by Melody Hearndon

Created on: September 10, 2009   Last Updated: September 15, 2009

For most of us, driving is second nature. How many times do you get behind the wheel and click off the mental list of places you need to go, and the best route to get there? In retrospect, getting behind the wheel should be more thought out and well rehearsed prior to turning the key in the ignition.

I chuckle at my Mom as she tells the story of how she would crank up my grandfather's model A Ford before they would head into town. It was a big deal back then, and riding in the rumble seat was another added bonus for having helped out with the car.

Nowadays, we have GPS, cell phones, Bluetooth devices, iPods, and a plethora of other distractions that, while they enhance the ability to communicate, still add to the issue of how safe we are while driving. Perhaps, we are overloaded with gadgets, and in turn we underestimate their potential danger as a result.

Driving requires our full attention. Even if you're an excellent driver, you never know about the others around you. Automobiles are lethal weapons in the hands of those that lack respect for other drivers, and even in the best of circumstances accidents happen.

Road Conditions

As a driver, it's your responsibility to anticipate hazardous conditions. Weather can wreak havoc on our highways and byways. In the southern states, a sudden downpour can cause the roads to be as slick as black ice conditions that are more common in the north. Driving is all about being in a defensive mode, and never aggressive and careless in manner. Contrary to popular belief, you don't own the roads.

Gadgets

Gadgets have increased in number and popularity. With the continuation of technological advances, they've literally taken the car industry by storm. When I purchased my first vehicle, a decent radio with an 8-track system was all the rage and then some.

Soon after that, cassette players replaced 8-tracks, and even now you're more likely to get a car with a CD player with a connection for your iPod. One thing that never stays the same is how technology continues to move forward. No matter what gadgets you have, they're still a potential danger to your driving. They're distractions first and foremost.

Eating and Drinking

So often we are in a hurry. Drive-through services are all about convenience. How many times have you been in traffic and there's a car next to you and the driver's eating a breakfast sandwich, or lunch? We've all done our share of that.

What about the effects of alcohol? Drinking and driving kills, and when

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