red light runners! (Portland, Beaverton, Dallas: work, home, moving)

[lovethegreen]

So as of today I have narrowly missed a major accident twice now within a month from red light runners. The first time the person clearly didn't see the light but fortunately saw me in time and slammed on their brakes so hard smoke rose around their car. Today, the second time the person did a jackrabbit start from a red light in the lane facing me as I did a left turn - I was first in line. My guess is he was ready to go, saw the green arrow for the lane to the left of him, mistook it and slammed on the gas. I've never had this happen before and I've lived all over the US. Maybe I was just lucky before?

So tell all, is there an issue with OR drivers or what?

edited to add: this was on the western side of Beaverton. I just did a search on "bad drivers" and it seems they are all over the country...oh well, moving is out.

thanks,
still lovin' the green

[Squidlo]

I've been away from Portland for lil over 18 months. I dont recall red light running or speeding being a huge issue. There are inconsiderate drivers everywhere. I can say that without a doubt Portland rude drivers have nothing on San Antonio. I've heard that Houston is a nightmare compared to San Antonio. After driving through on the freeway I can almost believe it. Be thankful it's Portland's mild brand of rudeness.


YMMV

Squidlo

[Minervah]

I have to cross a busy street every day after getting off the bus going home from work. I see red light runners on an average of two or three a month. I am very careful crossing that street.
The worst is downtown where drivers deliberately block the intersections waiting to cross the street blocking pedestrians from crossing.

[Squidlo]

Originally Posted by Minervah

I see red light runners on an average of two or three a month.

Again thank your lucky stars.

Over 300 accidents a day in San Antonio. I've heard of more accidents here involving pedestrian death in 18 months than 10 years in Portland. Portland's better drivers I probably miss more than anything.

Its all relative I guess.



Squidlo

[lovethegreen]

Thanks Squidlo, but I don't consider running a red light from a stop "mild"....I've lived in Boston so I know dangerous traffic. The drivers are rude there but skilled. As to what happened here...I'm not talking about people just running a red just as the yellow turns to red, but running it when it is solid red or running it after having stopped. To me that's new! I've driven in Houston and the traffic is fast and rude, so I guess your San Antonio experience is similar - it's a very car focused area there absolutely.

Minervah, be safe out there....all risks are relative and 2-3 times a month is plenty. And that's just what you are seeing think how many times it must be happening that you don't see. I guess all we can do is be alert and pay attention but not let it get in the way of what we've gotta do.

[John Shaft]

Traffic here is incredibly mild and polite compared to elsewhere. I moved from Dallas and couldn't believe how much friendlier people drive. Aggressive driving is a symptom of larger cities; as PDX grows its traffic will probably become less friendly, unfortunately. Nevertheless there's no excuse for blatantly running red lights.

[crusade]

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[cloudnine88]

2 words - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

yes, the majority of drivers here suck.

[parasol]

Originally Posted by cloudnine88

2 words - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

yes, the majority of drivers here suck.

Two more words: Southern Florida. For serious.

[Cat_Person]

No, Sun City Arizona. That's 3 words The average driver is aged 80+, and when you get a driver's license it's good for 20 years. I don't know why they even bother with an eye test at all. I've never seen so many accidents in my life!

Even more reason to take public transportation, eh?