California Traffic

"JCAlan" (jcalan) 02/27/2015 at 10:36 • Filed to: None

2

9

I live in rural Ohio, but in this age of technology and choices, I listen to a lot of Southern California radio. Because, you know......it's better. I can only imagine that So Cal traffic must be INTENSE. The reporting is serious business with timed delays, helicopters, constant updates, and alternate route suggestions. I mean, we have traffic reports in my town too, but they're not really necessary and lack the urgent tones of the reporters in Cali. I think we actually only have them because there's probably that one guy at the station with a communications degree thinks that's just what real radio stations do. Do we really need to hear that all roads are clear? Again? How about you only tell me if something actually comes up?

Anyway, the biggest contrast is in the reporting of accidents. Here's how an accident is reported in my town:

"A single car accident in Defiance County puts two in the hospital. More details coming up."

And everyone is thinking: Oh no! A car accident! I hope it's not someone I know! Aunt Suzy was going to mass tonight and I haven't heard from her. I hope it's not her! Whoever it is I sure hope they're going to be okay! Two hospitalized? That sounds serious!

"Welcome back. Now to Ted for more on that heart-breaking accident in Defiance County.......Yes Jill, Michael Smith aged 32 of Perrysburg was driving his SUV southbound on 65 when he veered off the road and struck a pole, injuring himself and his passenger Tom Williams aged 28 also from Perrysburg. Both were taken to Miami Hospital where they are listed in stable condition. It's been reported that Smith and Williams were on a YMCA basketball team together and were apparently on their way to a game. No reports on whether or not that game has been cancelled due to tonight's tragic events. We are being told that family of both Smith and Williams have been contacted and are on their way to comfort the men. Back to you, Jill."

And now everyone is thinking Well thank God it's not someone I know. But man, they sound like swell guys. YMCA basketball? Definitely good people. I'm glad their condition is being monitored and that they are soon to be with family. Family. That's what matters. I'm going to call my dad. {Cat's in the Cradle begins playing}

And now the same accident reported in LA:

"An SUV is still blocking the right lane on The Five near mile-marker 19 while police await a tow vehicle to remove it. This is causing backups with major delays all the way back to Alameda."

And everyone is thinking: Fuck my life! Delayed again!

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > JCAlan 02/27/2015 at 10:38

2

yamahog > JCAlan 02/27/2015 at 10:42

2

Yes, they do need to announce when roads are clear because it is that rare of an occurrence.

One time some friends and I did the responsible thing and took a cab back from the bar at 1 or 2AM... Bumper to bumper all the way back to my apartment. Ughhhhh.

EDIT: misread, should've known better. obviously traffic in LA is never all clear unless it's Carmeggedon.

Yossarian > JCAlan 02/27/2015 at 10:42

1

As someone that took the 5 daily from the Alameda entrance I'd definitely be pissed sadly enough to say. That's what happens when it takes 45 minutes to travel 10 miles during rush hour.

thebigbossyboss > JCAlan 02/27/2015 at 10:44

1

I live in a middle zone (Canadian city about 800,000) so sometimes the traffic can be backed up (and do please tell me when they do work on the main east west highway) but I go to work early, so the traffic I hear is like yours. "All the roads are clear" Yeah. Because it's 6am. Civil servants leave the house at 8 lol.

RazoE > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 02/27/2015 at 10:45

1

This is exactly what happens. Every day I deal with this.

area man > JCAlan 02/27/2015 at 10:49

1

The plus side, as you've obviously noticed, is that they have excellent radio stations in LA to compensate for all the time you have to sit in traffic.

Mr. Ontop, No Strokes, No Smokes...Goes Fast. > JCAlan 02/27/2015 at 11:03

0

The ng with traffic here is you are either going balls the wall fast, we cruise at 80, some go faster,, cops don't care as long as you aren't being reckless, or we in soul crushing gridlock. It is indeed a and of extremes.

Fookin' Prawns > JCAlan 02/27/2015 at 11:55

0

Always check SigAlert before you leave, don't drive North in the morning or South in the late afternoon, and use the carpool/FasTrak lanes.

If all else fails and you're stuck, listen to 89.9 KCRW, 91.5 KUSC, 93.1 Jack FM, 95.5 KLOS, 98.7 Star FM, 100.3 The Sound (triple play Thursday!), or 106.7 KROQ (KAYYYYY-ROCK!).

RallyWrench > JCAlan 02/27/2015 at 14:04

0

Nothing good happens south of Point Conception. Except for any Oppos down there.