My best friend and I are planning on taking a road-trip from Phoenix, AZ to Southern California. I have heard many horrible things about the way people drive in Southern California. Is it really as scary as people make it out to be? I am just concerned because we are both are really sucky, paranoid drivers.
2007-11-09 20:06:09 · 4 answers · asked by Brittany H 2 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Other - United States
I'm used to driving in Phoenix traffic... but from what people have told me, it's nothing compared to LA! I'm just afraid of people cutting me off and stuff like that.
2007-11-09 20:17:22 · update #1
You are right to be concerned. Driving in LA can be downright wicked. If you and your friend are sucky drivers, you might want to consider taking someone with you who's more experienced driver.
This country girl has driven thru LA three times in my life. Try to avoid rush hour, if you can. Don't feel intimidated. People drive very fast. You may want to stay in the slower, right hand lane. Keep up with traffic as best you can and don't panic. One of you, the best driver, needs to be driving when in the city, and the passenger needs to be your navigator, watching signs, reading the map, etc. Don't take your eyes off the road.
You may want to get in some practice driving in heavy rush hour freeway traffic before you leave. How bout practicing in Phoenix at 5:00 pm.
2007-11-09 23:42:35 · answer #1 · answered by ~RedBird~ 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I was a professional driver who had a Los Angeles - Phoenix run for 12 years. I kept a "layover" car in Phoenix to get me to our motel, and to restaurants, shopping, etc. Phoenix is a beautiful city, and I loved the time I spent there, but believe me when I tell you that the people in Phoenix drive the same way as the people in southern California. You won't notice much of a difference. There's just more of us than there is in Phoenix.
One difference you will notice is that in California we have a "Gridlock" law. You can not enter an intersection unless your car can completely clear the intersection before the light turns red. I noticed that about driving in Phoenix. When the light turned yellow people would keep entering the intersection and then when the light turned red they were stuck in the middle of the intersection blocking it.
I would also like to compliment your states DPS officers. The Arizona Highway Patrol has some of the most courteous, polite, helpful, and professional men and women of any law enforcement agency in the country.
2007-11-10 16:36:36 · answer #2 · answered by Peedlepup 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The best tip I can give you is to stay away from the LA Basin during the rush hour times. Try to keep up with traffic. We drive fast here in Socal. Try to spend more time down here in San Diego. Less people, less traffic, and way prettier. Good Luck!
2007-11-10 04:45:59 · answer #3 · answered by sdsrfbum69 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
it can be intense.
do not expect friendly drivers. you can't be a wimp either.
2007-11-10 04:13:40 · answer #4 · answered by dropdeadcherry 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋