Tell me the driving "isms" where you live.

"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove) 11/25/2015 at 14:57 • Filed to: None

0

68

Dear Opponauts, as so many of the country gets ready to travel the highways this weekend, I would like to know those behaviors characteristic of drivers in your region, the little “isms” that get passed along through racial memory and are peculiar to your little corner of the Oppoverse.

I’ll go first. Here is North Texas, everybody drives the highway on ramp at about 35 mph and merges at that speed. Then , they begin to creep up to highway speed. This behavior is nearly universal and independent of the kind of car. The result is a huge laminar flow-like effect on traffic, with the right lane much slower than the others.

Another Dallas malady is not-in-front-of-me syndrome. If you turn on your signal to change lanes, the person in that lane will invariably speed up to block you from getting in front him, no matter how much room there is or how fast traffic is going.

What I remember about Detroit was that stop signs were considered suggestions and that the oxymoronically-named “rolling stop” was more the norm. Can anyone confirm or correct that memory?

Tell me your stories!

Urambo Tauro > Chariotoflove 11/25/2015 at 15:00

3

Yep, that sure sounds like Detroit.

Montalvo > Chariotoflove 11/25/2015 at 15:06

0

In NY it is customary to drive slowly in the left lane and to never move to the right to let faster traffic pass. Everywhere else people seem to have no issue. Makes road trips out of state a real treat.

Urambo Tauro > Chariotoflove 11/25/2015 at 15:07

2

I see a lot of drivers coming to a stop way past the stop line. This is a huge problem for several reasons:

It can block the cross-walk and anyone using it.

It blocks the view of the driver in the right-turn lane, who needs to check cross-traffic before turning on red.

Left-turning traffic coming through the intersection often needs the extra room, especially if they have a trailer. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen the light change color while a truck was partially through the intersection, waiting for the guy in the left-turn lane to back up to the stop line so the truck could pass.

TheHondaBro > Chariotoflove 11/25/2015 at 15:10

1

Left lane hogging-ism.

Can’t drive in climate-appropriate weather-ism

Traffic-ism

Textured Soy Protein > Chariotoflove 11/25/2015 at 15:13

1

In Wisconsin we have the same on-ramp problem.

We also have people who take their goddamned fucking time to start moving at green lights so you end up waiting through another cycle or two of the light until they get their shit moving. These same people cede the right-of-way at stop signs, so everyone is all waving at each other like, “no YOU go” and nobody goes at all.

A more recent development is that on some of our interstates the speed limits have been raised from 65 to 70 mph, but you get tons of people who don’t even want to go 70 mph. I have a coworker, who I really like except for his grandpa driving habits, and he’s like “oh yeah on those I do like 67, it’s not too much below the limit.”

Stevo777 > Chariotoflove 11/25/2015 at 15:14

2

NJ in a nutshell

BeaterGT > Stevo777 11/25/2015 at 15:17

2

Also, be sure to start a phone call as soon as you get in the car.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Chariotoflove 11/25/2015 at 15:17

1

People sucking in general

Chariotoflove > TheHondaBro 11/25/2015 at 15:17

0

This is a Dallas feature too. Here, the phenotype is that everyone slows down to 30 because they are afraid of the snow, but they still tailgate. Winter is like a driver ed nightmare playing in slow motion.

Chariotoflove > Montalvo 11/25/2015 at 15:18

0

Part of the the NYC Fuck You ™ attitude?

Chariotoflove > Textured Soy Protein 11/25/2015 at 15:19

0

These same people cede the right-of-way at stop signs, so everyone is all waving at each other like, “no YOU go” and nobody goes at all.

I see this sometimes. Everyone is being so @*%$! polite, that confusion breaks out at the sign. It think sometimes it is because nobody trusts anybody else and wants to keep the next guy in front of them.

Chariotoflove > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 11/25/2015 at 15:21

1

That’s the holiday spirit!

gin-san - shitpost specialist > Chariotoflove 11/25/2015 at 15:22

1

With what you wrote, I could swear that Ottawa was located in North Texas if it wasn’t for the ridiculous winters and lack of proper barbeque.

PowderHound > Chariotoflove 11/25/2015 at 15:22

1

Utah it is definitely faster in the right lane, especially if there are three lanes. Proof: I-80 going up Parley’s Canyon

LongbowMkII > Chariotoflove 11/25/2015 at 15:23

1

In Lexington KY a red left turn arrow means on more person gets to go.

In Ohio there are no rules. Fend for yourself.

TheOnelectronic > Chariotoflove 11/25/2015 at 15:25

1

Coming from places where the speed limit was high and at the middle of actual road speeds, the fact that the majority of traffic here in PA drives 10-15mph over the limit is so strange to me.

Then again, 55mph on a three-lane interstate is strange to me as well. I’m used to 70mph on a two-lane state highway.

mopar-orsomecar > Chariotoflove 11/25/2015 at 15:30

1

In California it is not very surprising to see a Toyota Prius going 10 mph under the speed limit in the left lane. I've also noticed that there are a lot of people who don't use their mirrors when merging onto the highway.

Svart Smart, traded in his Smart > Urambo Tauro 11/25/2015 at 15:32

3

No cop, no stop.

marshknute > Chariotoflove 11/25/2015 at 15:39

1

In CT, it’s customary to drive in the left lane at exactly 2.3 mph faster than right lane traffic. Unless there’s a turn/hill/shadow, in which case slow down to 10mph under the limit. Then spend the next 2 exits accelerating back up to speed.

If you’re stuck in a line of traffic behind a left lane hog, it’s standard procedure to tailgate the shit out of the guy in front. After all, HE’S the problem, not the lane hog 4 cars in front of him.

And if there are concrete barriers placed in the shoulder, make sure to straddle both lanes, because apparently your Prius is 11’-8” wide, and doesn’t fit in one lane.

My citroen won't start > Chariotoflove 11/25/2015 at 15:40

1

Making Citroen have anger attacks-ism

No lights at night, because most cars here are crappy and people either don’t care or don’t have lights.

Staying in the middle of a two-lane street.

wiffleballtony > Chariotoflove 11/25/2015 at 15:40

1

Lane-egalitarianism. The practice by which all drivers perceive all lanes as equal regardless of speed, location or function. Lawn care professional in a 30 year old pick up towing a trailer of rakes and and mowers, use the left lane. Faux Evo 8, sure pass on the right. Need to make a right turn, use the middle lane, especially in a Buick. Entering the freeway in your Scion iA, drive 35, theres a minute possibility of kids. All lanes serve all functions.

wiffleballtony > Montalvo 11/25/2015 at 15:43

1

We have a similar problem in Arizona. I think it stems from poor drivers education, “fast lane” mentality and that a lot of people learned to drive here before it got crowded.

Montalvo > Chariotoflove 11/25/2015 at 15:43

1

Nah, that’s bumper to bumper fighting to the death to get one car length ahead during rushour, this was more like pure stupidity and not knowing driving etiquette. Incompetence in its purest form.

touring the brook - now with ZHP! > Chariotoflove 11/25/2015 at 15:46

2

When pulling up to a stop sign or a light, people around here typically go over completely and sit there on the crosswalk idling like they’re not doing anything wrong.

wiffleballtony > PowderHound 11/25/2015 at 15:52

1

Utah has great left lane discipline.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Montalvo 11/25/2015 at 15:59

2

SO MUCH THIS. There’s also the asshole who doesn’t want to let you over when someone is coming up behind you and you want to get over.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Chariotoflove 11/25/2015 at 16:02

1

Upstate NY: Generally be an asshole because you own the road. Oh, it’s dusk and Im in a dark car? LOL NO LIGHTS. Slow in left lane, speed up in right lane when trying to pass you.

DoYouEvenShift > Chariotoflove 11/25/2015 at 16:09

1

Central Florida.

- At all times, a Corolla must block the left lane by traveling 10 mph below the speed limit.

- If changing lanes, only use a turn signal after you initiate the maneuver.

- Dont use turn signals. Ever.

- At night, you must drive with hi-beams on, alll the time.

- When possible, use the left turning lane at a traffic light to jump ahead of traffic in the other right lanes.

- If everything is ok, honk the horn to alert others around you that you exsist.

And the most important!

- The road belongs to YOU! All other drivers must give right of way to YOU and YOU only in any situation.

Chariotoflove > BeaterGT 11/25/2015 at 16:18

0

While in your driveway, if possible!

Chariotoflove > marshknute 11/25/2015 at 16:21

0

CT also has the problem of very short on ramps in many places. The Merritt Pkwy is especially bad, as I recall. So, you really have to make an effort to get to speed before merging.

Chariotoflove > wiffleballtony 11/25/2015 at 16:22

1

I believe I have met Lawn Care Guy’s Dallas cousin.

Chariotoflove > TheOnelectronic 11/25/2015 at 16:23

0

Where did you come to PA from?

Chariotoflove > mopar-orsomecar 11/25/2015 at 16:24

0

Or signals too, I assume?

Chariotoflove > My citroen won't start 11/25/2015 at 16:26

0

Where’s this? Cause I need to make sure I don't go there.

Spasoje > Chariotoflove 11/25/2015 at 16:27

1

Vancouver, BC here – left-lane hogging is problem #1. It has recently become illegal and they say police have started enforcing this, but I haven’t seen a single instance of enforcement on greater Vancouver highways yet. Hoggers are often vengeful, either maintaining their lower speed or brake-checking you if you flash your high-beams.

Problem #2 is not letting people in front of you. While, by some unexplained mystery, Vancouver is fantastic at zipper-merging 99% of the time, people actually SPEED UP when you put your turn signal on in order to do a run-of-the-mill lane change in front of them...

The worst instance I had was when I was in the HOV with heavy traffic in all four lanes (8-lane hwy) and an ambulance came up behind me. I kept an eye out for a safe gap to merge into the right lane as soon as I heard the siren, and found one as the ambulance just appeared in my rearview. So I signal to merge and the lady driving the G37 just aft of the gap aggressively accelerates , honking at me once I complete my lane change.

Problem #3 are characteristically bad Asian drivers. No racism expressed or implied – every Vancouver driver has a story to the tune of an ML350 w/ “888” on its plates that cut someone off without looking/is doing 10km/h below the speed limit/is taking 10 minutes to park... Those driving through Richmond in particular – a part of town where a significant amount of storefront signs are in Chinese only – expect this kind of driving literally at every corner. There’s even a Facebook page called “ Richmond Learns to Park ”!

Chariotoflove > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback 11/25/2015 at 16:28

0

And do the cops still like to camp out at the bottom of the steepest hills to catch you going as fast as possible? Protect and serve, ya know. ;)

Chariotoflove > touring the brook - now with ZHP! 11/25/2015 at 16:29

1

You're kidding! Please say you're kidding. Where is this?

x87172 > Chariotoflove 11/25/2015 at 16:32

1

California streets are a full-out competition.

BMW vs. Noisy Red Sports Car vs. Prius Cat Lady vs. Pool Cleaner in 90s Tacoma vs. WRX/Evo Kid vs. Everyone Else

Chariotoflove > Spasoje 11/25/2015 at 16:33

0

Wow, but the Asian thing kinda makes sense if you have a large immigrant population new to driving here. In Texas, it’s Mexicans. The thing with them is that they typically drive very slooooowly, probably to avoid attracting attention. Which makes them stand out, of course.

Chariotoflove > gin-san - shitpost specialist 11/25/2015 at 16:34

0

We couldn't handle your winter. We can't handle our own winter. :/

Chariotoflove > DoYouEvenShift 11/25/2015 at 16:35

1

You should be a tester for the DMV. You clearly have command of the rules.

Chariotoflove > x87172 11/25/2015 at 16:38

0

Who wins? My money’s on Cat Lady.

x87172 > Chariotoflove 11/25/2015 at 16:42

1

Prius drivers always win... the moral victory.

Chariotoflove > x87172 11/25/2015 at 16:43

1

Ha! I hope they enjoy it for the price they pay, having to drive a Prius.

bobbe17 > Textured Soy Protein 11/25/2015 at 16:48

0

I agree with you on these points. We’re definitely too polite for our own good. If there’s any question at I stop sign I just go, waving is exhausting. The lights go back to being too polite as well, everyone feels like they need to leave 5 car lengths when they’re going 10 mph away from the line.

Also, I think the 70 mph speed limit has done more bad than good. You have the people who used to 65, that are too terrified to go 70 so they still do 65. Then you have the people who used to go 65 that now go 70 trying to pass the people only going 65. Then you have normal people that do the standard 5-10 over the speed limit trying to pass them. And you have the 10+ passers trying to get around everyone. All in two lanes.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Chariotoflove 11/25/2015 at 16:51

0

http://oppositelock.kinja.com/beware-the-bos…

touring the brook - now with ZHP! > Chariotoflove 11/25/2015 at 17:02

0

Birmingham, AL. I swear I’m not kidding, it happens all of the time. I’ve only noticed it recently as I have been driving around town for learning how to drive. There will be a car in front of me, and when I pull up to the stop sign, I’m on the line and the guy in front is just sitting with half of his car over the line.

whiskeybusiness NOW A DANGER TO CROWDS NEAR YOU > Svart Smart, traded in his Smart 11/25/2015 at 17:05

0

I’ve heard cops say this at our campus safety meetings. Not uncommon in Detroit.

DoYouEvenShift > Chariotoflove 11/25/2015 at 17:14

1

Haha! Reminds me of those corny educational videos from the 1950s

vp917 > Chariotoflove 11/25/2015 at 17:19

1

Where I live, most of the highways have 2 lanes in each direction, with a small curbed grassy area as a divider. If you’re driving in the left/fast lane, and find yourself stuck behind a slightly slower car, signaling them to let you pass will cause them to move over and speed up to keep you from passing them.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Chariotoflove 11/25/2015 at 17:36

0

Sometimes.

jmedarts > LongbowMkII 11/25/2015 at 17:54

0

I disagree. Moved from CT to Cincy and back. When people in Ohio see a “lane closed” sign, they immediately get in the other lane, leaving those of us from the selfish states to cruise right up to the lane closure at highway speeds, often passing 40-50 cars. Then the friendly Ohioans will, I couldn’t believe it either, smile and wave you in.

Spasoje > Chariotoflove 11/25/2015 at 18:54

1

It’s the same thing here. When you see a slow, bumbling fail of a maneuver, you pretty much already know who’s driving...especially if it’s an expensive car.

The only difference is that the Chinese population has been here for a long time, many of them arriving as immensely wealthy people and with the means to keep the existing broken system just the way it is (driving school staying not mandatory, people accepting bribes for drivers licenses, etc.).

Of course, our government-controlled car insurance monopoly raises rates for everybody, and gives no incentive to spend the $1k on driving school... Since the interests of those that have the power to fix things and of those with the desire to keep things ‘un-fixed’ are aligned, we have a bad driving epidemic all around with no way out.

Sorry for the digression – I should probably write a book about all this stuff lol

Chariotoflove > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 11/25/2015 at 19:15

1

Well bless his heart.

Chariotoflove > vp917 11/25/2015 at 19:19

0

Lovely. Where is that?

Chariotoflove > Spasoje 11/25/2015 at 19:22

1

Hey, let it all out. That’s what the internet’s for, isn't it? :)

Spasoje > Chariotoflove 11/25/2015 at 19:30

1

Guess so...it’s hard being a car guy in some places haha

Richtofen, Baron von Pickup > Chariotoflove 11/25/2015 at 21:06

1

In South Texas, water causes panic. A light sprinkle of rain turns a 70mph six-lane freeway to a 30mph crawl-path. Our local outer city loop is referred to lovingly as “the Death Loop.” It’s not the speed, it’s the moron driving.

Most cities here have adopted a hands-free only ordinance with cell phones, and it hasn’t changed anything. Everyone still drives like they’re the only person on the pavement.

vp917 > Chariotoflove 11/26/2015 at 10:23

1

Generally anywhere in Mexico. (I haven't been to much of the country, but my family can confirm that it is a nation-wide trend.)

CrizazyCartXLPilot > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback 11/26/2015 at 11:34

0

You shouldn’t be hanging around in the left lane in the first place asshole... I’m not let you over, because then you’re just going to slow me the fuck down. I already got the right lane to get around you. The asshole behind you is just paying less attention than I was. He should’ve seen your stupid slow ass half-mile earlier and gotten the right lane. You’ve been pissing off traffic for the last five minutes . Pay attention, douche

CrizazyCartXLPilot > Chariotoflove 11/26/2015 at 11:36

1

“pitrsburgh left”.

Google it

Chariotoflove > Richtofen, Baron von Pickup 11/26/2015 at 11:42

1

Amen, brother.

Jack Does Cars > Chariotoflove 11/26/2015 at 11:53

1

In Raleigh, NC, nobody knows how to use a roundabout and how to do anything at a four-way stop. At a four-way, it’s basically whoever wants to go just goes.

Chariotoflove > Jack Does Cars 11/26/2015 at 12:03

0

That could be problematic.

OttoMaddox > Chariotoflove 11/26/2015 at 12:08

1

“Another Dallas malady is not-in-front-of-me syndrome. If you turn on your signal to change lanes, the person in that lane will invariably speed up to block you from getting in front him, no matter how much room there is or how fast traffic is going.”

They do this in Seattle too. And they’re always bitching about people not using their turn signal. Well I don’t want you on my back bumper blowing your horn when I had the nerve to change lanes five car lengths ahead of you.

OttoMaddox > Chariotoflove 11/26/2015 at 12:11

1

That’s enough of a thing in Seattle that they made a commercial with it.

Chariotoflove > OttoMaddox 11/26/2015 at 20:16

0

Exactly! You’re de-incentivized to use your signal to change lanes, which compounds the bad behavior.

Chariotoflove > OttoMaddox 11/26/2015 at 20:17

0

I bet these are the same people that won't let you in front of them on the highway.