Here are some nice thoughts for the holiday weekend. Those of us in the northeast are the worst drivers in the country. Ranked last, based on results from a standardized driving multiple choice test, are Rhode Island, Washington, D.C., Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York. Where are the best drivers?
The best drivers live in Oregon, Washington, and Vermont.
Here are some interesting results from the test, which gives us something to think about on a weekend that generally inclused barbecues, alcohol, and driving to friends’ houses:
Approximately one in three drivers said they usually do not stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. At least one out of five drivers did not know that pedestrians in a crosswalk have the right of way. At least one in five also did not know that roads are most slippery when it first starts to rain after a dry spell.
The test was created by GMAC based on questions asked in all written state driving exams. What score would you get? Take the test and wee for yourself.
As of now, it seems like the huge amount traffic sent to GMAC’s website from Consumerism Commentary has caused the company to temporarily disable the online test. (Actually, the traffic was probably from CNN, but we can dream.)
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
When I moved to Washington state 8 years ago I noticed immediately how courteous the drivers were. That seems to be slightly degrading recently, but drivers here are still VASTLY better than elsewhere.
I’ve driven all over the US and can agree that Washington dirvers are generally more courteous. In my book, Mass. drivers are the worst (stupidly aggressive) and California drivers are the best (given their congested conditions, they make the best of it).
I do wish more Washington people would observe the law on freeways “Keep Right Except To Pass” (it’s the law in Washinton). Four or more lanes of traffic all moving the same speed and slightly below the speed limit is not an efficient use of the highway, breeds frustration, and causes foolish behavior such as tailgating and road rage. Because its often the only open lane, the right lane is sometimes the “fast lane”. We could relieve traffic congestion significantly if everybody kept to the right except to pass.
I have driven all over this country and i would have to disagree. I dont know about the rest of washington state but 90 and 5 OH MY GOD. Seriously people get out of the fast lane if your going slower than the speed of traffic. I see it every day and it frustrates the shit out of me. Even after they passed the ban I see people on cell phones constantly also. Theres alot more but Im out of time. But the drivers on FT Lewis are great though.
Ohio drivers don’t signal lane changes on purpose because they don’t want their enemies to hurry up and get in front of them.