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Sunny thanks for the stat that helped prove the point I was trying to make:
Huntersville population
1990: 3,014
2006: 40,082
And looks like the same growth pattern is taking place in Mooresville. Infrastructure cannot possibly keep up w/ that type of explosive growth. Traffic problems, as well as water/sewer and crowded schools - all should be expected in these high growth areas.
Well, say what you will but I have met my share of jerkbags who were born and raised here. Just saying.
I was born and raised here in NC . . . and sure - there are jerks here.
There is this stereotype that Southerners are genteel and good-mannered. Well, lots of us are. We Southerners tend to be very polite when in public and very judgmental of anyone who is NOT polite.
If you want to see rude, sneak a peak at how Southerners treat each other. We label each other very quickly (redneck, white trash, snob, social climber, trophy wife, etc). Not saying that is right or wrong.
Ever seen a smackdown b/n two Southerners? If you are not a Southerner, I seriously doubt you have!!! Not b/c it doesn't occur . . . just b/c we pick our moments.
But back to the OP's contention - drivers here really are quite rude - and even I, who have never felt compelled to SHOOT THE BIRD while driving (even as a teenager!!!), have found myself doing JUST THAT since moving back here to CLT!!!!!
Any time you are driving in a place that is new it is hectic - You will get use to the driving. I was nervous driving in Denver when I was there a couple of years ago - and When I drove in Boston I was terrified - but got use to it once I knew where to go. Welcome!
I agree with your analysis. I am an NC native. Grew up NW of CLT (1.5 hrs) and even 20 years ago, managed to avoid CLT as much as possible b/c of the roads/streets. Just hate driving here.
I have lived elsewhere and driven all over USA as well as Europe. I moved back here 5 years ago and have been continually SHOCKED at how rude drivers are here. I agree - much has to do w/ infrastructure. The main problem seems to be w/ merging traffic (in my experience).
I would rather drive in Chicago, LA, Houston, Dallas, Seattle, Kansas City, DC, (yes, even DC and N. VA!!!!) etc. than deal w/ CLT traffic.
Yesterday, I had the thrill of driving on I-77 and 485, and once again - I saw people cutting each other off, not allowing others to merge properly - and I decided it is some kind of vindictive mean-spirited attitude - "I am in my lane and moving on so *********." Sometimes, I notice people yakking on cell phones and not even NOTICING that others need to merge. How inconsiderate.
I don't think it has a thing to do w/ one being "from" this area or "from" elsewhere. Driving here is aggravating mainly b/c of merging traffic, volume of traffic and lack of lanes. I slowed down and let whole lines of people merge. I was so disgusted at what was going on all around me. I am sure people behind me were peeved but you know - what is a few moments in time. We all came to a stop 2 miles ahead, b/c of road construction.
And as an NC native, I think I can say to my fellow Southerners - PLEASE cut it out w/ the "Yankees are the problem." If that were true, how come I have no problem driving in "Yankee" cities? People let me merge there, traffic keeps moving - b/c the infrastructure is in place to support it. I am SICK of hearing my fellow Southerners blame it on Yankees. Blame it on city fathers who did not plan well and on a General Assembly that can't seem to come up w/ the money for ALL major cities in NC.
Want road improvement in CLT proper? Then be willing to pay for additional homeowner's taxes and increased sales taxes. Until then, can't everyone just be a little kinder and more considerate while out on our crowded streets and highways???
Garbage, no taxes!!! Stop spending money to fund TOY train systems that move very few people. I moved here from Portland, Oregon. I know what a waste of time that is. It moves very few people and is one big money pit!!! Get a clue partner!!! We already have one of the highest gas taxes in the country.
Any time you are driving in a place that is new it is hectic - You will get use to the driving. I was nervous driving in Denver when I was there a couple of years ago - and When I drove in Boston I was terrified - but got use to it once I knew where to go. Welcome!
I think you hit it right on the head there, Union County. Driving in all different boroughs of NYC as well as northern NJ was a shock to me at first, but before I knew it I was zipping around with ease. It does help to know the area and yes, be patient with others. There's no doubt that Charlotte roads need help, some are way beat up and definitely need improvement to accommodate all this explosive congestion. I have noticed that merge lanes are/seem to be very short around here, I haven't experienced it myself yet but I could see how some might experience "merge rage".
To those of you who have suggested tolls, I can say that although it is potentially a great revenue stream to help fund road improvements, it will be (even more) miserable once the tolls are set up ... you think traffic backs up on 77 & 85 now, wait until they set up some toll booths without making more lanes first! Last year they started removing the toll booths on the Garden State Parkway in NJ when we lived there and I swear, I threw a party in the car every time we drove by one where they had taken it down. Just my $0.02. I agree, Raleigh has got to start showing Charlotte some love!
And oh yah, Charlotte natives with attitude: can we all just stop the B.S. posts implying that all/most transplants are jerk drivers? That's a load of you know what. And those transplants who read those posts ... just relax. You know people like that wouldn't last TWO SECONDS on the NJ Turnpike, rte 46, LIE or Belt Parkway!
It's not necessarily to blame on the city "fathers" either. Civil engineering has a certain time frame they plan for in advance. The population growing faster than the normal planning period for even aggressive growth cities.
Having traveled, by car, all over this vast country, I can tell you that hurried/rude/incapable, etc, drivers can be found anywhere ESPECIALLY if driving through a busy metro area. FOR PETE'S SAKE (whoever "Pete" is) PEOPLE, CALM DOWN! Accept the traffic reality w/o chronic whining, drive defensively, don't become that which you abhor (a "jerk" driver). AND...be thankful that you don't have to navigate the mind-boggling roads / former cow paths in Boston proper! There is just nothing like it anywhere I've been!
I've driven in Charlotte - I found it busy, but reasonably easy to navigate. Granted, I am partial to the freeway systen in the San Diego area, but the toll system in Northern New England allows for beautiful roads paid for by those who use them. Just something to ponder.
Happy trails to you all!
Last edited by SunnyKayak; 11-13-2007 at 09:40 AM..
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There are jerks everywhere
