Connecticut Driving Rules:
1. If you're not going at least 10 above the posted speed, you're not even in the game. It's ok to slow it down to 5 above, but only when it's night and dumping rain. If you go the speed limit, you will get passed.
2. Passing on the right isn't just ok, it's a moral obligation.
3. If the lane you need isn't marked on the road, just invent one. Right turn lanes, left turn lanes, whatever you need. Don't worry about people on the other side of the road, intersection, or whatever - they'll move.
4. Need somewhere to park? It's always ok to park on the side of the street, even if you're blocking half of the actual lane. Also, feel free to just leap out of your car and leave the doors open - everyone else will move. If all else fails, just use the sidewalk, that's what it's there for.
5. When people open their doors or walk in the middle of the road, just swerve, don't slow down. Everyone else will move.
6. Need to pull out onto the street? Good luck. Fortunately, most people will leave you room, but if they don't, just go. They'll make room. And if you really need to make a left or be in the lefthand lane, just go. They'll make room for that, too.
7. If you've been stopped at a stoplight, it turns green, and you aren't going in about 1 second, prepare for the horn.
8. In fact, getting a black belt in Horn Fu is a must.
9. Unless you get in an accident or get in their way, the cops don't care. Really, they don't. So don't worry about it.
10. Be proud, people of Connecticut! According to surveys, you've been ranked 42nd in the nation for driving test scores! Clearly some work must be done to beat out Rhode Island, but you're well on the path! Keep up the good work!
[ED Note: Note who's #1 on that survey. Nyah.]
Posted by Dwip at September 2, 2006 4:53 PMExcept around campus here, where all the cars must make room for the huge hordes of students who don't really care if they're crossing completely against the light. The whole Horn Fu thing still applies, but they have to give us the right of way. Grudgingly.
Posted by: Regina at September 3, 2006 5:32 AMYou act like it's not just like that in every town everywhere. Your little town out west is the only place that isn't. Welcome to normal people.
Posted by: Whir at September 3, 2006 10:05 AMNo, seriously, this is levels beyond anything I've seen anywhere outside of Rome (Rome's pretty wild). Iron Mountain, let me note, had nothing on New Haven, though much of that may be sheer traffic volume. There's a change that was pretty evident once I hit NY, though.
Also, the hierarchy of university traffic right of way:
1. Emergency vehicles
2. Bicycles (they don't stop for nobody nowhere)
3. Pedestrians
4. Cars (maybe)
Notice the entire northwest is in the top 10
The states were used to driving in are the top 4
I noticed an immediate difference just driving a few miles into California once.
So the question is whose normal? I say the Northwest rules the world!!!! Don't like it then turn off your Microsoft based computer and kick off your Nike shoes and live in the stone age WOOT! ;p
Posted by: Gormican at September 3, 2006 10:37 PM