While on my commute to summer class, I have noticed and experienced many different things. For starters, I experienced driving in what seemed to be a monsoon. The rain was falling so hard from the sky that I could hear every large raindrop crash onto my car.

Then there are the tractor trailers. The most frightening part about these vehicles is the moment where there is one to your left, one to your right, one in front of you and one behind you, so you're boxed in. During this experience, I think I was focusing so hard I almost forgot to breathe!

With that being said, the most important thing I have noticed is how many drivers are distracted. Some are looking at their phones; some are rummaging through their bags on the seat next to them; some are putting mascara on while driving. Now, all of this is happening at a speed limit of no less than 55 miles per hour.

I would just like to say: my life is valuable, and so is yours. Your phone can wait. Your rummaging can wait. Your eyelashes can wait.

What I will never understand is why some people do not seem to realize that doing these things while driving (or anything, for that matter) is unacceptable. There is not one single excuse that a person can make up for being distracted while driving. If you're on your phone, at least wait to send the text until you get to a red light where you're fully stopped. If you're looking for something, the chances of you finding it faster while not driving are very high. If you have to put on makeup, put it on before getting out of the car to go to work.

You must be focused at all times while driving.