by Kathleen Ann Strach

Created on: May 24, 2008

You will never be a rude driver if you abide by the following rules.

SPEEDING

Don't speed. It's risky and rude. It scares other drivers, especially if you whizz past them like they're standing still in heavy traffic. There's no time for correction. Crashes occur in high speeds and people are torn to pieces like rag dolls. They're cars blow up at impact and burn up all the people inside.

FOLLOWING TOO CLOSE

Many drivers have bumper stickers that discourage following too close. This is very dangerous even at slow speeds, let alone the 70 plus miles per hour on the interstate. There is also no time for correction. If you're driving on a country road, you have to be ready to stop for deer, dogs and other animals at a seconds notice. If you're driving in the city, there are countless reasons to have to stop on a dime. Rear end collisions are deadly and caused by rude drivers who don't think about the necessity of having to stop suddenly. Victims are thrown through windows and out of doors, killing them instantly. This type of accident is easily avoidable. Keep your distance and be alert for emergency stops from the vehicle ahead of you.

TALKING ON THE PHONE

You can't converse on the phone and expect to pay attention to the traffic situation. Several thousands of accidents occur due to talking on the phone. People are plowed into by two ton vehicles and never know what hit them. They often die instantly in the middle of a phone conversation and take other innocent victims with them. It is rude to talk on the phone while driving. Some states are passing laws to prevent such accidents, which are easily preventable. It's best to pull over and park before engaging in a phone conversation. Lives can be saved, including your own.

EATING WHILE DRIVING

Several thousands of people die each year eating while driving. Don't let your meal eaten while driving be your last. Pull over and enjoy your meal. It's very rude and distracting and it should be illegal. But it's not. You can pig out on a gourmet meal and it's all legal. But just think about it. It's not worth causing an accident when quick thinking is necessary. People are killed instantly and that could include you.

PUTTING ON MAKEUP WHILE DRIVING

This is one of the more rude offenses that is legal also. Herein again, thousands of people are killed each year putting on makeup while driving. And they take innocent victims with them. Put your makeup on before driving or after you reach your destination. I'm sure you would rather be caught without makeup rather than having to be embalmed after crashing into another vehicle.

READING A MAP WHILE DRIVING

This is a deadly action for any driver. Maps require your full attention and you should pull over before reading one. I personally know a man who drove into a tree and died while reading a map. You can't expect to do two things at one time where driving is concerned.

CUTTING IN FRONT OF ANOTHER VEHICLE

Try to be patient and wait until it is safe to pull out. You won't save any time by getting killed pulling in front of another vehicle. This offense also causes road rage. It infuriates other drivers. Don't worry about the vehicles behind you. They can wait.

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