[2024] Driving in Houston

People smokin' hella dank weed while drivin'

 

Definitely driving the speed limit or below though.

 

At this point I feel like using phones while driving contributes to all of the other options.

 

I can let a lot of stuff go, but not signaling..... If you're going to do something stupid, at least let me know.

 

You are in the righthand lane at a busy intersection and wanting to turn right. The first/lead vehicle stopped in the righthand lane at the red light is going to go straight through the intersection. So those wanting to turn right have to wait for the signals at the intersection to cycle through because the driver in the lead vehicle is blocking them.

 

Signaling everywhere and brights/LEDs on the highway, especially on trucks.

 

Only time that's acceptable is if you're making a right within a block of the intersection.

 

People trying to skip traffic by driving on the shoulder
then getting irate and losing their sh*t because one people blocks the should
that they shouldn't be on any way

Rocket River

 

People at stop lights playing on their phone

 

People who act like they've never seen rush hour traffic before. About to stroke out because there's traffic on 59 downtown at 5:30 on a weekday.

 

It floors me that the vast majority of people are still completely unaware of this concept.

 

ok dam... sorry. i'm still learning

 

You're the guy who stares at the dashboard computer screen in traffic thinking it will tell you where to go....

 

It’s still Brakey McGee that’s the worst. Serious safety issue and can impair the entire flow of traffic for miles.

None of the other **** bothers me much because I know they’re out there and can spot them by the car body language. Brakey makes you think there’s an abrupt stop when there isn’t.

At any rate, Houston traffic self-regulates with these assholes. Another reason why I love it here.

Dallas, on the other hand…that should be an option. Dallas Drivers.

 

Everything mentioned is pretty annoying but my main answer is....

"Not knowing how to merge" -- followed closely by turn signals. Both are related.

People camping in the right lanes while traffic is entering the freeway (with no intention of taking the next exit) is one of the dumbest moves ever. People show zero foresight and lack self awareness. Merging is the number one problem that causes accidents that's not actually illegal. The interchange at 610 going southbound to I-45 is among the worst in the city. Why?... because traffic is merging from both sides of the freeway lanes.
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Texas has the best freeways in the country though. The vast majority of other places don't have feeder roads or convenient U-turns. Plus, Texas has some big multi-lane freeways, and the high ramps for interchanges is pretty awesome -- unless you're terrified of heights. Recent construction has added exits on the ramps so you don't miss the street because the ramp drove you smooth over/passed it.

 

This is another reason why turn signals are important.

Whenever I'm going straight though, I check the rearview to see if any approaching cars are about to turn (indicated by turn signal). If I don't see a signal, I'm staying there. But I do try to avoid being there in the first place.