by Crystal Leigh

Created on: September 10, 2009   Last Updated: September 19, 2009

Many people seem to forget that driving is a privilege, not a right. We are all out there, on the same road, and you should respect the other drivers who are out there, traveling along side of you.

Each of us has to go through studying for the permit test, a driver training period, and then, the final driver's test. Too many people take the responsibility of driving too lightly. If we all study the same material, and take the same tests, why are there so many bad driver's on the road? Why are there so many accidents, and what causes them?

Things that you should NEVER do when you are driving... The list should be included on every driver's exam. Maybe then, people will actually be educated enough to drive.

The main thing you should never do while driving, is driving under the influence of alcohol, or any other substance that impairs your ability to make quick decisions. These substances include over the counter medications that can cause drowsiness, as well as many prescription medications, that can hit you like a ton of bricks before you realize it. Always take a new medication at home, when you will not be driving for some time, so you can make note of any side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, or other impairing effects. The best thing to do is to play it safe, and don't take any chances.

Never drive while you are distracted. Covered under this would be texting on a cell phone, arguing with your passenger, applying makeup, combing hair, or other such activities while behind the wheel. Before you know it, you could be off the side of the road, or even into oncoming traffic. I do know that adults break this rule, but I also think that many teenagers do as well. Honestly, I was relieved when the driving age was increased in this country, to the age of 18. I think that 16 year old's just don't have the respect, and are not responsible enough to handle driving. They show off, speed, and cause many, many accidents, and too many young lives are lost to careless driving on their part.

Driving in bad weather. Many of us have to do it, due to our jobs requiring us to be at work, no matter what the weather is like. Some things to remember when driving in snow, or on ice, is to take your time! I can't stress enough that speed kills when it comes to freezing precipitation. If you should start to slide, do NOT over break, over power, or over steer! I've driven in icy conditions, where the people in front of me were all just sliding in every direction, while I was

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