原文：

It's not that there's no public transportation in America. Many cities have taxis, buses and subways to help commuters get to and from work. Some large universities even have buses to take students to classes across campus. But most people find it much more convenient to drive, even if they do have to deal with traffic. Nowadays busy families often have more than one vehicle. Many people view their car as a status symbol. But no matter their social status, people without wheels feel tied down.

When you first arrives, you will be amazed at how young many American drivers there are. Young people in America often get their driver's license around age 16 by passing a written test and a driving test. In many cases, before they can get their license, they have to take a driver education course. This course gives students hands-on practice with driving. It also helps to reduce the high cost of insurance. For teenagers, being able to drive and in some cases, have their own car-is a big deal. It gives them a sense of power and freedom. Many young Americans consider a driver's license a right, not a privilege. It's rare to find an American teenager without one.

The American style of driving is defensive, not offensive. Good drivers should follow the basic rules of the road. Here are the 10 Commandments of Good Driving in America:

    1. Yield to vehicles who have the right of way.

    2. Don't cut in front of other vehicles.

    3. Drive within the speed limit.

    4. Obey all road signs and police officers.

    5. Pull over to the side of the road when you hear a siren.

    6. Stop completely at red lights and stop signs.

    7. Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.

    8. Park only in a designated parking space.

    9. Use your turn signals when turning or changing lanes.

    10. Don't drink and drive.

Driving is to Americans what flying is to birds. It's almost part of their nature. For many Americans, being behind the wheel is like their natural habitat. But if they don't drive carefully, they can become an endangered species.
　　译文：
　　美国不是没有大众运输工具，很多都市都有出租车、公共汽车和地铁帮助上班族上下班。有些规模大的大学甚至在校园里用公共汽车载送学生到各个教室上课。不过大部分的人觉得还是自己开车更方便，即使他们得面对交通拥挤的问题。日今忙碌的家庭通常拥有一辆以上的车。很多人把车子视为地位的象征，但是不管他们的社会地位如何，没有车的人往往觉得很受束缚。
　　当你刚来到美国时，你将会惊讶地发现美国许多开车的人年纪很小。美国的年轻人通常在 16 岁左右就通过笔试和驾驶考试，取得驾照。很多时候在他们取得驾照之前，他们必须上驾驶员教育课程。该课程给学生提供实际驾驶练习，它也有助于降低高额的保险费。对青少年来说，能够开车，甚至自己拥有一辆车是一件了不起的事，因为车可以带给他们权力与自由的感觉。很多美国的年轻人把驾照视为一种权利，而不是一项特权。在美国要找到一个没有驾驶执照的青少年是很不容易的。
　　美国人的开车方式是属于防守型，而不是进攻型。好的驾驶员应该遵守基本的交通规则。下面是在美国优秀驾驶的十大守则：

    1. 礼让有先行权的车子。

    2. 不超车。

    3. 行车不超速。

    4. 遵守所有的路标和交通警察的指挥。

    5. 听到警宙声时，立即靠边停车。

    6. 遇到红灯和停止示志时要立刻停车。

    7. 在人行横道上要礼让行人。

    8. 只能在指定的停车地区内停车。

    9. 转弯或换车道时要打方向灯。

    10. 禁止酒后驾车。
　　开车对美国人的必要性，就像鸟儿需要飞翔一样，这几乎就是他们天性的一部分。对许多美国人而言，坐在方向盘后面就像是他们自然栖息之处，不过，如果他们开车不认真的话，他们可就会变成面临危险的动物了。

摘自 中学生英语

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