I have a new blog friend, Ari. Okay I have a lot of new blog friends (hi!), but this one happens to live and work in Bangalore, the Silicon Valley of India. Mountain View, California is called the Silicon Valley and I used to live in California. We’re practical related. Anyway, I found Arindam UnPlugged one day while I was out tag surfing. I came across his post The Indian Signal Spectacle and laughed my ass off. Read it, you won’t be sorry. Besides, it helps this post make sense. Well . . . maybe not, but read it anyway.
The whole time I was reading his post I was stunned by his client, Steve from Chicago. Mr. Chicago seemed to be shocked and dismayed by the traffic customs in Ari’s metropolis. “Surely, Steve has driven or, at the very least, ridden in a car somewhere in the US of A,” was the thought that replayed in my head all the way through the post. I just hate it when people misrepresent and now find I must correct Ari’s impression of driving in America.
The first thing to strike me as odd was when the man from the windy city asked why the other drivers at a long stop light were honking their horns. Really?
This question actually came from a resident of one of the horn-honking capitals of the world? Standard hand placement on the wheel of the vehicle accommodates one to steer and one to honk. Honking is practically a national pastime. Fines up $250 for using the horn unnecessarily have been implemented, but no one seems particularly concerned and the clamor of toots and blasts continues unabated.
Steve’s next moment of amazement came as the result of a cyclist cutting between vehicles. Come on Steve, you never wanted to “clothes line” the twerp in the latex shorts and plastic helmet dodging in and out of traffic? Please.
“Steve had come in from a culture where people are accustomed to follow lane discipline.” Oh yeah, we have exceptional skills when it comes to staying in our lanes. No one ever curses some nimrod motorist straddling the line or cutting them off after flying down the median. Perhaps commuters in India have figured out how to deal with a tight squeeze, but we’re still having a little trouble with that one.
We also have a quaint custom of communicating directly with our fellow drivers. We are passionate about it and make sure we practice every day.
This interaction can be verbal or non-verbal and conducted through the use of hand gestures, signs and, of course, the car horn. There are some media types that like to exaggerate and call it “road rage,” but it’s really just friendly conversation. Our way of letting our compatriots on the road know how we feel about their brilliant driving skills.
Yeah, driving in good, ole America is a walk in the park. Just make sure you have 911 on speed dial, your pepper spray close at hand and emergency foodstuffs in the trunk for those really bad traffic days. And please . . . don’t forget to honk if . . .
104 comments
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November 22, 2011 at 2:35 am
lifeintheboomerlane
So funny and so tragic. I think Washington, DC is now officially the, “Worst Traffic Mayhem in the Entire History of the World” I think we are all crazy here. Red lights have become mere suggestions and on ramps are now two way.
November 22, 2011 at 2:53 am
Miss Demure Restraint
“Red lights have become mere suggestions and on ramps are now two way.” I wish I had written that. Way to funny!
Thanks for such a great comment.
December 14, 2011 at 5:41 am
rastelly
On a trip to Italy my father was told that the traffic laws were
“Just guidelines.” Things are pretty tame here in Louisana.
You just need remember that pickup trucks with gun racks
always have the right of way, and that turn signals are
vital – except in Baton Rouge where everyone inexplicably
stops using them. Merging in that city is another story
express your intention to merge and no one will let
you in – I’ve actually seen people squeeze closer to
gether to prevent the incursion of an outsider. One
must invade their ranks without prior warning, forceing
them to concede in an impromptu game of chicken.
In traffic jams many will turn off the road and ride the
sholder, something that disgusted my mother till she
saw her sister-in-law do it. My brother had someone
who tried to cut in frount of him in this way – so he refused,
laughing at the desperate honks of the stranded motorist.
I’ll top this off by saying I was once told to honk the horn
and flip off a passing van – by my driving instructor.
December 18, 2011 at 12:47 am
Miss Demure Restraint
It’s good to know Seattlites are not the only ones that will go to almost any lengths to stop another car from merging. From your desciption on Baton Rouge drivers, I think I would have little problem adjusting.
Thanks for your outstanding comment.
December 25, 2011 at 4:03 am
rastelly
Your welcome. 🙂
November 22, 2011 at 2:46 am
AriRambles
Well.. well… seems like the same troubles in US of A too… wonderful post, Miss D! And many thanks for linking back to my post 🙂
November 22, 2011 at 2:55 am
Miss Demure Restraint
No thanks Ari . . . from the moment I read your post I knew I had to write this.
Thanks for the inspiration and coordination on this post.
November 26, 2011 at 12:58 pm
AriRambles
Miss D… its been a busy week… for me at work, and for the site as well.. with so many referrers from this post! Thank you SO much… It has also helped me make some new friends in Blogosphere… 🙂 thank you!
November 27, 2011 at 4:48 am
Miss Demure Restraint
No thanks needed Ari. I’m thrilled people came to visit you. You have a wonderful and fun blog. I’m glad to have been able to share it with people. Hey, I sent a blog award your way. I hope you have a good time with it.
Thank you for the collaboration.
November 22, 2011 at 2:53 am
lorrelee1970
LMAO. I read his post after this one. Love it and yours is great.
Pictures add that specials touch. AND…how true it all is. It’s great when you can read something and picture it happening. Great idea!
He made everything in his culture seem so normal and you managed to do the same thing with us. God Bless America and God Bless you.
November 22, 2011 at 3:14 am
Miss Demure Restraint
Thanks. I’m glad you checked out Ari’s post. It is so funny.
Hey, when’s the next Barbie installment? Although, today’s post was freaking hysterical.
November 22, 2011 at 3:07 am
skeletonfingers
In Mexico, if you have insurance and you get into a wreck, it’s your fault. Worst place to drive ever…
November 22, 2011 at 3:35 am
Miss Demure Restraint
Isn’t that what insurance is for? Just kidding.
Personally, I refuse to drive in Mexico . . . somebody (read – bat-shit crazy lunatic) can, but I won’t.
Thanks for coming by. I enjoy your “Ask a Jerk” blog.
November 22, 2011 at 3:21 am
MisplacedBoy
I’m so used to LA traffic that I miss it now that I’m in exile here in my small southern town. Recently on a road trip with my Mom and sister we had to pass through Atlanta, I was driving and when traffic started to build up i literally let out a sigh and said, “Ah…almost like home.” True story.
At least we don’t have overloaded auto rickshaws to deal with…yet.
November 22, 2011 at 3:38 am
Miss Demure Restraint
Only you would miss L.A. traffic. You are a very sick boy!
During my research, I did find there is a plan to implement the auto rickshaws here in the US.
Good to see ya’.
November 22, 2011 at 3:30 am
annmariedwyer
I see you picked up on all the road rage photos I passed up! Love it! I think I know the guy parked against the building….Red.
November 22, 2011 at 3:41 am
Miss Demure Restraint
Not all. There were so many to choose from . . . that’s why the collages were necessary. I just couldn’t leave so many good pictures behind.
You know my ex? I’m sure that’s him in the pic you mentioned. Worst driver in the world.
Thanks for stopping by Red.
November 22, 2011 at 4:39 am
somkritya
Just read yours and Ari’s articles . too funny but really annoying for the one on the road..I live in Delhi and believe me when i say if you have not seen the driving on Delhi roads you havent seen anything..people here dont Drive they Grrrrrive
and Grrrive my dear friend is a package deal, in includes
cussing( people are really getting innovative when it comes to cussing here but a staple in the cussing circuit is “tu janta nahi mera baap kaun hai” it means hey you you have no idea who my father is ( its supposed to be a threat)
,middle finger,cold stares,dirty looks,honking,kicking someones vehicles(yes it happens) and mobile threats( acting as if one is going to call every minister and mafia)
if its a bigger vehicle that just overtook yours then that man asked for a free coaching in driving,
if it was some smaller car which according to Delhites is a scooter with two more tyres and a hood then go home you smaller every thing
and last but not the least if it was a woman driving than you will get to hear something like hey lady go home wear something more, cook clean and die of “womanly” dieases..gawd these women they have taken heart attack from us too…
people here drive as if they are chased by Zoombies,Vampires,Michael mayer,freddy,dexter all together..its a drive or die situation
November 22, 2011 at 5:28 am
Miss Demure Restraint
It seem to be a worldwide epidemic. I like that term . . . Grrrrive. Here, the women are screaming louder than the men.
I really like your horror movie/TV reference.
Thanks for stopping in and commenting. Don’t let the road crazies get you!
November 22, 2011 at 4:49 am
Anne Schilde
I was dying! The whole time I was reading this, I was hearing that cheerful Americana background music and that smooth man’s narrator voice you get in those driving instruction videos. Love it!
November 22, 2011 at 5:30 am
Miss Demure Restraint
That’s a great idea. I wonder if I could figure out how to add music. Probably not, I can’t make half the features here work.
Glad you liked it Anne. See you later.
November 22, 2011 at 6:02 am
Anne Schilde
That’s awesome! I can’t make the other half work. Between the two of us, we can’t make anything work!
November 22, 2011 at 6:15 am
Miss Demure Restraint
Or together we would cancel each other out and be helpless. LOL
November 22, 2011 at 6:08 am
beautifulchaos2
That last group of photos is pretty scary! We don’t have quite as much traffic here in Vancouver, if it ever got that bad I might never leave the house again, at least without a dashboard IV hookup for valium:P
I’ve added your birthday Miss D. You can check out the calendar here>
http://beautifulchaos2.wordpress.com/birthday-calendar-for-friends/
My intent with the idea was just a simple one….a way for me and others to keep track of friends birthdays, and drop off Bday greetings (and a gift made by me) on their special day. I keep the calendar updated and hope others check it, but you never know about that part. Big hug, Nikki
November 22, 2011 at 6:22 am
Miss Demure Restraint
You rock Nikki! Now I can check at the beginning of the month for everyone’s birthday. Awesome.
Vancouver? I didn’t realize. Howdy Neighbor. You guys are much better prepared for snow than we are. It seems the first snow in Seattle, cars are abandon on the freeway, the buses stop running and every one panics. Wouldn’t you think we’d figure it out? Winter – Snow – Duh!
It’s always so good to see you. Thanks for coming and thanks for the birthday calendar.
November 22, 2011 at 7:36 am
prenin
You make England sound quaint and polite!!! LoL!!!
Love and hugs!
Prenin.
November 22, 2011 at 3:38 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
HaHa. I’ve heard some pretty hair raising stories from Londoners.
Thanks for stopping by P
Miss D
November 22, 2011 at 10:37 am
zendictive
I liked, “honk if I’m paying your mortgage” I could go even farther but…I won’t, great post. have a quality day (~_~)
November 22, 2011 at 3:50 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
Thanks Art. There were a couple I really liked, but I tried for a cross section . . . you know, something for everyone.
I’m happy to see.
November 22, 2011 at 11:00 am
ldsrr91
Took you advice, checked out the link, it was a good read. I was surprised when you asked permission to link back, I had never seen that before. If I desire to give them a link, I just do it.
Don’t know if it is right or not, but that is how I do it.
Nice read, good subject. If you are the third car thru the intersection after the light has turned red … You are most likely in Okie City, Oklahoma.
DS
November 22, 2011 at 3:58 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
I like to ask if I want to piggy-back on a post like I did this one. I’ve developed a habit lately of linking to blogs in a general way also, but those I use link and rarely ask. Ari does write some great stories.
Stop lights do seem to be optional in some areas. I’ll remember if I’m driving in Oklahoma City not to jump out as soon as the light turns green.
Thanks for stopping in DS.
November 22, 2011 at 12:01 pm
johnhauge
as messed up as traffic is here in southern california i found traffic ‘problems’ to be even more horrific in china. backing up on the freeway to catch missed off ramps is my personal favorite. or maybe bathroom breaks on the side of the road. the only place on earth where i think the traffic is even worse would be saigon, i refuse to call it by it’s new/old name. though in both places one needs to show no fear when crossing a street on foot and never stop moving. ever.
November 22, 2011 at 4:15 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
Here in Seattle the pedestrians are of the opinion that they in fact own the road and the peeps on bikes are even worse. We bring back such fond memories . . . like when no one used 57 and 210 didn’t get bad until you hit Arcadia. I know you know what I’m talking about.
Thanks again for stopping by.
November 22, 2011 at 1:26 pm
nevercontrary
Steve is obviously a traffic alien in disguise collecting data
November 22, 2011 at 4:20 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
That was one of my thoughts when I read Ari’s post. How could anyone from Chicago or any other city in the US be surprised or dismayed by a little horn honking or red light jumping? Ok, the auto rickshaw thing maybe.
Happy to see you here. Thanks for coming by.
November 22, 2011 at 1:45 pm
mindslam
I really think people should have to take the test every 5 years or so. Maybe that would weed out some of these idiots. Memphis has always been full of terrible drivers.
November 22, 2011 at 4:23 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
We don’t have drivers test every five years in Tennessee? I’m moving there when I get old. We have them here in Washington. Not that it does any real good.
Oh boy, tomorrow is Wednesday and I can’t wait for the prompt. I hope its something good.
November 22, 2011 at 2:05 pm
underwhelmer
I never did figure out the ingrained need to honk while trapped in a traffic jam. “I’m angry and I can’t go anywhere. I should make everybody else miserable too.”
November 22, 2011 at 4:26 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
Perhaps they are traffic aliens and blasting their horns is how they call the mother ship to pick them up. Credit Never Contrary for putting aliens in my head this morning. I just got them out after your “Freshly Pressed” post on first contact.
Later friend.
November 22, 2011 at 2:07 pm
Tina
Oh yeah, Chicago drivers. Been there. Done that. I have personally overcome road-raging though there are several other things I wish I had managed to overcome instead. Love the photo montages. Thanks!
November 22, 2011 at 4:46 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
I put a lot of time into the photos. Thank you for noticing. Chicago drivers can only be experienced not described. Egro, by amazement with Steve’s attitude. Come on, dude!
Thanks for dropping in and confirming my take on Chicago road warriors.
November 22, 2011 at 2:20 pm
John
I hope you didn’t have to stitch those photos together.
November 22, 2011 at 4:47 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
With my own two little hands. You like?
November 22, 2011 at 4:54 pm
John
I can’t even see the thread. Nicely done!
November 22, 2011 at 5:12 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
I guess two years in a graphic job shop wasn’t wasted. Thanks.
November 22, 2011 at 2:30 pm
afrankangle
Thanks for the laughs … and sadly, a world of driving in a world that loves reality shows … thus the question “Do reality shows mimic human behavior or does human behavior mimic reality shows?” Love the post and the Ari’s!
November 22, 2011 at 4:55 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
I think you may be onto something here. A reality show of people stuck in traffic. Well, the blobbers would be funny anyway.
Thank you for reading both my and Ari’s post. I know I appreciate it and am sure he does to.
November 22, 2011 at 5:28 pm
afrankangle
BTW … I like the “Rush Hour” puzzle … here’s the online version.
http://www.puzzles.com/products/RushHour/RHfromMarkRiedel/Jam.html
November 22, 2011 at 6:12 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
Thank you for the link.
November 22, 2011 at 3:55 pm
thewaiting
Maybe Steve from Chicago was actually from Chicago, Idaho.
November 22, 2011 at 4:56 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
That is an option I hadn’t thought of. LOL. Still, I’ll been stuck in traffic in Boise and its no picnic.
How’s Bebe doing? Have you picked a name yet?
November 22, 2011 at 4:38 pm
I failed. « Sheila Talbitzer
[…] Boxers & Blugs « Kana’s Notebook. Panic and Maternity Pants « brokencondoms. Driving in America « Miss Demure Restraint. Weak words are definitely not their […]
November 22, 2011 at 5:27 pm
life is a bowl of kibble
Ya know the best part of a GREAT post? The comments. I loved the post and had great fun reading the views of your followers. My favorite was from Life in the Boomer Lane.
November 22, 2011 at 6:11 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
I’ve only just started reading Life in the Boomer Lane and it is very entertaining and funny just like the comment.
On the other hand, Birdie, I have yet to see any other posts about the success of naked rain dancing. You had me rolling on that one.
November 22, 2011 at 6:30 pm
gertieapigo
Like but not the traffic. I’m one hell of a “curse-r” on heavy roads which by the way changed when I came here in Dubai. You just want to sleep till you reach there. Roads are here and everywhere, you will always have alternatives.
November 22, 2011 at 6:43 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
That’s the thing that drove me crazy when I moved to Seattle . . . no alternatives. In LA you could always find a way around the traffic mess. In Seattle, only a few roads to through and you are stuck!
Thanks for stopping in again.
November 22, 2011 at 6:54 pm
gertieapigo
Just love reading you posts (though haven’t read through the previous ones yet)… you don’t have to like me for that LOL. It’s really one blog that I look up to. 😀
November 22, 2011 at 6:59 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
I like all the people that come here to read, even the mean ones. 🙂 Rocky starts can be some of the best. You certainly don’t have to read the previous posts, I’m just happy you are here now. And please don’t look up, just look across. We are all equal here.
November 22, 2011 at 7:02 pm
gertieapigo
Thanks Ms. D! It’s just maybe so encouraging when you have someone who inspires you 😀
November 22, 2011 at 7:14 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
Thank you. It honors me. You made my day today.
November 22, 2011 at 8:16 pm
Brenda K
OMG–LMAO!!!!!!!! (the people at work must really think I’ve lost my marbles) Thanks for posting this, and for the referral to a new online friend! That brought back all sorts of crazy memories of my trip to India after I was an exchange student in Japan a million or so years ago when I was still at university 🙂
BTW: Take it easy on us bikers, please. I can only speak for myself here in L.A., but we take our liberal interpretation of lane markings almost always to get around all these ridiculously outsized vehicles that people insist on driving, and then clog up the whole street while they’re prattling away into their cell phones, doing their makeup, or whatever the hell else they do when they’re supposed to be driving instead. Just sayin’ 😉
Oh, and I had the same reaction to Mr. Chicago, thinking “what uber-sheltered cranny did he emerge from?!
November 22, 2011 at 10:05 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
We do think alike. What part of Chicago was he from? Has he every driven a car? Ridden in one? WTF!
I actally like the people that cycle to work and think everyone that can should. I used public transit which meant a lot of walking when I work downtown Seattle. I know exactly the drivers you are talking about. They seem to think owning a bigger vehicle entitles them to a bigger share of the road (beyond that already taken up their huge car/truck/SUV) . . . two lanes and the even sidewalk, if it strikes them. And don’t get me started on the multi-tasking drivers. I’ve narrowly missed being smushed more than once by those guys.
Hope you are having a good day Brenda. Thanks for stopping by.
November 22, 2011 at 11:21 pm
Brenda K
I wondered for a moment whether Mr. C. might be a recent emigre from the Amish Haircutting Mob, and thence not very familiar with vehicular traffic, but then remembered that they aren’t all that into hi-tech 😉
November 23, 2011 at 12:45 am
Miss Demure Restraint
After much considertion . . . I believe he is an alien disguiseing himself as a man from Chicago scouting our planet for potential invasion. I think Ari might have scared him off and saved the entire planet. 🙂
November 22, 2011 at 8:38 pm
granbee
Fabulous photo collection! More evidence to give my friends who are so concerned about a “white-haired lady” walking so many places! Your post is more evidence of how difficult it is for all of us to truly get outside ourselves to get a fresh viewpoint on the world around us.
November 22, 2011 at 10:16 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
Why thank you G. I try to walk as many places as I can. In the US Northwest that can be a challenge. I’ve been trying to wait out the rain today just to make a quick trip to the market. I hardly seem worth starting the car, but its cold and wet, so I may have no choice. I love seeing “white-haired” ladies out and about on foot. Maybe some younger people will take a clue.
Appreciate you stopping in.
November 22, 2011 at 9:38 pm
Androgoth
This is a brilliant posting Miss. D it had me giggling from start to finish, especially those hand wickedly offered gestures and the use of the middle finger, which always comes in handy on a lengthy drive, actually it comes in handy on the shorter drives too, well it does around here as there are some right Turkeys using the roads in the UK…
I guess this happens all the time in the USA too and judging from some of the expressions on their faces, their miming abilities are definitely up-to-scratch 😉 I also like the parking skills of motorists, oh yes we have those loons here in the UK also, however in your posting there are some uniquely offered perpendicular parking expertise going on, but when it comes down to everyday driving, I think that there are some hard acts to follow, well unless you know different of course?
Have a great rest of day and evening Miss. D and if you get any of those pesky Road-Hogs miffing you off whilst driving from A to B then just raise your middle finger high in the air, it usually works well for me that one but I guess there is always the more aggressive approach if it is a really pathetic loser and son of a… Well you know? 🙂
Androgoth XXx
November 22, 2011 at 10:47 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
I have a feeling we are so much more the same than different. People from all over are sharing their traffic pain. Your comment made me laugh! I also believe the special parking skills pictured will come in handing more and more as the auto population continues to rise.
I’m so happy to be back to normal. I missed having friends like you visit and reading all of their blogs.
I left you a note, but I’ll repeat it here (’cause I just love saying it).
Wishing you a wicked Wednesday,
Miss D xxx
November 23, 2011 at 12:36 am
Androgoth
Yes and I hope that your
Wednesday is wicked too 🙂 😉
Androgoth XXx
November 23, 2011 at 1:07 am
Miss Demure Restraint
Thank you for being there with your quirky sense of humor and :)’s.
Here’s hoping you have naughty nightmares.
Miss D xxx
November 22, 2011 at 9:57 pm
barkinginthedark
Dee, i don’t care what anyone does on the road as long as they signa—–SHIT, ASSHOLE – YOU MOTHERFUCKING IDIOT……….where was i? Oh yes, how’d you do that great combo pictures squares? squeeze me I gotta see about this dent. continue…
….whaddaya mean you don’t have insurance???
November 22, 2011 at 11:05 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
Tony, thanks for stopping by and contributing your driving expertise. A wonderful example of American drivers’ communication techniques.
I’m waiting for your next post . . . still worked up as a disturbed hornet’s nest over the last one. Excellent writing on a subject everyone should be concerned with. *thinking calm thoughts* Nothing will get my panties in a wad faster than the GOP.
If you seriously what to know how to put together the pics. E-mail me. All you need is PowerPoint and Paint. Its amazingly easy.
November 23, 2011 at 12:12 am
nadbugs
One I like, I heard about Boston drivers: Turn signals are like giving away information to the enemy.
This is why I live in Arkansas. I get to have post-traumatic flashbacks to this kind of thing — but that’s kinda like a scary movie. Enjoyable because you can leave / it’s in the past.
The auto stayed in “park” the entire day today. Do you hate me?
Sorry. I’m enjoying you!
November 23, 2011 at 1:05 am
Miss Demure Restraint
They must use the same driver’s guide as Seattle. Here turning on the turn signal is a invitation for the car you wish to merge in front to speed up to prevent said merging. We also have “go, no you go, no you go” syndrome which manifests at four-way stops. I’ve seen people grow old at stops signs. Nothing by mummified remains in both cars at the intersection.
I don’t hate you. My car never moved today. Not really a good thing because I really want to go back to work.
I’m glad you are enjoying yourself. Here at MDR . . . we aim to please and get a giggle here and there.
November 23, 2011 at 2:51 am
Anna
Four way stop signs! They totally had me thrown when I first moved here (3 yrs ago). What’s up with a roundabout for heaven’s sake? I particularly love the stop signs that seem to appear out of the middle of nowhere – I watch them disappear out of sight through my rearview mirror whilst exclaiming “oops!” I’m just about used to the turn taking thing but really….a roundabout would be much easier! That said, after living in Barcelona, I reckon I could drive just about anywhere – well, maybe not Chicago!
Another great blogpost…both yours and Ari’s, thanks!
November 23, 2011 at 3:40 am
Miss Demure Restraint
How exciting to have lived in Barcelona. I’m green with envy. I glow through stop signs too. Sometimes I don’t even realize it.
Ari’s blog is great and thanks for visiting both.
November 23, 2011 at 12:46 am
prenin
Thanks hun – I take one day at a time, but sometimes I wonder where I am going to end up! 🙂
Love and squishy hugs!
Prenin.
November 23, 2011 at 1:14 am
Miss Demure Restraint
That’s the $64,000 question for all us.
Sweet dreams,
Miss D
November 23, 2011 at 2:02 am
Wayside Artist
Miss D –
I’m beginning to wonder if we think of our cars as living-rooms on wheels, what with all the phone talking, newspaper reading, coffee drinking, and doughnut eating that goes on in just the driver’s seat! Through horn honking and gesticulating we give our fellow drivers suggestions on how to best live their lives to our benefit…at least when we’re paying attention.
Great photos (though I worried again that somehow you got one of me). Thanks for introducing us to Ari. Love the buffaloes crossing the road. That’s even more exciting than a whitetail deer at midnight.
November 23, 2011 at 3:19 am
Miss Demure Restraint
He is great. I love the candor and honestly in his writing. He also makes me laugh.
I do have to wonder also if people think we can’t see them through the windows? My god, the disgusting things I’ve seen people doing in their cars. It’s glass people! We can see you!
I was just at your site and got back to find this. It’s good to see, you my artist friend.
November 23, 2011 at 3:07 pm
Ramu Nair
Well, I have driven in Bangalore, LA & NY. I feel the road rage, horn honking and gesticulating in US and India are at different levels. In India, it is lack of discipline and patience where as in USA it is mostly of fear & being slowed down.
November 23, 2011 at 4:31 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
I welcome your insight, having driven in both countries. Was it difficult to drive in the US or are the rules of the road pretty much the same as India? I have been wanting to ask that and you are in a unique position to answer.
Thanks for stopping in Ramu. I so appreciate it.
November 23, 2011 at 6:01 pm
Ramu Nair
Well, India follows mostly British rules… which means, in India, we drive in the left hand side of the road and most vehicles are left hand drive and geared. Other than that, traffic rules are more or less the same. I loved driving in US as there was imposed disciple in driving. In US people think twice before committing a traffic violation to avoid point accumulations which can lead to your DL suspension, where as in India, the fine/penalty for a traffic offense is very minimal, which has introduced a kind of indiscipline among the fellow motorists…
November 23, 2011 at 7:49 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
Kudos to you being able to drive on what would feel like the wrong side of the street. That would freak me out beyond belief. I would be in constant fear that I would forget and be driving into opposing traffic. 🙂
November 23, 2011 at 4:25 pm
Antigone's Clamor
Wow, this made me laugh so hard…because it’s true!!! Even if you start out as a decent driver, most will succumb to this. 🙂
November 23, 2011 at 4:34 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
I’m pretty sure anyone that drives, sooner or later, will degenerate to road monkey status at least once.
So glad you liked it.
November 23, 2011 at 4:25 pm
Bob T Panda
Yes, and forget “Seattle Nice” Drivers here are terrible. Have they ever heard of “turn signals”? (hint, they are to the left of the horn.)
November 23, 2011 at 4:39 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
Well, we know they can locate the horn. Seattle drivers are horrible. As bad as LA is, I’d rather be suck in traffic there. My personal pet peeve here is when it snows. You would think they had never seen it before. I figure this year will particularly bad since we didn’t have any last year.
Perhaps a Panda Driving School would help.
November 25, 2011 at 9:26 pm
Doc
83 comments? And I know you respond to most all of them. So when do you have time to post? And when do you have time for family? Ever since F.P. your blog life has changed drastically, I bet. Anyway, in my fair city they just started with traffic circles. Supposedly, there are fewer accidents than at 4 way stops. Well, I’m here to tell you they don’t. I had my first automobile accident ever just a few weeks ago in one. Which probably has very little to do with your blog. Except that it has to do with traffic. If only vaguely!
November 27, 2011 at 4:12 am
Miss Demure Restraint
Things should be getting back to normal around here. I just discharged the last of my Freshly Pressed and blog award duties. Oh wait . . . I believe you now have a blog award waiting for you to pick it up. Why yes, you do. 🙂
Sorry about your accident. Thanks for stopping by and leaving me a comment. Its appreciated no matter how many there are.
November 26, 2011 at 8:25 am
Dilip
Hi your blog is truly stunning! This post has a powerful message! Thanks.
November 27, 2011 at 4:46 am
Miss Demure Restraint
Well, thank you. I’m not sure how powerful the message is though.
November 27, 2011 at 5:23 am
Rachael Black
oh god that was funny. grew up and learned to drive in LA. opposed to Chicago and NYC drivers (lived there for 10 years) we native Cali drivers are the most polite of any in the country. Well, sure there are the occasional road rage deadly shooting. But c’mon: think of the ratio of people in LA vs New Dehli or Bangalore. No contest. In contrast we’re truly polite drivers in the US. Polite, Just slightly deadly in SoCal.
Great pics you;ve added as well.
Dig it.
November 27, 2011 at 6:36 am
Miss Demure Restraint
Thanks Rachael. I too grew up in LA and I swear people there do know how to drive. Here in Seattle, there is a faction of the traffic and twice the gridlock. At least, they are now being required to pull to the side of the road after fender benders. When I first got here, they would stop in the middle of the freeway and everyone would get out of their cars and mill around, including the State Patrol. Aaaauuuggghhh!
Glad to see you back so soon.
November 27, 2011 at 10:04 am
Rachael Black
Always a pleasure.
Live in Reno now and swear to FSM sounds just like Seattle. Worse we’re an even smaller city than yours. Get quite a bit of snow here and people who grew up in The Biggest Little Shithole in the World still act as if snowfall on the road is a result of DEATH FROM THE SKIES. Foolish transplants do the same thing; exception being fools such as myself who have also lived and driven a lot in snow i.e.very Northern Michigan as well as 10 years in the mountains of SoCal (Idyllwild).
Feel your pain on this one. Oh yessiree. Lock and Load.
November 27, 2011 at 10:33 am
Miss Demure Restraint
Funny you mention the “Snow Panic.” We have that driving malfunction on a grand scale. Hell, the first snow each year, the people here freak out and leave their cars on the freeway effectively preventing anyone from using them.
Nice to meet you Rachael.
November 27, 2011 at 8:55 pm
W. R. Woolf
The picture of the car in the tree; priceless 🙂
November 29, 2011 at 9:49 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
It is one of my favorites.
November 29, 2011 at 11:57 pm
Teek
I read this the other day and I had to come back to comment…I love this post…! I always say that driving is like a chess game…must stay several steps ahead of these other drivers. My boyfriend is on a work contract in Kuwait I hear all the crazy driving stories. We always talk about the habits in both places and the cultural norms. Good stuff! =]
December 3, 2011 at 1:10 am
Miss Demure Restraint
Traffic seems to be the bane of our auto-dependent generation. It appears to have infected every corner of the globe.
Thanks for coming back to comment.
December 7, 2011 at 9:18 pm
theduffboy
Made me think of this scene from LA Story (“open season on the LA freeway!”): http://youtu.be/yoU39Rpp4FI
December 8, 2011 at 3:59 am
Miss Demure Restraint
You are right! Thank you for adding the link . . . awesome!
December 8, 2011 at 10:15 pm
theduffboy
Cool, glad you liked it! And thanks for commenting on my blog 🙂
December 8, 2011 at 11:43 pm
Miss Demure Restraint
Again thanks for the link. Now have you decided . . . mustache or mustrache which is it going to be? LOL. Gawd, I hate typos.