Whats with the traffic in Chicago?

Question

I had to drive the University of Chicago today and everybody was inconsiderate and cutting me off and not using turn signals. I hate city traffic

i live and work outside the city too. I was thinking of going to grad school there but now im rethinking

Answer 1

G'day Guitarlady81,

Thank you for your question.

As you know, Chicago can have problems with traffic jams.

I have attached sites that cover traffic issues.

Regards

Answer 2

People don't use their turn signals because you have no right to know where they are going. They are defending their right to privacy.

As far as cutting people off, sometimes people are jerks, other times it's necessity. If you are going to drive in the city, you have to more aggressive that you are in the suburbs or country. There are just too many cars competing for a limited amount of pavement. If you don't get aggressive, you never get on or off the expressway or through the intersection.

I moved to Chicago 25 years ago, and that was one of the adjustments I had to make.

Don't let the traffic keep you from going to U of C. I think the education you get there is going to be worth the hassle.

Answer 3

After 10 years of fairly consistent exposure to Chicago traffic my saying is "you are always an accident away from pure hell." Any mishap means major gridlock. You have to know when to drive through(avoid AM and PM rush) and follow the traffic reports on AM780 religiously. Knowledge of the city is a big help because you can get around the trouble spots somewhat if you know alternative routes. The other major thing is just remember it doesn't pay to get stressed about it, there are times you are just stuck. If only other drivers figured it out.

Answer 4

Stay away from the roads! Take the train or the bus. Chicago has a great public transportation system - use it!

You know, in Chicago, an instant is defined as "the time between when the light turns green and the car behind you honks." A red light is defined as "the next 5 cars are coming through whether you like it or not!"

Answer 5

Rethinking because of traffic is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. People are just in a rush and can sometimes be inconsiderate.

Answer 6

there are two seasons in chicago winter and construction
yes a lot of us are maniacs driving in this city and it's outlying suburbs ignorance always wanting to be ahead of everyone just to find everyone catches up with you at the next line stupid now you are complaining about traffic here do you want an eyeopener go to Los Angeles and try manuvering there traffic there is far worse than here especially when it rains idiots

all I can say is drive defensively good luck

Answer 7

The 'burbs are bad too but not as bad as downtown. You get used to it though. You just have to become a very aggressive driver and if someone won't let you in, you gotta just ease your way in...kinda like playing chicken. Someone will give in at one point. And yes-turning signals are a thing of the past and your horn is your best friend!

Answer 8

I know what you mean....we call it "california driving" on the east coast, when people drive without turn signals....I moved here a year ago, and I've gotten to the point where I take the bus everywhere because I get so frustrated with drivers here....

Answer 9

it relies upon on which area of ninety...i recognize once you bypass Barrington or Elgin on the Northwest Tollway its empty...yet on the Kennedy leaving Chicago its a freaking automobile parking zone...and its like that until eventually you bypass OHare...completely ridiculous....the ideal time to stress everywhere in Chicago is both after 9PM or before 4AM...

Answer 10

The best thing to do is go with the flow...getting angry or upset hurts no one but you. Traffic is bad, but the city has so much to offer to offset that annoyance.