I’m not a huge fan of driving. I’d prefer to walk or take the bus so I can multitask on the way to campus. Time is money, and gas prices take all of my money, anyway.

When I’m forced to take my Honda out onto the busy streets of Athens, though, I’m reminded of why I’d rather take the bus or walk to begin with. People in Athens cannot drive.

I don’t claim to be the best driver in the world. I occasionally get a little too involved with the Celine Dion song I’m blasting, and I can’t park to save my life. I’m working on both.

But I’ve never – knock on wood – caused an accident, and I do believe it’s because I still apply the rules we once learned as eager 16-year-olds, behind the wheel for that precious first time.

Remember the endless hours of obscenity-filled preparation with your parents, and when you dominated that tricky parallel park with mind-blowing precision?

Observing Athens roads, that same driving devotion is gone, and it’s as irritating as ever.

First, let’s review the use of the blinker. The blinker is a useful tool because it lets us all know when you’re about to cut us off with at least a bit of courtesy. Up for right, down for left and the world is a much better place. If you’re too cool for use of the blinker, be aware- no one likes you.

Do not be afraid of the honk, a severely under-used gesture in the South. The honk is great for telling people to get out of the way, waking people up who have dozed off in traffic and, in all seriousness, avoiding terrible accidents. Drivers in New York City honk constantly, and they get where they need to be in a hurry with no hard feelings.

I’m not sure who decided that all persons in ownership of an SUV and/or truck have permission to act like the kings and queens of the road, but I understand the added height can offer a misleading sense of superiority.

If you drive a large vehicle, trailing behind the bumper of the smaller car in front of you is obnoxious and only permissible when playing Mario Kart. Drive like the rest of us and keep your lifted ego at home.

Text messaging while driving is like trying to play the violin while tap dancing. Don’t do it. Chatting on your phone isn’t as dangerous, but poses a threat for those who are easily distracted. People used to be able to drive without talking at the same time.

Lastly, be aware of sidewalk-crossers trying to avoid dealing with all of these pet peeves in the first place. Pedestrians are people, too.

Though all of these rules should be elementary common sense by now, I’m shocked by how many drivers remain oblivious to the rules of the road. Too many accidents occur that could have been avoided just by paying attention to what you’re doing.

To those who know who they are, please reconnect with your inner 16-year-old, attentive self, and learn to drive.

- Jennifer Paxton is a senior from Alpharetta majoring in newspapers. She probably honked at you today.