Where are the world's worst drivers?
#42
Guest
Posts: n/a
Scarlett
Let's go! I'm packing my bag(s). I'm sure Fodors will happily sponsor our independent research! Let's investigate the French countryside first, then move onto Italy, shall we?
I don't know that FL is the worst, but it is certainly bad. Boston was far worse for aggressiveness. If I had to meet my husband for any reason I'd go in as far as Cambridge and no more. It's also reflected in their insurance rates.
The problem in FL depends on where you live. Our elderly population isn't as great in Tamapa Bay as some areas and the problem I see here is aggressiveness and disregard for traffic laws...lights, turn signals, yielding, stop signs, speed limits...you name it, they mean nothing. General rules of thumb, like leaving 1 car length between you and the car in front of you for every 10 mph hour you are traveling--well, just toss that right out the window. All that does is invite everyone to cut in whatever space you've left between you and the driver ahead of you, causing you to constantly readjust your position. These aren't oldsters, but 20's and up, and primarily male.
And what's with the cars with the front drivers' seats reclined so you wonder if they've been made up as one of Westin's Heavenly beds? Those are the low slung cars always with weird little tires. Then there are the PUs jacked up so high I could drive my little convertible right under them. One look at either of these and you know you have to steer clear, whether you are in FL, MA, AZ, WI...no matter.
Let's go! I'm packing my bag(s). I'm sure Fodors will happily sponsor our independent research! Let's investigate the French countryside first, then move onto Italy, shall we? I don't know that FL is the worst, but it is certainly bad. Boston was far worse for aggressiveness. If I had to meet my husband for any reason I'd go in as far as Cambridge and no more. It's also reflected in their insurance rates.
The problem in FL depends on where you live. Our elderly population isn't as great in Tamapa Bay as some areas and the problem I see here is aggressiveness and disregard for traffic laws...lights, turn signals, yielding, stop signs, speed limits...you name it, they mean nothing. General rules of thumb, like leaving 1 car length between you and the car in front of you for every 10 mph hour you are traveling--well, just toss that right out the window. All that does is invite everyone to cut in whatever space you've left between you and the driver ahead of you, causing you to constantly readjust your position. These aren't oldsters, but 20's and up, and primarily male.
And what's with the cars with the front drivers' seats reclined so you wonder if they've been made up as one of Westin's Heavenly beds? Those are the low slung cars always with weird little tires. Then there are the PUs jacked up so high I could drive my little convertible right under them. One look at either of these and you know you have to steer clear, whether you are in FL, MA, AZ, WI...no matter.
#44
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,067
Likes: 0
I thought my new adopted home in Memphis was pretty bad. Every trip I make, I feel it necessary to say "whoa, did you see that?". Even if there's no one else in the car with me.
Some of the best driving I've ever seen though is in the CBD in Melbourne(Australia, not Florida). Single lane streets plus a "tun" lane but they have tram lines running down turn lane. Of course, they drive on the left, so to make a right, you must pull all the way to the left (curbside) so as not to block either traffic or the tram. Then, when the perfect moment arises, you swing across all lanes to make your right hand turn. Exhilirating!
#50
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My auto insurance agent once said he thought they should just put all the Florida "blue hairs" in bumpercars and be done with it. At least speeding isn't usually their problem.
Of all the places I've observed (which is clearly not the entire world), I'd put Rome and Quebec right up there. I'm surprised no one has mentioned Boston yet, but at least Bostonians know how to drive in the snow. Worst specialty type of bad driving is driving in a Southern city when it snows -- they have NO CLUE you should start slowing up for stops way ahead of time and you should never floor the accelerator at green lights or going up hills expecting to get traction somehow. As for knowing what to do with a skid.......
Of all the places I've observed (which is clearly not the entire world), I'd put Rome and Quebec right up there. I'm surprised no one has mentioned Boston yet, but at least Bostonians know how to drive in the snow. Worst specialty type of bad driving is driving in a Southern city when it snows -- they have NO CLUE you should start slowing up for stops way ahead of time and you should never floor the accelerator at green lights or going up hills expecting to get traction somehow. As for knowing what to do with a skid.......
#55
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
I wouldn't say that western Washington has the worst drivers, but I have to wonder what people were thinking last week. There were several accidents along I5 involving at least 50 cars. People don't seem to realize that when it rains you need to slow down, and increase your stopping distance, especially when there are unexpected sun breaks that cause extreme road glare. That's what happened to cause these accidents. The same thing happened a few years ago, except this time a young guy died in one of the accidents.
#57
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,647
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Why is it the tiny blue hairs drive giant cars like a 1973 Buick Land Yacht? That's the type of car for a demolition derby!
I was in Cary, NC over the weekend. Some people believe Cary stands for Containment Area for Relocated Yankees and their lousy driving. Some idiot in a truck pulling a trailer went from 85 mph in the fast lane, across all three lanes (just in front of me) to exit the highway. At least I was able to see the idiot and slow down down to avoid him. The stuff in the back seat of my car shifted and ended up on the floor. At least there was no one behind me.
I was in Cary, NC over the weekend. Some people believe Cary stands for Containment Area for Relocated Yankees and their lousy driving. Some idiot in a truck pulling a trailer went from 85 mph in the fast lane, across all three lanes (just in front of me) to exit the highway. At least I was able to see the idiot and slow down down to avoid him. The stuff in the back seat of my car shifted and ended up on the floor. At least there was no one behind me.
#58
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 758
Likes: 0
3 Way tie between NYC, Boston and South Florida!!
NYC just bites all around traffic wise and for people who have moved here from all over the world and think the laws do not apply to them!! There's a reason the NYPD have ticket quotas and they have no problems meeting it traffic wise!!
Boston for it's highways and roads. I got stuck in standstill traffic for the longest time I ever recall (an hour) going over the Tobin Bridge with no explanation. People were actually going in reverse to try to escape! Then 20 minutes after that, I got hit in my rental car by a guy who blew a stop sign!
South Florida simply because no one signals, the blue hairs, and well, you know the rest! Put it this way: People have told me while driving in Florida, if you use your turn signals, they will know you're a tourist!!
NYC just bites all around traffic wise and for people who have moved here from all over the world and think the laws do not apply to them!! There's a reason the NYPD have ticket quotas and they have no problems meeting it traffic wise!!
Boston for it's highways and roads. I got stuck in standstill traffic for the longest time I ever recall (an hour) going over the Tobin Bridge with no explanation. People were actually going in reverse to try to escape! Then 20 minutes after that, I got hit in my rental car by a guy who blew a stop sign!
South Florida simply because no one signals, the blue hairs, and well, you know the rest! Put it this way: People have told me while driving in Florida, if you use your turn signals, they will know you're a tourist!!


