Mississippi Drivers (Gulfport, Biloxi, Hattiesburg: buying, legal, nicest) - (MS) - City-Data Forum

Ira500 · 10-18-2009, 10:47 AM

I've posted in this forum before, but I don't think I mentioned my experience with driving when I was in Mississippi last winter. You guys were awesome!
I'm used to unpredictable, crazy drivers in Seattle, grew up in New Jersey, where the drivers are a little aggressive, have relatives in Louisiana where the drivers are fast and nuts, but when I was driving in Mississippi, it was really a delight, so thanks!
I mentioned this to a Seattle neighbor of mine, who is a native of Starkville. I said " The drivers in Mississipi were the nicest I've experienced anywhere."
He said " Not in Starkville they're not."
I didn't get to Starkville, but spent time between the delta and Hattiesburg and Ocean springs/Biloxi/Gulfport and didn't experience a single bad driver or rude driver or aggressive driver.Maybe the week I was there, Mississippi was having their " be nice to these lost, out of state weirdos" week, but it was sure great to experience.

southernfried · 10-18-2009, 09:06 PM

Im so glad that you have not seen some of the drivers!!

They will run you down!! I have to say if you are in the wrong lane,well we will go thought it again for the ones that missed class,the fast"PASSING "lane is on the left,slower is on the right!!!!

LOL!! That is around Jxn!!!!

If you come thought Jxn in the work week folks will run over you!!

Seriously I hope dont run in to some of this drivers, oha look at some fo the cars as you pass ,&windshields!! Most have craked windshields!!! Have agreat visit!

Tama · 10-19-2009, 09:43 AM

Mississippi drivers are about middling in my experience. Generally--they are polite and competent. They are sometimes a bit confused about urban driving probably because they are used to more rural driving in many cases. There are always a few nuts and light-runners and tailgaters---I am talking about the general situation.
They are not overtly aggressive and rude like say south Florida--what a bunch of meanies! Mississippi drivers will wait politely for a few seconds if you fail to jump the gun at a light change to green, for example. They will wave you into a heavy flow of traffic and don't run you over trying to get to a parking place first. Polite and competent but sometimes a little unaware--particularly when it comes to lane changing or yielding to someone with a blinker signaling a lane change is needed. I'll take the compliment--there are much worst drivers out there.

Nivalis · 10-19-2009, 07:20 PM

It's all subjective. Drivers are polite, but personally it seems that Stop signs are merely suggestions. In other words, if there's no one around, a Stop sign is a yield sign. If this happens everywhere, however, feel free to disregard this comment.

NWS · 10-20-2009, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Not Made for the South

It's all subjective. Drivers are polite, but personally it seems that Stop signs are merely suggestions. In other words, if there's no one around, a Stop sign is a yield sign. If this happens everywhere, however, feel free to disregard this comment.

I think turn signals are optional here too

DaniMae1 · 10-20-2009, 07:50 AM

I'd have to agree with the two above comments about stop signs and turn signals being optional! And as far as tailgating is concerned what is up some of these drivers around here especially along 63? Up in Virginia we had tailgaters but we also had real traffic. On 63 heading down to Pascagula you can have only 2 or three cars on the road and they'll still get right up on your tail end. grrrrr.

Nivalis · 10-20-2009, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NWS

I think turn signals are optional here too

Oh yes, definitely! I hate when people suddenly turn like that. It's so reckless and stupid; we can't read your mind, guys, put on your freakin' signals before you turn!

poptones · 10-20-2009, 08:13 PM

The most annoying part I've noticed is everyone seems to think a four lane road is so we can cruise in a V formation side by side, like we're doing a bombing run over berlin or something. "Hey I think I will get right on that guys bumper so mu headlights blast squarely in his eyes.... oh yeah and I think I'll leave the brights on since I'm not really behind him and no one is coming the other way..."

I've seriously thought about buying a 100 dollar halogen spotlight just so I have a way of letting these idiots know how it feels... but then they'd just chase me and try to run me off the road!

We've got some real clowns around here. And NO ONE seems to know what the left lane is for!

NWS · 10-20-2009, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poptones

The most annoying part I've noticed is everyone seems to think a four lane road is so we can cruise in a V formation side by side, like we're doing a bombing run over berlin or something. "Hey I think I will get right on that guys bumper so mu headlights blast squarely in his eyes.... oh yeah and I think I'll leave the brights on since I'm not really behind him and no one is coming the other way..."

I've seriously thought about buying a 100 dollar halogen spotlight just so I have a way of letting these idiots know how it feels... but then they'd just chase me and try to run me off the road!

We've got some real clowns around here. And NO ONE seems to know what the left lane is for!

Poptones you do know it's legal to carry weapons in your car in MS.?
I wouldn't shine lights at anyone here.
I wonder if that might be the reason why everyone is so polite here.
They don't know who they might be being rude to and what's in their car.

poptones · 10-20-2009, 10:21 PM

Ah, so ME shining as light at someone who is ILLEGALLY driving next to me in my "blind" spot, blinding me with THEIR headlights, is "being rude?"

I've had guns pointed at me before. That stuff goes both ways...