Fun Size Bytes (from @Tj)

Driving in Pittsburgh

So a few weeks ago I observed:

Pittsburgh: “Even our pedestrians drive like assholes.”

I generally like to leave very early so I can not rush while driving, and arrive on time or even a little early. So tonight I left very early for dinner, and was driving through Pittsburgh (Little Italy, for those familiar with the area).

There are tons of cross streets and people trying to take left hand turns, and there are absolutely zero left-hand turn lights.

Traffic was a nightmare, bumper to bumper and moving very slowly, so I was trying to my part for the greater good by letting people in or make left turns in front of me whenever possible. I made sure not to Block the Box (which is a phrase which is apparently unknown in Pittsburgh) a/k/a “don’t pull into the intersection unless you know you can get across before the light turns red.”

Driving in Pittsburgh is a challenge because, well, basically the traffic patterns are stupid. The same lane can go from left turn only, straight only, or right only. Or there can be cars parked in it.

Finally the traffic opened and we actually made it over 35MPH, and I see in my rear view window this guy in a pickup truck switching lanes, swerving around cars, nearly clipping a guy on a bike, passing me on the right.

Up ahead another traffic light turned red, and a woman came out of a parking lot and just pulled right into the road. I realized too late that what she was trying to do was take a left hand turn across two lanes of traffic — including mine.

Instead of pulling out all the way (which she could have done, it would have been close), she stopped, completely blocking the lane of the Guy In Pickup Truck, I pulled ahead in my lane enough so she could get behind me, and she went on ahead.

At which point the guy in the pickup pulled up next to me and yelled “Nick job, dickhead.”

So, to recap: he drives like an idiot for 15 blocks, weaving around and Generally Being An Ass, but when a woman darts out into traffic without actually having room to get out, and then stops — that means I’m the dickhead.

Sure. That makes total sense.

After the light turned red, he sped off until he reached the next intersection and turned so hard and fast that he left rubber on the road.