Past Scholarship Winners & Essays

Past Scholarship Winners & Essays

Real Stories. Real Impact.

At Jinks Crow, we believe in amplifying voices that bring awareness to the dangers of distracted driving and the real consequences of car accidents.

Each year, our scholarship applicants share powerful, personal stories about how car accidents have impacted their lives or communities.

This page is dedicated to showcasing our past scholarship winners and their thought-provoking essays. These personal accounts highlight the real-world impact of dangerous driving and encourage greater responsibility behind the wheel.

We invite you to read the essays below, which reflect the heart of our mission: to support individuals affected by car accidents and to promote safer roads for everyone.

Jinks Crow, P.C. 2025 Safety First Scholarship Winning Essays

Alabama Christian Academy

BrewTech Magnet High School

Bullock County High School

Conecuh Springs Christian School

G.W. Carver High School

JAG High School

LAMP High School

Park Crossing High School

Percy Julian High School

Valiant Cross Academy

Thaddeus Merritt

Alabama Christian Academy

When you drive a car, it comes with a lot of responsibilities and also focus. Driving can be a gift and also a curse. When you start you get taught lessons on what not to do and you are told to use what you learned about driving on the road. One rule that I consider as the golden rule is “SPEEDING.” People would get behind a wheel and try to get to their destination under any circumstance not knowing the danger they’re putting themselves and others in.

The average percent of people that speed in the U.S. increases everyday because there are people who put their priorities first before others. And, in addition to speeding there is drunk driving. People who drink and drive to me are just people wanting to dance with death literally. Not knowing what can happen when you are on the road driving and you end up speeding behind a car and crashing into them. It’s just you playing with death not knowing what you’re doing is wrong. You should have a partner to drive on the road.

Another rule I believe is critical is having your headlights on when you’re driving at night. Because we all know if it’s dark and you can’t see what object or thing is in front of you it can be risky. Headlights are essential for drivers so it can provide light for events that involve the road to be more viewable. Also, many states give tickets to people who drive with their headlights off at night. Failure to stop at stop signs shows who is not paying attention to their surroundings at that very moment. People who run stop signs are people who don’t look at their surroundings and simply don’t keep their eyes on the road to see what is coming. Red and yellow lights are also things that can be a disturbance on the road because yellow lights are meant for you to slow down. At the same time people take the risk of running that yellow light not knowing that with the blink of an eye they’ve run a red light. If you are in that situation, I recommend you play it safe and just slow the car down and stop on the yellow light just to keep the road and you safe from getting a ticket.

Coleman Robinson

BrewTech Magnet High School

Safe driving is important because it helps keep everyone safe, including drivers, passengers,
and pedestrians. It means following traffic rules, paying attention to what's happening on the
road, and making smart choices while driving. However, with more technology in the form of cell phones, drivers are easily distracted. Distracted drivers have become such an issue, that in June 2023 the state of Alabama passed the Hands-Free Law which prohibits drivers from
holding an electronic device while driving. It is important for everyone to drive safely and avoid dangerous behavior to avoid accidents, reduce cost, and save lives.

One of the biggest reasons to drive safely is to prevent accidents. According to the World Health Organization, 1.3 million people die in car crashes each year. Many of these accidents are caused by reckless driving, speeding, distracted driving, or driving under influence. To reduce these risks, steps can be taken to prepare drivers, especially teenagers like me, before they hit the road. Unfortunately, my high school didn’t offer driver’s education. Therefore, my parents reached out to a local driving school to assist me in learning the rules of the road. Although I have always done my best to drive safely and despite all of my preparation, I was involved in an accident a few months ago. As a result of not decreasing my speed and not leaving enough space between my car and the car in front of me on an off ramp on the interstate I was involved in a fender bender. The incident taught me the importance of staying alert and maintaining a safe distance.

Safe driving also reduces the cost associated with accident repairs, potential hospital bills, and insurance. My mother reminds me often that I’m not only driving for myself but for others, as well. Therefore, when I started driving stickers were placed on the car to warn others that I was a new driver and to have patience. Furthermore, when I obtained my license my parents used resources provided by our insurance company to help monitor my driving. A safe driving box was installed behind my car’s mirror and provides data about my speed, braking patterns, and cell phone usage. This tool makes me more conscious of my driving.

In conclusion, the benefits of being a safe driver deals not only with avoiding crashes, safe driving impacts wallets and lives. While technology tools like driving monitors and classes can help, it ultimately comes down to each driver choosing to be responsible and keeping other drivers in mind when on the road. As I continue to grow as a driver, I understand more each day how I am responsible for my decisions behind the whee and how one mistake can have a big impact. By staying focused, following the rules, and using the tools and support available to me, I hope to be the kind of driver who helps make the roads safer for everyone.

Kendelyn Wade

BrewTech Magnet High School

Safe driving is important to all of us. We all must commute daily either from school, work, or other places. The most important factor in the commute is making it to and from our destinations safely.

As a new driver, I often see many people on the road occupied by either texting, dancing to music, or even putting on make-up. This can easily take the focus of safety away for a split moment, which could lead to tragedy. I’ve witnessed many times; people will run a stop sign or go through a red light without trying to slow down.

Safe driving may also reduce the amount of road rage that we see in public. Sometimes people are so angry at drivers, they lash out because they think they have been violated. This can also lead to very bad consequences.

These dangerous types of driving activities are what can cause serious accidents that can cause injuries or even death but are totally avoidable. Safe driving must become a normal activity for all of us.

It is also important for new drivers to witness safe driving from their parents (or whomever is driving) to learn safe practices. I learned a lot from watching how my parents drive and the attention they paid to speed, road signs, and even pedestrians.

As a new driver, when you see the results of safe driving, you try to follow the same things to avoid anything that could possibly go wrong. When we drive safely, we are not only looking out for ourselves, but also for those that are on the roadways with us.

I think it is the responsibility of each of us who operate a vehicle, to make sure we are taking precautions for safe driving. The last thing anyone wants is to realize that an accident could have been prevented by either looking twice, slowing down, or keeping your eyes on the road.

If everyone takes the responsibility of safe driving, we can learn to take our time to get to where we need to go and share the roadways sensibly. This way, everyone can get where they need to be on time and alive.

Chelsea Jones

Bullock County High School

Safe driving is often seen as a personal choice, but it really impacts the entire community. Dangerous driving habits can include texting and driving, road rage, driving under the influence, and speeding. Many people think texting and driving is not a big deal, but it is. Statistics show that texting and driving is the leading cause of most vehicular accidents. All it takes is one second for your entire life to change. Drivers should always be safe and keep their eyes on the road. Looking down to send a text is a major distraction while driving. It is impossible to look at your phone and watch the road at the same time. The time it takes to respond to a text can cause a person to rear end another car, hit a pedestrian, run off the road, run a red light, etc. Many of these issues can lead to an accident or even worse death. Texting and driving is not worth losing your life. Be patient and respond when the car is in park.

Having road rage has also been the cause of many accidents or killings. A person can get mad that someone cut them off in traffic or drove too slow in front of them and may try to confront them about the situation. When confronting someone that you do not know in an aggressive manner they may see that as a threat and could lead to a physical altercation. It is best to remain calm when driving so that you can both make it to your destination safely. One of the most dangerous driving habits is driving under the influence. It is against the law and should never be done.

Driving under the influence of alcohol can be dangerous for the driver, passengers, and the community. A few years ago in my community four young girls were involved in an accident with a drunk driver. Sadly, two of those girls passed away from that accident. Those girls' deaths impacted the entire community. Two lives lost and many lives changed forever because of a drunk driver. I wish that everyone who decided to go out and drink would have a designated driver or just would not get behind the wheel. Last but not least, speeding is also a dangerous driving habit. Many people disregard the speeding limit and think that it is cool to speed and drive recklessly but it’s not. Imagine speeding and the car in front of you slams on brakes but your car is going far above the speed limit so you’re not able to slow down or stop in time. That can result in you rear ending the car in front of you and maybe even causing their death or your own. It is not worth it.

All of these dangerous driving habits affect you, your friends, family, and everyone on the road with you. Operating a vehicle takes a lot of patience, focus, and attention. For the safety of yourself and all others on the road please practice safe driving habits. Making it to and from your destination is one of the biggest blessings in this world. Drive safely!

Nicholas McNabb

Conecuh Springs Christian School

Drinking alcohol and smoking while driving is a reckless and dangerous act that not only jeopardizes your own life but also puts the lives of countless others at risk. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 30 people die in drunk driving crashes every day in the United States.

Every time someone chooses to get behind the wheel intoxicated, they are making a decision that could lead to devastating accidents, severe legal repercussions, and lasting emotional trauma for families and communities. It's crucial to understand the grave consequences of drunk driving and take responsibility for ensuring the safety of everyone on the road.

The physical dangers of drunk driving are undeniable. Alcohol impairs a driver's ability to react quickly, judge distances accurately, and make sound decisions. This impairment significantly increases the likelihood of accidents, which can result in severe injuries or fatalities.

Another bad habit is texting while driving, a dangerous distraction that takes your mind off the road, significantly increasing the risk of a collision and serving as a manual distraction. Staying focused on driving is key to keeping everyone safe.

When you text, your attention is divided between the screen and the road, making it easy to miss important visual cues and react more slowly to sudden changes. This split focus can lead to devastating accidents, emphasizing the need to keep both hands on the wheel and your mind fully engaged in driving.

Another bad habit we do a lot is eating and drinking while driving, which is a distraction that takes your hands off the wheel and focus off the road, making it dangerous for you and others. You shouldn't eat and drink while driving, it can mess with your attention and slow down your reflexes, making it harder to react to surprises on the road and increasing the risk of crashes.

We need to take more accountability for falling below the speed limit. Obeying the speed limit is very underrated and is something we need to take seriously because they're there for important reasons. They help keep us safe by giving us more control over our vehicles, especially around sharp turns and hazardous conditions.

Plus, sticking to the speed limit isn't just there for looks; they're set to protect everyone on the road. By respecting these limits, we reduce the chances of accidents and ensure a safer driving environment for ourselves and others. Following the speed limit is a simple yet effective way to contribute to road safety and avoid legal and financial troubles.

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship. I hope that through this application, we can spread awareness about the importance of safe driving and make our roads safe for everyone.

Marquis McCall

G.W. Carver High School

Driving is a key skill that is significant to the world as it has the ability to convey a person to their desired destination. Variety of vehicles play a role in that regard to driving. A person can be given a vehicle to drive, but there are boundaries and precautions to be taken/known before that person is surely ready. Those boundaries and precautions are what can be corresponded to safety. Without safety, a person's life can be endangered or at risk of any kind. Therefore, to prevent any of these potential dangerous hazards, a person must not succumb to troublesome bad habits no matter what they are going through. Instead, become self-aware of your surroundings and have an aspect of requisite basic knowledge of understanding the road rules, their car and themselves.

As a driver, you have to take into consideration the lives that are at stake, whether that be your family, a stranger, or your friends. It is a responsibility that all drivers share once they are on the road. Avoid distractions and as well as going under the influence of the people around you. It shows that you are being mindful of your surroundings and how you drive, putting no one at risk. That’s why being aware of how you drive is an advantage to help you make better decisions behind the wheel as it can make a big difference between safety and tragedy. Likewise, road rules can be reassuring as it influences you to drive safely, reducing collisions. Traffic laws exist in the world so people won’t be endangered, and to have a safe environment. Knowing your car is equally important when driving as well. Because you understand the concept of how your car operates and handles, you’ll know what to do if it is necessary in case of bad weathering conditions, or if your car ever were to lose control. The more you learn to handle cars, you are able to help avoid any more accidents and deaths.

To conclude, the perspective of safe driving is a combination of skill, responsibility and knowledge. By staying alert, obeying traffic laws made from state legislatures, and understanding your car, you protect not only yourself, but those around you. Any choice you— the driver—make has potential consequences to affect everyone around you. People put trust in you who are driving to make careful decisions putting their lives into your hands. As the driver who has full control of the vehicle or car you are driving from behind the wheel, your responsible actions can prevent the accidents and save lives. Decision-making plays a crucial role in keeping the road safe depending on each one you make. Each of the different choices people make when driving their vehicle or car, can lead to various outcomes, whether they’re being good or bad. A driver can make such a difference and impact the lives of many, so it is vital for people to have care in each of their choices on the road.

Gabrielle Buffer

JAG High School

Driving safely is not just about protecting yourself. It also helps protect your family, friends, and everyone else on the road. Every driver has a job to do: keep the roads safe. That means not texting, not speeding, and never driving while drunk or high.

Let’s talk about texting while driving. A lot of people think they can send a quick message and still drive fine. But even looking at your phone for a second can be dangerous. You could miss a red light. You could hit another car. You might even hit a person walking. One small moment can change your life and someone else’s life forever.

Speeding is also a big problem. Some drivers think speeding helps them get places faster. But going too fast makes it harder to stop in time. If a child runs into the street, or a car suddenly stops, a speeding driver might not be able to avoid a crash. The faster you go, the worse the crash will be. That means more injuries and more deaths. It’s just not worth it.

Driving under the influence is one of the most dangerous things a person can do. Alcohol and drugs slow down your brain. You can’t think clearly. You can’t react quickly. You might think you’re okay to drive, but you’re not. Many people have died because someone thought they could drive after drinking. Those crashes hurt not just the people in the car, but also their families and communities.

Safe driving is about more than just rules. It’s about caring for others. When you drive safely, you are saying, “I care about your life and mine.” That’s a powerful thing. One driver’s bad choice can hurt a lot of people. But one driver’s good choice can also help many people.

Think about your loved ones. How would they feel if you got into a crash? What if someone you care about was hurt because another driver was careless? When people choose to drive safely, they help protect their future and the future of others. That’s something we all want.

We all share the road. That means we all have to work together. It only takes one distracted or unsafe driver to cause a crash. But it also only takes one smart driver to set a good example. Safe driving means paying attention. It means slowing down. It means not taking risks.

You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to try your best to be careful. Take a few extra seconds to check the road. Wait to read that text. Never get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking or using drugs. These small choices save lives.

In the end, safe driving is not just about you. It’s about everyone. When we all make good choices, the road becomes a safer place. Together, we can protect each other. We can stop crashes before they happen. And we can make sure that everyone gets home safely.

Charity Harris

LAMP High School

In an age of technology and electric cars, unsafe driving has become more prevalent than ever before. Safety experts widely recognize distracted driving as the leading unsafe driving behavior that causes collisions. According to research done by the Parnell Law Firm, “texting while driving is 6 times as deadly than driving while drunk. 25% of car accidents are the result of cell phone usage. 11 teens die from texting and driving every day. While 94% of teen drivers acknowledge the dangers of texting and driving, only 35% of those polled admitted to texting and driving”. Therefore, safe driving should be a priority commitment once you choose to get in the car and get on the road. Most notably, the habits of texting and driving, DUI, and speeding are some of the most deadly habits that not only affect the driver but also the victim and everyone else who is driving on the road at that time.

In the US, the most dangerous driving habit is texting and driving. This is also one of the deadliest habits because it impairs the drivers ability to react to sudden situations on the road. In association with texting and driving, many people are often going at high speeds when they are texting and driving, which can lead to a fatal crash. By participating in either of those habits, people put everyone at risk of having to drive even more defensively, causing more chaos on the roads. By practicing safe driving habits you ensure that you can arrive at your destination safely and those around you are safe and unharmed. If others were aware of the dangers and fatal possibilities that texting, driving, and speeding pose, it would not be as common, and the awareness of the topic should be more widespread.

Another dangerous habit is driving under the influence. Driving while under the influence not only ruins your life, as you will be arrested for a felony charge, but you also put everyone’s life at risk. Yet, knowing the risks of DUI, speeding, and texting and driving doesn’t mean everyone will drive responsibly. The first step to spreading awareness and playing a role in keeping everyone safe is to set an example. By setting an example, you show people that keeping everyone safe and unharmed is the priority, and the other distractions are not what your focus should be on. It also shows that you are responsible enough to ask for a ride when under the influence, to slow down when going to your destination, and to choose to text or call someone once you get to a safe location to respond to that person. The second step is to always make it a habit to spread awareness about the dangers of unsafe driving and help others to make a conscious habit of obeying speed limits, ignoring their phones, and know that it is okay to ask for help to get home when you have a little too much to drink simply because you value your life and others.

Elijah Johnson

Park Crossing High School

Driving is a beautiful rite of passage when a teenager turns sixteen. However, safe driving is the goal for anyone who gets behind the wheel of a car. While driving can seem fun as a teenager when trying to impress friends, driving is a serious matter that requires great responsibility. Safe driving is more than just following traffic laws—it's about protecting lives, preserving futures, and keeping our community safe. Every time a person gets behind the wheel, they must consider other drivers. The driver’s responsibility is not only for their own safety but for that of their passengers, other drivers, pedestrians, and their loved ones waiting at home. According to road safety statistics, many car crashes are the result of avoidable behaviors such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence. The consequences of unsafe driving can be tragic and far-reaching, affecting families and communities in deeply emotional and sometimes irreversible ways.

Safe driving helps prevent accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. It is important for drivers to stay alert, obey speed limits, avoid distractions like texting, and never drive impaired. These behaviors significantly reduce the risk of causing harm. This simple awareness can be the difference between life and death. Moreover, every driver wants to reach their destination and return home to their loved ones.

For families, knowing that a loved one is practicing safe driving offers peace of mind. All parents want to ensure their teen driver is a safe driver and respects the traffic laws by not speeding, texting, and getting distracted while driving. It is always good for parents to review safe driving rules and discuss the consequences of unsafe driving incidents. Imagine a parent waiting for their teenager to return home from a night out. Parents may worry about their child getting a ticket or having an accident. However, if that teen has been taught to drive responsibly, the parent can rest easier knowing their child is less likely to be involved in a serious accident. Family and friends have more opportunities to keep teen drivers safe using apps like Life 360. This is an app that can keep up with the location and even speed of the drivers who share this app. A responsible driver earns the trust of those around them, making the journey safer and more enjoyable.

Moreover, the emotional impact of unsafe driving can be devastating. One poor decision like looking at a phone for a split second or speeding through a red light—can lead to irreversible consequences. Roderic Scott, a talented high school basketball player, lost his life in 2016 as a passenger in the car of a distracted driver. As a result, a law requiring seatbelt use in the backseat was made in his honor. Rod’s story is one reason I choose to be a safe driver. Families who lose a loved one in a car crash often experience immense grief and loss. Survivors of crashes may face lifelong injuries or trauma. The pain ripples through relationships, affecting not only the victim but also everyone who cares about them.

Safe driving is also a form of respect and love. Choosing to drive responsibly shows that you value your life and the lives of others. It’s a way of saying, “I care about my future, and I care about being there for the people who depend on me.” In this way, safe driving is a habit rooted in compassion and responsibility.

In conclusion, safe driving is not just a personal duty—it is a social one. It directly affects friends, family, and the greater community. Practicing safe driving habits helps ensure everyone can return home to their loved ones, continue building memories, and live their best life without unnecessary heartbreak. By choosing to be a safe driver, we make the roads safer for everyone— and we show our family and friends how much they truly mean to us.

Tyrhonda Adair

Percy Julian High School

Practicing safe driving is an important duty that goes beyond personal decisions, it has a substantial impact on the whole community. The actions of each driver on the road can create a chain reaction, affecting not only their own safety but also the safety of their friends, family, and other individuals on the road. By opting to minimize distractions, adhere to speed limits, and avoid driving while impaired, drivers help foster a safer atmosphere for all. On the other hand, participating in risky driving behaviors can result in serious repercussions that touch the lives of many.

A significant problem on today’s roads is distracted driving, especially as a result of texting and using mobile devices. When drivers shift their focus away from the road, they heighten the chances of accidents, putting themselves and others at risk. Even a brief distraction can lead to a crash that may seriously harm or even kill another driver, even a passenger. The emotional impact on the families and friends of those involved can be severe. Thus, by opting to remain attentive while driving, individuals not only ensure their own safety but also protect the lives of others on the road.

Following speed limits is an essential component of safe driving. These limits are set according to factors like safety concerns. For example, my major concerns’ is road rage, drinking and driving. When drivers go over these limits, they make it difficult for other drivers to quickly protect themselves from any harm and danger, their capacity to respond quickly to sudden situations, such as pedestrians on the road or another vehicle stopping unexpectedly. By sticking to speed limits, drivers show respect for the regulations intended to safeguard everyone, promoting a culture of safety in the community.

Operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the most serious dangers to road safety. Drivers who are impaired struggle to make good decisions and to respond swiftly to changing circumstances. The fallout from such irresponsible actions can be devastating, leading to fatalities, serious injuries that change lives, and legal consequences for the driver. These actions don't only affect the individual; they disrupt families and leave communities mourning the loss of lives that could have been preserved. It is crucial for all drivers to understand the importance of driving sober, as their decisions can have significant and widespread effects.

To sum up, safe driving is not just an individual decision; it is a shared responsibility that impacts the whole community. Every driver needs to realize that their choices can have effects that reach beyond their immediate surroundings. By staying focused and following speed limits drivers can enhance the safety of the roads for everyone. It is crucial for all drivers to acknowledge their part in promoting safety and to commit to responsible driving practices. By doing this, they not only safeguard themselves but also protect their friends, family, and other road users, ultimately encouraging a safety-focused culture that benefits the entire community.

Amari Ivey

Valiant Cross Academy

Though it may seem that safe driving is an individual choice, its effects are certainly felt by more people than just the person driving a car. Every choice made, like looking at a text, running a yellow light, or driving after a drink, can change a life in a second. Driving is not necessarily a private behavior; driving is a social trust that can affect families, friends, or entire communities.

Distracted driving, especially texting, is perhaps the most common and dangerous behavior seen on the roadway. When a driver looks down at their phone, they are not only risking their own safety. They are potentially risking the lives of others on the roadway. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported more than 3,500 people were killed in 2021 in crashes where distracted driving was involved. These are the people that did not make it home to their families. It is never worth someone’s life to send or check a single message.

Speeding is another behavior that puts whole communities at risk. Many drivers believe they are in control. They may also be speeds well over the posted speed limit. As we know, fast driving affects reaction time and severity of crashes. A driver speeding through a residential neighborhood could gamble with a child playing in their yard, or people crossing the street.

Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs is one of the most irresponsible acts a person can commit, because alcohol or drugs affect an individual's judgment, coordination, and awareness, yet individuals nonetheless choose to drive impaired. The consequences of impaired driving can be devastating and permanent for most victims of impaired drivers, who are often innocent passengers and strangers who were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. One careless night can ruin many lives. Safe driving on the other hand can apply to anyone, and everyone has someone who cares for them. These individuals may be a moral or biological obligation. Safe driving is not just about obeying a law. One decision made while driving intoxicated, speed, or texting can alter many lives and has a cascading effect on loved ones.

Driving under the influence, at high speeds, and texting while driving, can be detrimental to everybody surrounding a vehicle. To drive safely is to care about the lives surrounding a driver. A driver can decide not to text, not to exceed the speed limit, and not to drive while intoxicated and make simple choices to potentially save lives. All of those actions indicate that the driver is representative of respect for life, and certainly not just respect for their own life. Entire communities share a roadway, and by safer and more considerate driving practices, every driver can contribute to the safety of the entire community. Ultimately, it is generally understood that to drive safely is about more than just receiving a citation. To drive safely is to become part of a desirable community that is respectful and protective.