The freeway is my arch nemesis.

If I can avoid this jungle of wild beasts, I will. It was not until the summer before my freshman year of college that I faced this fear.

I remember the frustration and anxiety of learning how to drive on California's freeways. Driving in sync with hundreds of cars stretching across six lanes was extremely nerve racking. So was getting yelled at by my petrified teacher: my mom. I suppose she had reason to do so, considering how often I almost ran into the median. Merging and switching lanes was not my forte. But it wasn't just the concept of driving on the freeway that scared me.

It was the other drivers.

My parents always reminded me to be a defensive driver. They told me to be aware of so-called "stupid" drivers. It was not until I actually experienced the freeway on my own that I realized what they were talking about.

Drivers on the freeway have a mind of their own. They feel that they can switch lanes whenever they want, travel at whatever speed they so desire and tailgate other cars. Oddly, I always wish that a police officer were around. These drivers seem to get a free pass every time I am the only witness.

Now that I have perfected the daunting skill of merging and changing lines, I pity those who cannot do so. When merging onto the freeway, you have two choices: speed up or slow down, depending on the flow of traffic. Driving behind someone who does not understand this concept is infuriating. How can it be safe to merge onto a freeway of cars whizzing by at 80 mph when you're traveling at 40 mph? Exactly. It's not.

Freeway drivers also don't seem to understand signaling. I hate non-signalers. It's not only the law to do so, but it is polite. I can sense when a car wants to cut in front of me, even though it is not using a signal. I just wish I didn't have to play guessing games. Cars will speed up and try to fit in the smallest space between my vehicle and the one in front of me. I never understand why the car cannot simply slow down and go behind me. Being one car ahead really doesn't make a difference. Impatience is a skill that California drivers have perfected--especially with the carpool lane.

Understandably, it's tempting to cross the double yellow lines when in traffic. But is $341 really worth it? When I see people cross the double, or sometimes quadruple, yellow lines, I am astounded. But I am more shocked when there is only one person in the car.

Personally, as a college student, I don't have $341 to spare. I think I'll stick to the other twenty lanes the California freeways have to offer.

I just wish these "stupid" drivers could go back to driving school and learn the basics. It would not only keep me safer and less frustrated, but would also stop my parents from worrying every time I enter the jungle.