Driving Habits Los Angeles Drivers Should Ditch in 2021
Oct 08, 2021
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Cars and trucks choke the San Diego Freeway in both directions during the afternoon rush hour in Los Angeles near an interchange[/caption]As one of the biggest cities in California, Los Angeles has the worst traffic in the nation. Yes, you heard that right. Los Angeles has gained a reputation for being a city with some of the worst traffic jams and some of the worst drivers in the US.
The data collected by the Los Angeles Police Department shows us the fatal results of the driving habits of the Los Angeles drivers. In 2019 there were around 55,000 traffic collisions in Los Angeles, almost 150 car accidents per day. Out of those, 236 people died in a motor vehicle accident. That's a 33% increase in fatalities compared to the data from 2014.
1. Rubbernecking
Over the past few years, there have been several car accidents in Los Angeles caused by rubbernecking. It's ironic because some of the accidents caused by rubbernecking were way worse than the ones that prompted the rubbernecking.
Still don't know what we are talking about?
It's the morning rush, and there is traffic congestion at an interstate. Word is, there was a car crash a few miles ahead. And naturally, all Los Angeles drivers slowed down to inspect the crash scene themselves.
That, my friends, is the definition of rubbernecking. Slowing down to look at another accident (rubbernecking) can cause other, often multi-vehicle accidents. Minding your own business and keeping both eyes on the road is a habit Los Angeles drivers need to adopt.
2. Hollywood Stops
Is there someone in Los Angeles who never performed a Hollywood Stop? Hardly. This action is also known as a rolling stop, which is a bit of an oxymoron.
But, as with the rest of the world, the octagon-shaped sign couldn't be clearer in the message it carries. Stop. As simple as that.
However, Los Angeles drivers are always rushing, causing them to actually break the law by not stopping completely at a stop sign. While a trend of speeding in Los Angeles may give a subjective feeling of stopping when you are driving under 5mph, stop signs means your speedometer needs to read zero. Zero, as in no movement at all, staying completely still and then proceeding safely across the intersection.
While Hollywood stops may be frustrating to those drivers in Los Angeles who adhere to all vehicle codes and driving laws, running a stop sign can be as dangerous as running a red light.
3. Speed-Splitting
While splitting lanes is not technically illegal in California, it is not a habit to encourage. But, unfortunately, some motorcyclists in Los Angeles choose to disregard any safety procedures and decide to split lanes while driving at ultrasonic speed. So, they combine what is sure to get them killed- speeding- with what might get them killed- splitting lanes.
And while we understand the living-on-the-edge mindset, although most of us have outgrown it, the speed-splitting can also put the other drivers in jeopardy. Justifiably, all drivers get nervous when they notice the rider who is speeding between the lanes. Beginner drivers are most prone to make an error and swerve their vehicle because a motorcycle zoomed past them and scared them out of their wits.
To all motorcyclists in Los Angeles- please slow down while lane splitting. This way, you can save more lives than just your own.
4. Unsafe Lane Change
We all know this type of driver. Those are the ones to leave us hyperventilating after we slam on our brakes to avoid a collision. They are also the ones that cut you off in your lane without any signals or indications they intend to change the lane.
Recent studies show that unsafe lane change causes around 10,000 traffic collisions per year in California. Unsafe lane changing also carries a significant risk of causing multiple vehicle accidents that can result in severe injuries and are, according to a Los Angeles car accident attorney, some of the most complex car accident claims.
So besides being stress-inducing for all but the driver exhibiting this habit, the unsafe lane changing can have even worse consequences, often fatal ones. And in times where all vehicles become more and more reliable, it's time to leave this bad habit in the past.