Cheryl+H’s+2017+OpEd+Article

You probably read this title and thought to yourself, “What would Cheryl know about driving? 1) She was in an accident and 2) She is a teen driver.” And I’m not going to argue with you because both are true. I was involved in a car accident and I’ve only been driving for around two years, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t learned anything from my experience. This is what happened to my car when a large truck struck the side of me:
 * Bad Drivers (and what not to do!) **

Even though I was not at fault in the accident, I have become so much more aware of my surroundings and have realized one thing: so many people on this planet (meaning Ventura) are terrible drivers. And that’s why I am here today!

I am here to tell you what not to do when driving. I will point out the actions of bad drivers and who knows? Maybe you’ll realize you’re one of them. And with that realization, you, too, can change your bad habit and make the streets a safer place for everyone. Everyone can agree that it’s better to arrive at your destination all in one piece and be late than never arrive at all.


 * What Not Do: **

1) **Have Insufficient Speed/Tailgate**: Now I know this one seems quite obvious, but you would be surprised at the amount of people that don’t have the audacity to read those numbers on those signs that they pass. Whether you drive too fast or too slow, you can get pulled over. Yes, I did say “too slow”; it’s not a myth. Either way, you impede the flow of traffic and make other drivers very angry. And along with insufficient speed comes tailgating. If you didn’t already know, tailgating, also known as the epitome of hell, isn’t beneficial to anyone. What’s the point in riding my ass for miles when you simply could have changed lanes? Then, once your tiny brain realizes you can change lanes, you pass me and rev your engine? I’m not sure what’s so difficult about driving the speed limit and keeping a comfortable distance from the car in front of you, but to each their own!



2) **Weave Through Traffic**: Oh my goodness. Where to begin? We can all agree that traffic is a waste of time. Who wants to sit on their ass for two hours when it normally takes 10 minutes tops to get to their destination? Not me. And it doesn’t make it any better when people think they can get there faster than everyone else. There’s this thing. It’s called common sense. Being a decent human being. Being patient. But nevermind. Disregard anything I said because that’s bullshit. There’s no such thing as the rules of the road. It’s alright. No worries. Go ahead, don’t put your blinkers on, cut me off, and weave in and out of traffic! Please! I’m begging you! It’s not like the right lane is the normal lane and the left lane is the passing lane. Heck! Who cares? Lanes are there for one purpose only: to weave in and out of. Also, don’t mind me. It’s not like I’ve been waiting in the right turning lane for an eternity. Go ahead and wait until the last moment to merge. That’s the whole reason why I had left a whole five foot gap between the car in front of me! This is the definition of good times. I love me some good ol’ traffic!



3) **Have a Big Ego**: It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of idiotic drivers, it was the age of arrogant pricks. This time is known as current day society: a wonderful world where people still believe their big truck is superior to smaller ones. A time where high beams being on at all times is not a problem. That is because all the other fellow drivers don’t mind being blinded in both their rear and side view mirrors. Who cares if they crash the car? As long as the high beam driver can see, that’s all that matters. Revving one’s engine is a sign of dominance on the road. When fellow Foothill students turn the corner and floor the pedal, that conveys that they are the coolest of the cool. They can do whatever the fuck they want, disregarding everyone else. That means when you see a truck with 20 foot tires and a large American flag, you best be clearing the way for the royalty! --Wait, what? That’s not true at all? Of course it’s not. Your truck isn't all that and neither are small cars. Your mini cooper isn’t a sports car. You’re really not that cool at all. In fact, I find it quite funny that you think so. You and your big ego are always going to be what they’ve been: useless.

4) **Multi-Task**: It’s 2017 and yet people still can’t follow the rules. There’s a reason why you can’t hold your cell phone or be under the influence whilst maneuvering a vehicle. I guess you can say nowadays, people like to live out their lives in a “YOLO” and “live fast, die young” fashion. All I can say to that is you’re a complete and utter dumbass. You’re putting your life as well as everyone else’s lives at risk. I can’t imagine being so asinine. It’d be nice to live a long, fulfilling life and not have the cause of death in the obituary be eating a big mac. Sorry to tell you, but you can’t eat a big mac, apply lipstick, and talk on the cell phone all at once...let alone drive a moving car. It is essential to be one hundred percent focused at all times. If you desperately need to scarf down some food or reply to a text, just pull over for God’s sake. Also, whether you have a couple of drinks, indulge in some recreational drugs, or pop some pharmaceuticals...please, please, please don’t drive. You can’t even walk in a straight line, not to mention, operate a piece of machinery. Do yourself and everyone else a favor and keep your eyes and ears on the road at all times. media type="youtube" key="R0nUEGq6occ" width="375" height="216" align="center"

But in all seriousness, please don’t do any of the examples listed above. Despite this being 85% sarcastic, driving is not something you joke around with. It’s serious business and if you do any of these things, you need a reality check. Every time you get into your car, you are putting your life and many others’ at risk. **Please drive as cautiously as possible and don’t be the reason you or somebody else doesn’t make it home.**



**Disclaimer**: I’m not stating that I’m a perfect driver in any way whatsoever. I, too, have done SOME of these things listed at one time or another. However, with past experience, I have learned not do these actions for the safety of myself and others as well!!!