[jrm]

I live in the Ballard area of Seattle. Ballard is famous for old Norwegians, Dodge Darts and BAD drivers. I witness poor examples of vehicle control on an hourly basis AND know an intersection that can guarantee that I get cut off EVERY TIME I pass through it. Maybe you have seen a feature on Ballard drivers on Almost Live on TV, maybe not. In short, drivers are stupid.

So, I wonder, "Are there any neighborhoods that are known for their GOOD drivers?". If I travel, are there other neighborhoods in other cities that are also known for crappy drivers?

The intersection in front of my business has so many accidents, I don't even bother to look when I hear a big crunch of two cars--I just dial for help, then mosey out there.

I do think motorcyclists are, in general, WAY better drivers of any vehicle--we have to be.

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[748 Abuser]

So, I wonder, "Are there any neighborhoods that are known for their GOOD drivers?".

Yes. Disneyland has some excellent drivers. Just watch out for that Goofy Fuker, he's a terror.

 

[elo]

I can only speak from experience. The Monterey Bay Peninsula (Laguna Seca) has some pretty good drivers, all things considered. We had *maybe* five fatalities per year, and most of the other accidents were due to weather and bad roads. On the other hand, Phoenix is pretty bad. Not as bad as LA, but I'd put it a close second.

 

[VYPIR]

just to add some detail to Phx

The Phoenix area has the top 3 or 4 intersections for red light running in the nation.
Our DMV gives a licience to anybody too. I witnessed a guy recieve a licience when he couldn't even see the 20/50, or anything on the eye chart. They let him guess until he got them right. :finger:

I won't even ride my bike to commute around town anymore.

 

[Rogue_Biker]

I can only speak from experience. The Monterey Bay Peninsula (Laguna Seca) has some pretty good drivers, all things considered. We had *maybe* five fatalities per year, and most of the other accidents were due to weather and bad roads. On the other hand, Phoenix is pretty bad. Not as bad as LA, but I'd put it a close second.

Yeah but those Monterey Peninsula drivers sure are SLOW! I just can't get over how slow everyone drives there. Maybe that's why fatalities are low?

L.A. is 2nd only to NY for having the worst drivers. In my opinion these two places are the most dangerous places to ride a motorcycle.

 

[elo]

Yeah but those Monterey Peninsula drivers sure are SLOW! I just can't get over how slow everyone drives there. Maybe that's why fatalities are low?

That would be my guess. It's truly amazing considering how many animated corpses driving Cadillacs there are.

 

[Tahoe]

From a refugee from the People'z Republik of California, I submit that driving in Silicon Valley is as life-threatening as anywhere!

For all practical purposes, I had hung up my leathers the last few years I lived there, other than an occasional blast to Laguna or weekday jaunt along Hwy 9 & 35.

On the other hand, up here in the Sierra's I've found most drivers are pretty cool, traffic tends to run at a brisk pace, but you do have to be more wary of wildlife. Last week a local rider almost clipped a bear....oh my!

Ride well.