Traffic Laws as Interpreted by New Yorkers

So I spent a few days of Spring Break last week in Manhattan with my family, and was a bit taken aback at the cars there. As Houstonian currently living in San Antonio, and having driven in both cities, I thought Houston had aggressive drivers. I WAS WRONG. Houston drivers are sweet, incredibly caring, and a little on the slow side. I also noticed that we have different opinions on the laws and policies of traffic, and decided to share a few of the New Yorker views here.

LANE LINES-- Lane lines are markers for pedestrians, not drivers. They're sort of like yard lines in football, so that those who are walking know how far across the street they are. Pedestrians don't necessarily *have* to use them, although they're helpful. In any case, lane lines really don't have anything to do with where cars drive.

RED LIGHTS-- these are sort of like yellow lights. If you're close enough and it JUST turned red, there's nothing wrong with just going through, especially if you go really fast.


DISTANCE BETWEEN CARS -- wait, what?


INTERSECTIONS-- let's just face facts here. Intersections are GOING to be blocked. Why shouldn't it be you? It might be a little annoying for the person going in the crossing lane, but they can always squeeze through behind or in front of you. Not your fault.

SPEED LIMITS-- these are completely irrelevant, because you're always going to have too much traffic to reach the speed limit. That doesn't mean you can't test the limits of your own speed/maneuverability within the traffic you're in, though. See how fast you CAN go! Just because you're surrounded by cars on all six sides of your car doesn't mean you shouldn't step on the pedal a bit. Just because you COULD hit cars, doesn't mean you WILL.

HONKING-- car horns are for when you're feeling frustrated or overwhelmed about life. If anything whatsoever is bothering you (your boss was kind of a bitch today, you're behind on work, you forgot to pick up kids from school, you just don't feel like driving), then honk! That's what the horn is for! Alternatively, if it's simply too quiet, go ahead and honk. Break the silence. Dare to be different.

PEDESTRIANS-- don't kill them. That's bad.