What's w/ the traffic cops and drivers down here? (condo, buy)

[seain dublin]

You have to drive here like Linda Blair in The Exorist constantly seeing what is going on around you. Your head going round and round...LOL.

I have never seen anything like the drivers in Florida. and the point that people are all from somewhere else falls flat with me.

We lived in CA for many years and there are very few CA natives yet you don't see the stupidity that you do here.

In FL anyone can get a DL, they don't even take a real road test. Road safety is not stressed here( they finally just passed a seatblelt law).

FL also leads the nation in uninsured drivers. There is no real penalty to get insurance because all they get is a ticket when they are stopped. Most states impound the car and you don't get it back until you get insurance.

I have never seen so much tailgating and riding in the left lane, but again the laws here are so lax. They don't seem to look in the rear view mirror.

In most states riding the left lane will get you a ticket, not here.

And yes what is the deal with not yielding to ambulances? In CA people would practically get on the sidewalk to let them by.

[seain dublin]

ParrotRosie, fireworks are not legal here, I know they sell them on the side of the road but they are not legal.

Another oxymoron FL law, they have the buyer sign a waiver saying they are using them for farming or some other nonsense and not for the 4th of July.

But they are not legal.

[Parrotrosie]

Originally Posted by seain dublin

ParrotRosie, fireworks are not legal here, I know they sell them on the side of the road but they are not legal.

Another oxymoron FL law, they have the buyer sign a waiver saying they are using them for farming or some other nonsense and not for the 4th of July.

But they are not legal.

Hmmm, my mistake...lol! The over abundance of folks selling them led me to that belief (as well as all the folks firing them off July 4th). I think the one article states, if it flies or explodes, it is of the illegal sort... A couple small articles supporting their illegality..and th $1000 fine and up to one year in jail penalty....

Buying Fireworks?Are you breaking the law?

and

Flying fireworks not allowed in Florida | fireworks, don, nicholson - News - Northwest Florida Daily News (http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/fireworks-9113-don-nicholson.html - broken link)

Thanks for pointing that one out!!!

[NumberGuy]

Back to the original discussion of drivers in Florida... My stupid insurance company does not have coverage in Florida... First of all, is that common amongst insurance carriers?? Secondly, any suggestions of a good insurance carriers with reasonable premiums but great coverage. Any personal experience? Obviously, if you have dealt with them after an accident, it's firsthand experience and I appreciate any feedback. I know these national carriers are worth a try, but I think some carriers have passed their test when it comes to certain geographical-related damages to cars (e.g., hurricane damage, etc.). Are those even covered by most carriers? Sorry my questions may seem very elementary to you guys... I just want to make sure I have all my t's crossed and i's dotted...

[rluey29]

Sorry I travel all the time and these drivers are everywhere. North South East and West. Can't just blame it on Floridians.

[deaditegal]

Being 19, I feel like Im one of the last remaining of my age group here that has the power to use their BRAIN while driving.

Turn signals, they even shut off on their own. Half the work has been done FOR YOU. It's not that hard people.

[annerk]

Originally Posted by keliyra

Also, I always, always, ALWAYS yield to emergency vehicles - after all - what if it's your family they're rushing to save- but I've noticed a general lack of compassion and/or awareness when it comes to that issue down here. I sure don't understand why they think they're that much more important than an ambulance or fire truck.

Agreed! Getting out of the way of an ambulance just cost me $300 for a new rim and tire when I hit a huge drop-off in the pavement pulling off the road to get out of the way for an ambulance though. I've still got to get to the dentist because I chipped a tooth in the process as well.

I don't mind roads with dirt shoulders, but there shouldn't be a 6" drop between the road surface and dirt that culminates in a hidden 12" pothole .

[annerk]

Originally Posted by rluey29

Sorry I travel all the time and these drivers are everywhere. North South East and West. Can't just blame it on Floridians.

Agreed, I've driven through every continental state and every major and most secondary city in this country, and outside of the crazy fast drivers in Miami, I don't think Florida is all that bad.

I'm not going to name the state that I think is because it will only cause an uproar, but I will say the worst places to drive as far as the layouts of the roads are St. Louis and Providence.

[Parrotrosie]

Originally Posted by annerk

Agreed, I've driven through every continental state and every major and most secondary city in this country, and outside of the crazy fast drivers in Miami, I don't think Florida is all that bad.

I'm not going to name the state that I think is because it will only cause an uproar, but I will say the worst places to drive as far as the layouts of the roads are St. Louis and Providence.

Of course, it is New Jersey..LOL!!!

[annerk]

Originally Posted by Parrotrosie

Of course, it is New Jersey..LOL!!!

Actually no, I don't think so. Not saying there aren't some really bad drivers there, but overall NJ isn't the worst.