Expect the unexpected when driving in Little Rock. They don't have to take driver's education in order to get a license or permit, so people here don't understand THE MOST BASIC rules of the road. If you want to drive in the fast lane, prepare to be slowed down by a driver who doesn't understand the concept that slow traffic stay to the right and that the left lane is generally for passing, especially on the many highways. Don't expect others to know any basic driving rules, and drive defensively, and you too can survive in a car in Little Rock, Ark.

City gas mileage estimates should be dismissed, because the city is very spread out and hilly. You can probably manage to stay in your own little corner of Little Rock (depending on which side of 630 you live), but the hills and sprawling layout of the ever-expanding city will hit your tank harder than you might imagine.

A friend of mine came to visit me from Fort Worth, and we started telling him about how bad the drivers were in Little Rock. In particular, I told him that when people in Little Rock don't know where they're going, they just slam on their brakes. Sure enough, within five minutes, we were driving on 630, a three-lane freeway that basically bisects the city's wealthier and poorer divisions, when the driver in front of us slammed on his brakes in the middle of the freeway, coming to a complete stop. The driver was about a mile in between exits, so he wasn't trying to exit, he just must not have known where he was going. It was and is frustrating, but at least in this particular instance, the idiot driver gave me an added element of credibility.

Cantrell. This road is windy, hilly and crowded, but it's also surrounded by trees. The route becomes more scenic the closer you get to downtown, swerving slowly down a steep, snake-like hill with tall pine trees filling your view to the right.

I would tell someone driving in the city to avoid the highway stretch just north of Little Rock. It is always under construction and is quite a rough patch to get through. Maybe take backroads and experience the nature around you.

The best advice I can offer is to buy an SUV. While you may suffer a bit from MPG, you will be able to carry all of your gear should you commute to and from work or even to nearby Pinnacle Mountain.

My favorite memory from driving in Little Rock, AR was one pleasant evening filled with the light of a setting sun. As I approached a junction, the light turned red and I noticed a man standing on the corner of the street who looked to be homeless. I decided to pull up and help the man out as he looked like he needed it. I remember vividly the dying orange light shrouding the mans face in a golden glow as he lit up after receiving my small gift of 5 dollars. I will never understand how this made him so happy, but I am very thankful for my opportunity to get in my car and drive through this great city. What a beautiful experience to have while doing something as simple as driving my car.

La Harpe Blvd.. This road offers a great view of David D Terry Lake that runs through the city. It's a great opportunity to feel a connection with nature while being surrounded by a car full of technology. Rolled down windows reveal the pleasant cool air coming off of the water and the all natural smell of the woods.