In this third installment of her four-part series on the trials and tribulations of driving, cars and teenage life, Kerin Ramella shares her opinions on driving distractions.

Once you hit the open road there are a few aspects of driving you should look out for. First off distractions; distractions are found anywhere, anytime like that “friend” who just won’t go away. You can’t avoid them, you can’t always prevent them, however you can always be mindful of them.

For instance, say you’re driving down a quiet country road, of course minding your own business on your cell phone with that “friend.” Then BAM! A flock of emus comes out of nowhere. What is your reaction? Is it: a) frantically throwing the phone to the right side of the car in hopes of grabbing the steering wheel in time, b) continue driving with no regard for any of the poor defenseless emus, c) slam on the brakes so hard that the car spins wildly out of control, flips over, and blows up into a trillion pieces killing both you and the birds?

If you picked a, b, or c - well, that’s just wrong! The correct answer would be: d) none of the above.

You shouldn’t be driving and talking on your cell phone at the same time because something just like this situation, or oddly similar, could happen to you.

There are only two safe ways to use a cell phone while driving: 1 is hands free; 2 is not at all.

Another common distraction is the radio. This however is a much safer distraction than most others. This distraction is only a distraction when it is taken to the extreme. Here’s an indication: if your bass is so loud that the windows of the car, 7 cars in front of you, are shaking and vibrating, then you might want to turn it down a notch or two.

Another very common distraction that we might not be aware of is cockiness. Now that you have your driver’s license you are high and mighty and because of this new found self confidence and we begin to show off.

Showing off is one of the best and most efficient ways of getting yourself into and accident. I was always taught that while driving a car your hands work the best when it comes to steering. However, I have witnessed people driving with elbows, knees, feet, and the ever popular “no hands.” This may seem cool for that brief moment but if you get into an accident because of it you might end up with “no hands.”

The other people is another aspect of driving that we must look out for. On this Earth there are approximately 6,621, 924, 300 ish people. People are EVERYWHERE, jogging biking, walking, strolling, driving, rollerblading, skateboarding, playing, skipping, falling.

As drivers we have to make sure we don’t run over them but at the same time they have to watch out for us. But it’s not only people outside our cars we have to be mindful of, it’s the people inside as well. Remember it’s you who is now responsible for your life and others, so don’t let one stupid mistake ruin it all. I’m not saying go drive like your 87 year old grandmother but just keep in mind that it’s not only your life, it’s your friends or father or mother or neighbor or those sweet, innocent emus’ lives that you are responsible for. To sum up this article in three words, just drive safely.