We’re proud to recognize the winners of the Drive Safe, Write Strong Essay Contest, who explored one critical question: “How do you envision a future where teen drivers are safer?” Their essays blend emotional storytelling with actionable ideas, demonstrating how youth leaders can pave the way for real change. Read the First Place essay below and discover more inspiring voices among our winners.

Every Mile Matters: Empowering Teen Drivers to Stay Safe

By Lance Ware, 1st Place Winner of the Drive Safe, Write Strong Essay Contest

Music blaring. Texts buzzing. Heart racing. Slammed brakes. Screeching tires. In just a second, a simple distraction can change a life forever. Teen driving is exciting, but it comes with serious risks. I imagine a future where teen drivers are safer, where young people behind the wheel understand the responsibility they carry, and where communities step up to create safer roads. From my own experiences, the challenges teens face today, and the ways my community can get involved, I see real opportunities to make that vision a reality.

Learning to drive has been both exciting and nerve-racking for me. I still remember my first lesson with my mom, double-checking mirrors, signaling every turn, and keeping my eyes locked on the road… or really, the parking lot! I don’t have my learner’s permit yet, but I’ll start practicing more seriously in November. Even during that first time behind the wheel, I realized how quickly distractions like phones, music, or even laughing at something my mom said could take my focus away. My mom kept reminding me to stay alert, and always respect the rules of the road. That experience made me see that driving is not just as a symbol of freedom, but as a real responsibility that requires focus, patience, and maturity.

Teens face serious challenges behind the wheel. Peer pressure, distractions from smartphones, and lack of experience all play a role in unsafe driving. Research shows that distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of crashes among young drivers. Aggressive driving, speeding, and risky moves only make the roads more dangerous. Many teens overestimate their skill level, which leads to accidents. Even the most experienced drivers can be affected when others around them are careless. To create safer roads for everyone, we need a combination of technology, accountability, and positive reinforcement.

One way to make driving safer for teens is by enforcing AI-powered dashcams, especially for new drivers. These cameras can spot unsafe behaviors like sudden braking, speeding, driving too close to another car, or using a phone while driving. Over time, they can track patterns and habits, helping teens see where they need to improve. The feedback is immediate, so mistakes can be corrected before they turn into bad habits. Parents can use the cameras to guide and support their teens, offering feedback and encouragement instead of waiting to discipline them after a mistake. Some insurance companies even offer rewards for families who use dashcams, making them an affordable and practical tool. Beyond safety, AI dashcams can build trust between teens and parents and help young drivers grow more confident and responsible on the road.

Another idea to help make driving safer for teens is to add safe driving lanes with slightly lower speed limits and longer merge areas. These lanes would give new drivers more time to react and make decisions without feeling rushed by faster, more experienced drivers. Another benefit to adding safe lanes is that they’d also help senior drivers who need a bit more space and time. These lanes could be added to highways or busy community streets where accidents tend to happen most. It would take some planning and support from the community, but it’s a change that could make the roads less stressful and safer for everyone, especially those still learning or slowing down.

Finally, reward and incentive programs can encourage responsibility and make safe driving something to be proud of. Teens who maintain clean driving records or consistently use safety tools like AI dashcams could earn rewards such as gas cards, insurance discounts, or public recognition at school. Positive reinforcement is powerful; it motivates teens to take pride in their safe choices instead of feeling pressured to show off or take risks. Communities could partner with schools or local businesses to create these programs and celebrate safe drivers the same way we celebrate academic or athletic achievements.

A safer future for teen drivers depends on awareness, accountability, and support from families and communities. By combining technology like AI dashcams with incentives that reward safe habits, and safe lanes we can make real progress. I imagine roads where teens drive confidently but carefully, where safety comes before speed, and where technology helps protect, not distract, young drivers. Every second behind the wheel is a choice, and with the right tools and encouragement, my generation can make sure those choices lead to safer roads for everyone.

Want to read more from the other winners?

Second Place: Luke Treece, 9th grade, Living Education Academy

Third Place: Priya Curley, 8th grade, Basis Scottsdale

Honorable Mentions: Tran Tran, 9th grade, Halifax County High School, and Nevelle Thomas, 12th grade, Millennium High School