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[2024] Driving in Houston

Discussion in 'BBS Hangout' started by Sajan, Jun 17, 2024.

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What is your biggest annoyance?

Poll closed Dec 17, 2024.
  1. Camping in the left lane

    1 vote(s)
    3.7%
  2. Driving below speed limit with plenty of open space

    4 vote(s)
    14.8%
  3. Distracted; using mobile devices

    13 vote(s)
    48.1%
  4. No lights in the dark or leaving high beam on

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  5. Leaving multiple car distances at stop lights

    1 vote(s)
    3.7%
  6. Tapping on brakes constantly

    1 vote(s)
    3.7%
  7. No turn signals

    3 vote(s)
    11.1%
  8. Not knowing how to merge; zipper merge

    4 vote(s)
    14.8%
  9. Other

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  1. rhino17

    rhino17 Member

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    In Houston, the worst part of driving is the overly aggressive small dick drivers (often in impractical large trucks, but not always).

    But I drive more in Denver, which is the opposite. Traffic constantly created by everyone driving 20 miles under the speed limit.
     
  2. davidio840

    davidio840 Member

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    Ah the effects of everyone driving stoned.

    [​IMG]
     
    rhino17 likes this.
  3. Sajan

    Sajan Member

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    Yup. It's not about the speed more than keeping left lane open to pass.
    Whether you are going the speed limit, over by a few or a lot, just move over if you are not actively passing..and certainly move over if someone is right behind you.

    When left lane is not open, people make riskier lane changes over to the right.
     
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  4. Xerobull

    Xerobull ...and I'm all out of bubblegum
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  5. adoo

    adoo Member

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    that is also my pet peeve



    in Calif,
    there is this unwriiten rule, No turn signals, no honking


    in Boston
    [​IMG]

    In NY, using the blinker is a dead give-away that you're a tourist. subjecting the driver to lots of verbal abuse from the locals.​
     
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  6. Houstunna

    Houstunna Mr Graphix
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    In NYC, you gotta be above average to have a personal vehicle in the first place.

    Space is limited.. so parking is always an issue (and costs) -- then there's constant tolls, fines, taxes.

    Public transportation (namely, subway) makes it easy to move around. Plus, the said "limited space" makes it easy to just walk to where you need to be because most amenities are close-by. Houston is basically the opposite of NYC in that aspect. This is also a huge reason why Texas cities are among the fattest places, while NYC is one of the fittest. Walk, don't drive.
     
    Sajan likes this.
  7. ROCKSS

    ROCKSS Member
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    3-4 days a week there is the usual idiot who is going 100 mph weaving in and out of traffic or the dumb ass motorcycle driver who is driving on the shoulder or weaving in and out of bumper-to-bumper traffic....................your going to kill someone you friggin idiot. And there is never a cop around to bust them
     
    Sajan likes this.
  8. Sajan

    Sajan Member

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    There are some key differences between German and U.S. drivers, shaped by driving culture, laws, and road infrastructure. Here are some of the biggest contrasts:

    1. Training & Licensing
    • Germany: Getting a driver's license (Führerschein) is expensive (~€2,000-3,000) and requires extensive training, including professional lessons, highway driving, and night driving. The test is difficult.
    • U.S.: Licensing is much easier and cheaper. Many states allow teens to get a permit at 15-16 with minimal formal instruction. The driving test is relatively simple.
    2. Driving Discipline & Road Culture
    • Germany: Drivers are generally disciplined, obey lane discipline (keep right except to pass), and maintain high levels of road etiquette.
    • U.S.: Many drivers stay in the left lane unnecessarily, and lane discipline is much looser.
    3. Speed & Highway Behavior
    • Germany: Autobahns have no general speed limit in many sections, but drivers are highly skilled at high-speed driving. Merging and passing are done efficiently.
    • U.S.: Freeways have speed limits (typically 55-80 mph), and speeding is common, but many drivers lack experience with high-speed maneuvering.
    4. Enforcement & Rules
    • Germany: Strict laws against tailgating, improper lane usage, and speeding (with speed cameras widely used). Fines and penalties are severe.
    • U.S.: Traffic law enforcement varies by state. Speeding is common, and law enforcement is often inconsistent.
    5. Attitude Toward Driving
    • Germany: Driving is seen as a skill and responsibility, and many take pride in driving correctly.
    • U.S.: Many see driving as a convenience or necessity rather than a skill to master.
    6. Cars & Infrastructure
    • Germany: Smaller, more efficient cars dominate. Roads are well-maintained, and public transportation is a strong alternative.
    • U.S.: Larger vehicles (SUVs, trucks) are common. Roads are wider but often less well-maintained, and public transport is lacking in many areas.
    chatgpt^
    grok:
    Road Etiquette: Germans tend to follow strict lane discipline (e.g., left lane for passing only), while U.S. drivers are often less consistent, with more casual lane usage.
     
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  9. Jugdish

    Jugdish Member

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    I don't know if it's the case anymore, but I got my Texas license without having to take a driving test. Just did the class when I was 15 and passed the written test on my birthday. Insane.
     
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  10. droxford

    droxford Member

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    Seven months ago I rented a car a drove through the Alps. Germans tailgate like a MF.
     
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  11. Xerobull

    Xerobull ...and I'm all out of bubblegum
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  12. Buck Turgidson

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