The Drivers of Mississippi

As most of you know, I hate driving. I would much rather have someone else do it for me, not because I am a bad driver, per say, but because I am afraid of other drivers. I didn't drive anywhere in Portland, except Fred Meyer, the laundry mat, and work. Drivers in Portland are insane, really. They are SO aggressive, or slow and have no idea what they're doing most of the time. This might not be entirely their fault, though. The roads there suck. I mean, really suck. They have the weirdest intersections and the roads are full of pot holes and it's usually raining. So there's a lot stacked against them. I did not mind driving in Idaho (or Eastern Washington). Most of those drivers have been driving tractors since they were 5, and there are less people and the roads are in better shape.

Now on to Mississippi. One would think it's better driving here. It's flat, less people, and uncrowded roads. So Mississippi, I'm not sure what you're problem is, but dude, LEARN TO DRIVE. There is absolutely no excuse for your stupidity in driving. Here are some tips:

-There are speed limit signs for a reason. Follow it. If you can't manage to drive 35 mph, get off the freakin' road. Seriously. Then there's the other extreme. If I'm already going 5 over the speed limit, please don't tailgate me. I'm not sure why it's necessary for you to go 15 over.

-Believe it or not, your car CAN go around a corner over 5 mph. I'm serious. I even mean you, giant raised Cadillac with chromed out rims. If my Jeep can turn a corner going 20, I'm sure your car can.

-I understand the roads here don't have grip like they do in Seattle/Portland, and I know the oil build up on the roads can be slick, but really, you don't need to freak out when it rains. Pull over onto the side of the road or a parking lot. There's no shame in that, I would do it do if it gets really bad. But you need to know it's dangerous to be driving 25 mph in a storm when everyone around you is going 45.

-Please use your blinker. Self explanatory.

-If you are at a four way controlled intersection and those 90 degrees to your right are turning left, it is ok to turn right. Yes, even on a red. It's called a "free right." Please use it. I know the other cars 90 degrees to your left are going to go straight and that's scary, but hello, if the cars to your right are turning left, that means they have a green arrow. Which means you can turn right safely. And you should. Because I'm getting very angry behind you.

So there you have it folks. I was scared to drive in Portland/Seattle, but here in Mississippi, I just get plain mad. They can't drive here and there is absolutely no excuse for it. Sad day.