by Connie Earl Robertson

Created on: December 07, 2009   Last Updated: October 31, 2010

Getting behind the wheel of an automobile is a big responsibility that each driver needs to take seriously. Not only is your life at risk, but to an extent, the lives of those in your car and every car you pass are in your hands. If you drive safely, all are relatively safe, but when you drive recklessly, you put everyone's life in danger. Here are some things you should never do while driving.

When you are talking with another person in the car, don't look at them. Keep your eyes on the road at all times. It isn't necessary to look at the person you are talking with. You need to be aware of everything that is happening outside of your car.

Don't sightsee while you are driving. There are things that you will capture within your range of vision as you drive, but don't take your eyes off the road to gaze at something that you find interesting. If there are things you want to see, stop and look or change drivers.

No matter what happens with your children in the back seat, do not turn around and look at them or talk with them. Accidents can happen in just a fraction of a second when you take your eyes off of the road. If you are concerned, stop the vehicle, and take care of the problem.

Do not play with your children while you are driving. Some parents, especially Dad's, like to reach over and tickle their little ones in the back seat. It is great that they love their kids and want to play with them, but the car is not the place to do it. Stop at a nearby park where all of you can get out and romp, run and play for awhile.

Cell phones are probably one of the most dangerous items you can have in your car. Many states have passed laws making it illegal to use cell phones while driving, but drivers still do it. Unless you have a hands off system for your cell phone, do not make or receive phone calls while you are driving. Again, pull to the side of the road if you need to use your phone.

Text messaging with your cell phone is even more dangerous than making and receiving phone calls. In order to text effectively, you have to be able to concentrate on what you are texting. That is when your mind and thoughts are not on the road and the traffic around you. Do not text message while you are driving.

Do not treat your car like a toy. For example, it is fun to play like you are going to run over a friend when you are driving. Of course, you would never run over him, or so you think. What happens when he turns a way you were not expecting, or he suddenly stumbles and falls? When the accident happens, it is no longer any fun.

There are many reasons why you should not drive carelessly. One is to avoid tickets and accidents so your car insurance does not go up. The main reason is to keep yourself and others safe. Every life is valuable, and no one has the right to drive carelessly and put someone else in danger.

The next time you slip behind the wheel of your vehicle remember the things you should never do while driving and put them in to practice. Take the responsibility you need to take, and drive in a safe and responsible way. You never know how many lives you save by driving safely.

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