The Shoe Hurts in Every State: Drivers in the USA

While every state has its unique set of challenges when it comes to driving, some regions are notorious for particularly erratic and frustrating behaviors behind the wheel. From Oregon to Texas, and from Massachusetts to New Jersey, let's explore what it's like to navigate the roads in these states and why they stand out.

Oregon: A State of Careless Drivers

Any driver who has set foot in Oregon knows the state's reputation for reckless and inattentive driving. Personal experience speaks volumes about the risks and challenges faced on the roads here. One such instance involved an Oregon pickup towing a massive travel trailer. The driver would intentionally pass me with oncoming traffic closing in around him, then abruptly brake to merge back into my lane. This maneuver required me to hard brake to prevent a collision, while the trailer's erratic movement added to the potential for disaster.

Many Oregon drivers disregard the concept of no-passing zones and do not give a second thought to the cars racing towards them. These drivers often show a remarkable level of nonchalance when it comes to safety, a trait that highlights the underlying issues with driving culture in the state.

Massachusetts: A Trove of Chaotic Drivers

According to family anecdotes, Massachusetts is where the worst drivers reside on the East Coast. While personal experience may vary, the shared sentiment among drivers is that Massachusetts roads are at the top of the list for driver frustration. The erratic behavior, lane changes without warning, and disregard for fellow road users make driving in Massachusetts a challenging experience almost on par with hell.

Georgia, Particularly Atlanta: A Bumper-to-Bumper Frustration

Atlanta, Georgia, has a reputation that precedes it—drivers in this area are notoriously aggressive and inconsiderate. One of the most frustrating behaviors among Georgia drivers is their apparent refusal to respect the concept of the left lane as a passing lane. Even as vehicles approach these drivers in the left lane at a faster speed, most seem to disregard the idea of moving to the right to let faster vehicles pass. This behavior is not restricted to Georgia, as Texas has similar issues but on a different scale. In both states, the generalization of these behaviors by the local drivers is a testament to the widespread frustration felt on the roads.

Texas: A Lane of Contentious Merging

Texas drivers are infamous for merging at the last possible moment and refusing to yield to passing vehicles. In generalizations, Texas is a no-passing-zone haven. Drivers in the state often merge onto a highway and immediately move to the far left lane, remaining there regardless of oncoming traffic. Passing in the right lane is the only way to get past these stubborn drivers, a situation that can make for a long and frustrating drive. In stark contrast, my home city of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania once had clear rules: riding in the left lane was only acceptable for the duration needed to pass another vehicle.

Washington: The Worst Drivers in the USA?

In my opinion, Washington State has the worst drivers in the country. The road rage is palpable, with traffic in cities like Seattle being a daily challenge. Not just the driving, but the whole state atmosphere feels like a pressure cooker that tends to boil over at any moment.

Virginia, New York, and New Jersey: The Badges of Dishonorable Mentions

My hate for New Jersey drivers is well-documented. They constantly pass in any lane they feel like, and if a lane is ending, they make no effort to get over. They'll drive in the lane marked as ending, honk their horns when it's too late, and force their way into the correct lane. Another classic New Jersey move is driving in the left lane until 500 feet from their exit and then abruptly cutting across three lanes to get off. New York City and New Jersey share a similar reputation, with drivers displaying a level of lackadaisical attention that can make navigating the roads a sheer nerve-wracking experience.

Virginia is also mentioned as having some of the worst drivers. While not as extreme as the aforementioned states, Virginia drivers often exhibit a combination of inexperience and impatience, leading to numerous near-misses and stressful encounters on the road. However, the road culture in Virginia feels less hostile and more just driven by a general lack of communication on the highway.

Conclusion

No state is exempt from having its share of problematic drivers, and every region has its own set of behavioral quirks. From Oregon's erratic passers to Texas's lane-hoggers, the game of chicken on the road is an ongoing battle. Drivers should be aware of these common behaviors and adapt their driving techniques accordingly to stay safe and maintain a smoother journey.