Honkers

California is known for horrendous traffic and bad drivers.  Well, I'm pleased to report that those are indeed factual descriptions.  The traffic certainly does suck during rush hour (which is really rush 4 hours), but if you are driving on the highways at off peak times, traffic really isn't so bad.  And we've learned that if you are always expecting a traffic jam, you will be pleasantly surprised most of the time when you merge onto the highway.

People who have lived in CA for years and years insist that it is everyone else that are the bad drivers and that if you can't handle it, then don't drive.  Well, sorry folks, bad drivers are bad drivers no matter how long they've lived in the state.  Traffic laws are pretty much the same throughout the country, it's just LA drivers decide they don't need to obey them.  Side note: It is also true that the California police have far more important issues than to moderate traffic or poor driving behaviors.  In fact, in the 2.5 months that we've lived here, I have never seen a car pulled over for speeding, blowing a stop sign, etc.  And I guess it's a good thing because police activity always slows traffic and when it's slow to begin with, it just becomes unnecessary. 

Anyway, back to the asshole drivers...I am still astonished at how people drive here.  They change lanes without signaling and without allowing adequate space or time for them to actually fit in the lane. Furthermore, they don't even bother to look to see if it is safe to change lanes, they just go.  People always drive waaaaaaay too fast for traffic and then get pissed when they have to slam on their brakes.  And these are just a few of the examples. You would think that with the majority of the vehicles here being BMW's and Mercedes', they would take a little more care with their car.  

And finally, people honk like it's their job.  Now, I think there is a time and place for honking: when someone isn't paying attention and sitting at a green light - that gets a short gentle honk.  Then of course there is the time when someone else's carelessness (see above) puts you and your car in danger - that gets a prolonged angry honk.  However, LA people feel the need to honk at every little thing they see.  They never give other drivers the benefit of the doubt, nor do they have the patience to share the road with others.  Instead, they honk, honk and HONK until they feel they have solved the problem with their horn.  It's ridiculous!  I've only been honked at once because I was (as above) sitting at a green light not paying attention, but we witness over zealous honking several times a day.  They honk at every little thing that may be inconveniencing them in any way...or not, they still honk if it doesn't affect them at all. 

Anyway, people are stupid.  And people in LA are more stupid when they get behind the wheel.