It is no secret that driving can be a hassle, but Arizona drivers have a very special talent of getting under your skin. If you happen to have road rage like me, it makes for an interesting drive every time. When you have to drive in Arizona, here are a few tips to survive the drive!
Tip 1: Blinkers are, in fact, an option here
It is rare that someone actually uses their blinker here, so always be on your guard for cars cutting you off with absolutely no warning at all!
Tip 2: Speed limits are suggestions
No one is a stranger to speeding here in Arizona! You could literally be doing 60mph in a 45mph speed limit area and people will still be angry with you -- which leads up to our next tip!
Tip 3: Tailgating is a hobby
You could be the best driver in the world, use your blinker, speed a little so the people behind you don't get upset, and someone will still tailgate you like you have done something wrong to their children. But never fear, a good break check will steer them clear!
Tip 4: No room, no problem
In addition to not using blinkers, drivers will often make room for their cars where there is clearly not enough space, causing you to slam on your breaks. This creates a chain reaction of angry drivers behind you and even though it was not your fault, the drivers behind will blame you.
Tip 5: Undercover cops
They are real and they are everywhere. Due to the common knowledge of universal speeding, cops are everywhere and will show up when you least expect it, so be careful not to get pulled over!
Tip 6: Driving in rain
Arizona is kind of a stranger to the cool thing that happens when water falls from the sky because suddenly everyone forgets how to drive. Driving in the rain in Arizona is like trying to find a needle in a haystack-- pretty impossible.
Tip 7: Yellow means go
If that light turns yellow, you better go! If not, the drivers behind you will be a little upset with you.
Tip 8: The surprise merge!
Driving down a main road seems so simple right? Only until the lane merges unexpectedly and you don't know whether or not to slow down or speed up to get in front of the car next to you!
Tip 9: Red also means go
Almost every day, you will see someone running a red light like it's no big deal and almost causing an accident, so be cautious when the light turns green!
Tip 10: You have .5 seconds
If that light turns green and you are the first person, you have .5 seconds to move before the person behind you honks and flips you off!
Tip 11: Parking?
Almost anywhere you go, someone will be taking up two parking spots because they have an unnecessarily large vehicle. Or there is someone who is in between two parking spots who clearly just does not know how to park and does not care to fix their parking job before continuing about their day.
Tip 12: Off-Roading!
One great thing about Arizona is that we are a desert, so for all of you who love the outdoors and don't mind getting dirty, there are plenty of trails and open fields to go tear up out there!
Tip 13: Crosswalks do not exist
Don't be fooled! It sure looks like there are crosswalks located at almost every stop light but that can't be the case because then why would people run into the middle of the road to cross instead of using the crosswalk? We may never have the answer.
Tip 14: Motorcycles own the road
Or at least they think they do. More often than not, you will be cut off by a motorcycle or they will drive in between you and another car because they can fit!
Tip 15: Good luck!
Hopefully, these tips provided some insight on how to survive the drive in Arizona -- good luck out there!
