Driving in DC
I actually really LOVE DC, but this blog entry has been a long time coming. I'm sure that those of you that have been to DC know that the driving here is terrible, but now that I've lived here awhile... allow me to sarcastically elaborate for you so as to get a realistic picture of life in the big city.
Slows!
First of all I've never seen on a major highway a speed limit for 45 mph... yes that was 45 MPH!!! How did I learn this, oh by the friendly police cameras they set up to make sure a gazillion people get ticketed in a speed trap, because what highway in ANY state goes that slow? Oh my gosh... $125 later...
Overly Cautious
I assume that because of this crazy change of speeds and random camera ticketing (that you get sent to you in the mail about 3 weeks later), people are OVERLY cautious in the actual 55 mph zones going about 40 mph. Nevermind, that these freeways are 55 mph to start with (another pet peeve... 65 mph people, let's all get on board), but when you are going a healthy 60 mph and have to slow drastically down for a 40 mph car that'll make you not think kind words to each other.
I'm Comin' Over
I call this the selfish lane switch, it's when the person in the lane in the right or left decides all of the sudden that they want to just get over when you are inches from their bumper. All of the sudden, they are the most important person on the road, and put you're safety at risk. This happens in mass when people realize they are all of the sudden in a turn/exit lane. Rrrrrr...
Fast Lane?
Another thing... the idea of the "fast lane" is entirely lost on DC... they have exits all over the place, left right, you name it, so you've got slows all over the road. It's literally like playing frogger, without the reward of getting to put your high score anywhere. Because when I can get from Arlington to Maryland in record time, I feel like I need to inscribe it somewhere. Alas... it would be a wonder if we could institue the concept of fast and slower lanes... but with the driver paranoia and angst running ramped I'm fairly sure it ain't happening any time soon.
Lawyers?
Someone told me before I came here, knowing that I have a tendency to go a bit fast on the road, that if I plan on speeding and go over a certain speed limit I would have to get a lawyer and go to court. I'm fuzzy on the details... all I remember is "speeding" equals "lawyer" and "court" in DC. No es bueno!
Anyhow... I know that I've possibly complained about drivers in other states before... but man, DC makes me miss those places. In a news article in the Washington Post, DC was said to be home to the worst drivers. All I have to say is: Word!!!
Slows!
First of all I've never seen on a major highway a speed limit for 45 mph... yes that was 45 MPH!!! How did I learn this, oh by the friendly police cameras they set up to make sure a gazillion people get ticketed in a speed trap, because what highway in ANY state goes that slow? Oh my gosh... $125 later...Overly Cautious
I assume that because of this crazy change of speeds and random camera ticketing (that you get sent to you in the mail about 3 weeks later), people are OVERLY cautious in the actual 55 mph zones going about 40 mph. Nevermind, that these freeways are 55 mph to start with (another pet peeve... 65 mph people, let's all get on board), but when you are going a healthy 60 mph and have to slow drastically down for a 40 mph car that'll make you not think kind words to each other.
I'm Comin' Over
I call this the selfish lane switch, it's when the person in the lane in the right or left decides all of the sudden that they want to just get over when you are inches from their bumper. All of the sudden, they are the most important person on the road, and put you're safety at risk. This happens in mass when people realize they are all of the sudden in a turn/exit lane. Rrrrrr...
Fast Lane?
Another thing... the idea of the "fast lane" is entirely lost on DC... they have exits all over the place, left right, you name it, so you've got slows all over the road. It's literally like playing frogger, without the reward of getting to put your high score anywhere. Because when I can get from Arlington to Maryland in record time, I feel like I need to inscribe it somewhere. Alas... it would be a wonder if we could institue the concept of fast and slower lanes... but with the driver paranoia and angst running ramped I'm fairly sure it ain't happening any time soon.
Lawyers?
Someone told me before I came here, knowing that I have a tendency to go a bit fast on the road, that if I plan on speeding and go over a certain speed limit I would have to get a lawyer and go to court. I'm fuzzy on the details... all I remember is "speeding" equals "lawyer" and "court" in DC. No es bueno!
Anyhow... I know that I've possibly complained about drivers in other states before... but man, DC makes me miss those places. In a news article in the Washington Post, DC was said to be home to the worst drivers. All I have to say is: Word!!!
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