in a crash, but
also teaches beginners how to handle high risk situations.
The
majority of accidents are avoidable. All it takes is awareness of
your surroundings and gaining the proper knowledge needed to ensure
their safety on the road. When young drivers don’t obtain the
necessary training required for driving, accidents are bound to
happen. By practicing simple and safe driving techniques, the number
of accidents are greatly decreased.
