Either I have always been a horrible driver or Portland has made me into one. Stop signs and cross walks are optional, right? This became apparent when I picked up my parents at the airport and was one turn away from home when my mom said from the back seat..."Um sweetie, I think there is a cop behind you". Yup, sure enough there was. Dad in the front seat and me looking like a deer in headlights. I politely asked what I did and the nice man said I ran a red light. WHOOPS. Mid 30's getting pulled over with your parents in the car. Check.
Now one would think that since I have been pulled over before I would know what to do next. Nope. I had no clue where my registration was OR what it looked like. Point for me. As my Dad is scrambling to help, I awkwardly start conversing with the policeman thinking he wouldn't chat back. I was wrong. Everyone in Portland talks...even the cops. I explained that I recently moved to Portland and had just picked up my parents at the airport...while handing him my New York license (that I have to change...ergh). I can only imagine what this guy was thinking at this point. Upon his return, he hands back my license and tells me to watch where I'm going next time. As the window is still open, Mom yells from the back seat...."good thing you are cute." Thanks Mom. SO this is my Friday night.
It is LITERALLY night and day when comparing PDX vs NYC drivers. I have found myself having road rage amongst the Subarus every morning on my way to work. Is this how life is outside of NYC? I would like to think that it's just here...
New York Drivers: Horn always used, Fast lane is for racing, Stop signs are optional, Crosswalks are a crapshoot, Bike lanes are a suicide mission, and Always in a hurry.
Portland Drivers: Horn is never used, Fast lane is the slow lane (this is the most frustrating), Stop signs are mandatory (then it becomes a game of who goes first), Crosswalks are real (you must stop for everyone), Bike lanes are NOT to be driven in, and NO ONE is ever in a hurry.
Welp, I guess I will forever be a New Yorker when it comes to driving.
Beep, Beep.