There is a certain rivalry amongst denizens of big cities over who has the worst driving situation.  After today, my conclusion is that LA’s traffic is the worst, but NYC wins by a landslide in the awful drivers category.  In fact, I’ve decided that driving in Manhattan is an excellent way to prepare for driving in the developing world.  It’s basically anarchy.  People changing lanes with no room and no turn signals?  Check.  People turning from completely the wrong lane and cutting people off?  Check.  People paying only casual attention to lights, stop signs, and lane markings?  Check.  Bicycles zipping through the whole mess as if they were immortal?  DOUBLE CHECK.

Oh, and don’t get me started on the signage.  Sweet mother of sock monkeys, it’s atrocious.  I thought LA was bad–not even.  It took me three tries to find a route ONTO the island of Manhattan, and two to cross over into Brooklyn.  Missing exit numbers are nothing in comparison to confusing, tardy and mostly-hidden bridge notifications. [Read more…]