Why do people drive so recklessly in New York City?

Answer 1

It does not nly happen in New York City.It happens everywhere.

Answer 2

Recklessly-adv.- Rashly heedless of danger or consequences.
By definition NYC drivers do not drive recklessly.
We are very much aware of the dangers and the consequences of our actions.
New York drivers drive in a hyper environment that literally changes on a fraction of a second by fraction of a second basis.
The only way that that environment can be successfully negotiated is if the driver has excellent environmental awareness, a good feel for the world a round him ,excellent visual acuity [both long and short range ] good decision making abilities and lighting fast reflexes.
That is why you often see NYC drivers with their right hands at the 11:00 O'clock position on the steering wheel; it allows one to change lanes quickly
Driving in NYC is by no means easy, it is very demanding mentally, But once you have mastered it, it can actually be a lot of fun.

Answer 3

It's outside conditions that make it seem as IF we drive "aggressive" (we DON'T drive reckless) When you have gazillions of cabbies and drivers cut you off for no reason along with pedestrians that show no common courtesy when crossing a street it definitely gets one into that aggressive mode.

For those that have never experienced this, it can be very nerving because you aren't used to driving like this at home but for one living here, you get used to it quick and is actually a lot of fun.

And I do agree about Boston. I took a cab in Boston and I swear, I was praying for my life out there when he was cutting through a red light trying to head to the Ted Williams Tunnel

Answer 4

Not so much recklessly as defensively. There's many "Massholes" from Boston who don't know how to drive, not to mention people from NJ (some counties take their road tests in a parking lot!) and the bluehairs from Florida. You have to anticipate what the moron nearest you is going to do before they do it.

Answer 5

You'd get a little frustrated too if you lived there. Everything is condensed, you are driving on your last nerve most of the time. Everyone thinks EVERYONE ELSE are bad drivers. Everyone should drive in a considerate manner and the roads would be less stressful. It's not just NYC.

I don't drive in NYC. It drives me nuts and I might have a heart attack if I tried.

Answer 6

I agree with Mr. Danger. It's the pedestrians who are much more reckless than the drivers. Lived in NYC for 15 years and hardly ever have seen a car accident. And when I see a "reckless" driver they usually have out of state plates.

Answer 7

We dont drive recklessly... its people the folks with out of states plates...
With pedestrians popping out of nowhere, trying get on to a cab thats on the middle lane, or jaywalking, even though theres cars speeding up to make the light.... we have to be quick with our foot and hands to avoid them. it only seems reckless, but in reality... we saving alot of lives

Answer 8

It's not really that reckless, it just seems that way to someone not from a city. If you've ever driven on the GWB, you'll know what I'm talking about. exits and off-ramps in every direction, cars and trucks going past, there's no way you can take your time.

Answer 9

I grew up in Long Island
If you think people in NYC drives recklessly
You should try Boston
They are bad drives

Answer 10

Because everyone is in a hurry. They also most be heavily caffenated to be in the city that never sleeps.