It’s been a long time since I have written anything. Just too busy with work, doing the daily grind. But then along came Hurricane Sandy, and turned all of our worlds upside down in the Northeast. After seeing the devastation on the rest of the South Shore of LI, I feel that my family and I were lucky with minimal property damage and no injuries. A little preparation went a long way. Having no power was a slight inconvenience considering what others have gone through.
But now we are trying to bring our lives back to normal, which includes getting to work. The rest of the world has n0t stopped, so getting to and from the job and navigating Metro NY has challenges we need to be aware of.
Gas
First and foremost is the gas situation. Its bad, but we all saw it coming. The lines are a good 1-3 miles long in Nassau County, and from what I hear its getting bad in other places too. My friend in Dutchess County tells me they are now getting short on gas because all the Westchester people are flocking there for fuel. The best advice right now is to wait. People’s hoarder mentality takes over, so if you can restrict driving, do it. That gas is better served in someone generator keeping a family warm or for someone who doesn’t have the ability to telecommute. The situation should remedy itself in a few more days, but until then, sit tight. Take mass transit, car pool, and work from home.
But what if it doesn’t get better and the world gets all Mad Max on us? At that point, people are going to be looking to siphon gas, if they haven’t already, and you may have to defend. Most modern cars are secondary targets because the gas tank needs to be pried open. The best targets for stealing gas will also be SUV’s because of their larger thanks and higher ground clearance makes it easy to puncture a tank. So what can you do for defense?
To avoid being siphoned, it’s a team effort. You and someone you park near should park tank to tank, with not enough room to fit in between. For example, in a driveway, one car goes in forward, and the other backs in parallel within inches of the first car. Rear wheel to rear wheel, this should block any access to both tanks. One of you will likely have to crawl in your passenger side, but its better then being stuck on E. while of course this will not stop a determined thief, it will likely make them move on to easier targets.
Mass Transit
You know those images that come out of Japan, when trains are so full, they actually hire guys to get a running start and push people in to the cars? Well the LIRR will likely be looking to hire them soon. This morning, I took a 5:25 am LIRR train from Massapequa to Penn station. By the time the train hit the next stop, all of the cars were full. The conductor, who ironically sounded A LOT like Samuel L Jackson was telling people at every stop the train was full and no more passengers were being admitted. Of course, no one listened, and this makes the train late. Even with limited service, Mass transit is still likely the best option for commuting if you can swing it. The lines are terrible, as are the crowds, but most of the trains are running. The Ferrys into Manhattan are also running, and Metro North is doing well.
But the best advice is to leave early, and travel off peak until the tunnels are pumped out and gas becomes available again.
Bridges and tunnels
If you need to commute, the bridges may be your only option as most of the lower tunnels are still flooded out. Listen to traffic reports for recent closures and maintenance.
Good luck out there, and e smart, and be courteous.
Making the Hell of Commuting More Like Commuting Purgatory
Showing posts with label road rage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label road rage. Show all posts
Monday, November 5, 2012
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
About the Deegan, and why you need to re-evaluate your decision to drive anywhere tomorrow
What’s the worst road in all of Metro NY? There are a lot of opinions about this, but my second choice for the absolute worst road in the tri state area is the route to the northbound RFK / Triborough including the Major Deegan. (the first choice remains the belt). It’s in a constant state of disrepair, the lanes are way too tight, the volume is overwhelming, and there are just too many damn gypsy cabs and car service drivers who just don’t care about things like turn signals, doing 30 in the left lane or running you off the road as they answer their phone.
1010 AM told me this morning that the outbound GWB was clogged, and the resulting traffic in the CBX was going to be bad. In my personal experience, when the radio says the Cross Bronx is going to be bad it’s an understatement and it usually indicates about a 3 hour delay. So after I narrowly escaped being sideswiped by the old lady in her Corolla who just had to curl her eyelashes on the Wantagh, I checked the traffic data on my GPS, and I decided that taking the Grand Central to the Deegan and over the RFK would be a better option. I don’t think I made the right call.
This morning I thought I was going to be smart and take the Deegan to get into the GWB, and now I know this was a mistake. I followed signs for RFK. I followed signs for the Triborough. I followed the signs that told me that the Triborough was now renamed the RFK. I had lots of time to sit there and ponder this as I sat in a dead standstill for hours.
There are two major bottlenecks in the Deegan approach. The first is actually in the Grand Central, and its right outside LaGuardia airport, but this is usually only active during rush hour. But the worst by far is around the never ending construction on the on-ramp to get onto the GWB three exiting lanes for two different exits (7N and 7S) are reduced to one lane. Plus, there is a heavy merge with a stop sign (really?!) coming from the left. This is further hindered by the merge onto the CBX which moves at a snails pace as tractor trailers have approximately 100 yards to move over three lanes of bumper to bumper traffic. This is a recipe for gridlock, and I don’t think ill be taking it again. I think next time it will be faster to take the Midtown tunnel and go through Manhattan. I do have a question though
Lets do the math - the CBX backs up, but you know it cannot be more than 6 miles of traffic. The Deegan GCP combo on the other hand can be up to 20 miles of traffic, and you know the end is that massive bottleneck. This is compared to the CBX, which usually thins out by Third Ave. My advice is to stick with the CBX.
But let’s be clear, it’s the week before Memorial Day, and driving anywhere is a mistake as the roads are clogged with travelers going to their vacations. I made it a point to work from Manhattan tomorrow and take the LIRR in, as I know Thursday and Friday is going to be one of the worst traffic days of the year.
[caption id="attachment_559" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
the bottlenecks on the Deegan are seen on the approach to the GWB ramp.[/caption]
1010 AM told me this morning that the outbound GWB was clogged, and the resulting traffic in the CBX was going to be bad. In my personal experience, when the radio says the Cross Bronx is going to be bad it’s an understatement and it usually indicates about a 3 hour delay. So after I narrowly escaped being sideswiped by the old lady in her Corolla who just had to curl her eyelashes on the Wantagh, I checked the traffic data on my GPS, and I decided that taking the Grand Central to the Deegan and over the RFK would be a better option. I don’t think I made the right call.
This morning I thought I was going to be smart and take the Deegan to get into the GWB, and now I know this was a mistake. I followed signs for RFK. I followed signs for the Triborough. I followed the signs that told me that the Triborough was now renamed the RFK. I had lots of time to sit there and ponder this as I sat in a dead standstill for hours.
There are two major bottlenecks in the Deegan approach. The first is actually in the Grand Central, and its right outside LaGuardia airport, but this is usually only active during rush hour. But the worst by far is around the never ending construction on the on-ramp to get onto the GWB three exiting lanes for two different exits (7N and 7S) are reduced to one lane. Plus, there is a heavy merge with a stop sign (really?!) coming from the left. This is further hindered by the merge onto the CBX which moves at a snails pace as tractor trailers have approximately 100 yards to move over three lanes of bumper to bumper traffic. This is a recipe for gridlock, and I don’t think ill be taking it again. I think next time it will be faster to take the Midtown tunnel and go through Manhattan. I do have a question though
Lets do the math - the CBX backs up, but you know it cannot be more than 6 miles of traffic. The Deegan GCP combo on the other hand can be up to 20 miles of traffic, and you know the end is that massive bottleneck. This is compared to the CBX, which usually thins out by Third Ave. My advice is to stick with the CBX.
But let’s be clear, it’s the week before Memorial Day, and driving anywhere is a mistake as the roads are clogged with travelers going to their vacations. I made it a point to work from Manhattan tomorrow and take the LIRR in, as I know Thursday and Friday is going to be one of the worst traffic days of the year.
[caption id="attachment_559" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
the bottlenecks on the Deegan are seen on the approach to the GWB ramp.[/caption]
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Do you know how to Zipper while driving?
Do you know what the zipper technique is while driving? Many Euroeans have perfected it, and its actually taught as rules of the road in many countries.
The theory behind it is that when merging onto a road, you wait until you reach the very end of the lane and then alternate in between flowing traffic with the car in front of you. Supposedly, the drivers already moving in the right lane are also aware of this, and adjust their driving accordingly. When done correctly, alternating cars merge in, and it looks like a zipper.
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500" caption="(C) Leo Reynolds, from Flickr"]
[/caption]
The result is less congested traffic, easier merges and less road rage. Merges flow nicely, and its great for everyone.
But lets face it, this will never work in America. As much as we try to make it happen, the second you try to let the guy in front of you in, someone else is going to try to push their way into your lane, usually because the guy behind you is too riding your bumper and doesn't want to let anyone in. I think this says a lot about most american motorists attitude, as it is most likely due to our inherent nature to defend whats ours, as well as over all impatience.
So try this next time you are coming off an on-ramp, or you are in the right lane with others merging in. It really does make more sense.
The theory behind it is that when merging onto a road, you wait until you reach the very end of the lane and then alternate in between flowing traffic with the car in front of you. Supposedly, the drivers already moving in the right lane are also aware of this, and adjust their driving accordingly. When done correctly, alternating cars merge in, and it looks like a zipper.
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500" caption="(C) Leo Reynolds, from Flickr"]
[/caption]The result is less congested traffic, easier merges and less road rage. Merges flow nicely, and its great for everyone.
But lets face it, this will never work in America. As much as we try to make it happen, the second you try to let the guy in front of you in, someone else is going to try to push their way into your lane, usually because the guy behind you is too riding your bumper and doesn't want to let anyone in. I think this says a lot about most american motorists attitude, as it is most likely due to our inherent nature to defend whats ours, as well as over all impatience.
So try this next time you are coming off an on-ramp, or you are in the right lane with others merging in. It really does make more sense.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
A distraction from your crappy holiday commute
This post almost turned into a rant about crappy drivers, traffic, and how awesome Top Gear is. But I held it back.
The roads are going to suck this week. I hate to be the one to break it to you, but Thanksgiving week is when the family packs into the minivan, and proceeds to Grandmas house, always in the left lane and way under the reasonable speed limit. This is when the travelers come out to do battle with the commuters.
How can you tell if you are stuck behind one of these people? A surefire way to know is if they slam on their brakes in the EZ pass lane, or you see someone blindly following their GPS into oncoming traffic. Do your best not to get behind ay minivan with stenciled stickers of the whole family plus the dog.
But I thought I was smart. This week, I did everything I could to avoid the roads. I had meetings scheduled in NYC on Monday and out on the Island on Tuesday and Wednesday. Then my Tuesday got moved, and now I’m stuck driving to Jersey today. It took me 2 hours to get in, but that’s probably nothing compared to what thwe ride home is going to be. But at least its better then Wednesday. I guess that’s karma teaching me not to meddle with my business schedule just to avoid driving.
But the post today is actually to distract me from all of this with some auto-erotica. I don’t understand the Nissan Juke, although I have been dying to drive one. A sporty, well handling compact car seems like a no brainer for commuting, assuming the MPG is up to snuff. But then the boys over at Nissan UK decided to stuff a 3.8 liter V6 from a GT-R into it. The result is pure beauty. Autoblog has been covering the build from day 1, and they have now posted some videos from Nissan on it. We can expect this will never be more than a project car, but its good to know that they care. Check out the video below of the complete build firing up, anturn up your volume around the 1:00 minute mark to hear some Christmas music come early.
Via Nissan via Autoblog.
Video courtesy Nissan
The roads are going to suck this week. I hate to be the one to break it to you, but Thanksgiving week is when the family packs into the minivan, and proceeds to Grandmas house, always in the left lane and way under the reasonable speed limit. This is when the travelers come out to do battle with the commuters.
How can you tell if you are stuck behind one of these people? A surefire way to know is if they slam on their brakes in the EZ pass lane, or you see someone blindly following their GPS into oncoming traffic. Do your best not to get behind ay minivan with stenciled stickers of the whole family plus the dog.
But I thought I was smart. This week, I did everything I could to avoid the roads. I had meetings scheduled in NYC on Monday and out on the Island on Tuesday and Wednesday. Then my Tuesday got moved, and now I’m stuck driving to Jersey today. It took me 2 hours to get in, but that’s probably nothing compared to what thwe ride home is going to be. But at least its better then Wednesday. I guess that’s karma teaching me not to meddle with my business schedule just to avoid driving.
But the post today is actually to distract me from all of this with some auto-erotica. I don’t understand the Nissan Juke, although I have been dying to drive one. A sporty, well handling compact car seems like a no brainer for commuting, assuming the MPG is up to snuff. But then the boys over at Nissan UK decided to stuff a 3.8 liter V6 from a GT-R into it. The result is pure beauty. Autoblog has been covering the build from day 1, and they have now posted some videos from Nissan on it. We can expect this will never be more than a project car, but its good to know that they care. Check out the video below of the complete build firing up, anturn up your volume around the 1:00 minute mark to hear some Christmas music come early.
Via Nissan via Autoblog.
Video courtesy Nissan
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Apparently, I missed the memo that it was random shit in the road week in Metro NY.
Commuting this week in Metro NY
I missed the memo, that its “random shit in the road” week. Had I known, I would have been more cautious. Usually I can avoid obstacles, with a high speed straddle, but not the chunk of drywall that flew up and hit me on the Queensboro Bridge, and not the shredded tractor trailer tire that got me on 287. But yesterday I got hit by a bumper, from what appeared to be a Scion TC. BUT I WASN’T EVEN MOVING. Seriously, the thing just flew from the oncoming lane into the front of my car while I was sitting in traffic.
But it’s a crazy week out there, and I don’t know what’s going on. Traffic has been brutal on every road, and drivers are insane this week. I watched numerous times as people are fighting on high speed merges, while at least twice a day someone drifts into my lane at high speeds. A tanker truck accident also has part of the NJ turnpike Western spur closed down, as they have to repave it, because it melted.
Even though today will be lighter because its electioin day, there is some crazy construction to note right now and watch out for:
-GWB, lower level, inbound – they are working on the right hand side, Deegan bound of the GWB lower level. They cut part of a lane out of the hard left merge, which is snarling traffic, as people don’t really understand how to take a tight turn. Expect the upper level to be better.
-Throgs Neck Bridge South - take the Whitestone Queensbound. For the next two weeks, this is going to a be nightmare getting into the tolls, as they have all but 2 lanes closed and split due to construction. The problem is further compounded by only having two cash lanes on either side.
I missed the memo, that its “random shit in the road” week. Had I known, I would have been more cautious. Usually I can avoid obstacles, with a high speed straddle, but not the chunk of drywall that flew up and hit me on the Queensboro Bridge, and not the shredded tractor trailer tire that got me on 287. But yesterday I got hit by a bumper, from what appeared to be a Scion TC. BUT I WASN’T EVEN MOVING. Seriously, the thing just flew from the oncoming lane into the front of my car while I was sitting in traffic.
But it’s a crazy week out there, and I don’t know what’s going on. Traffic has been brutal on every road, and drivers are insane this week. I watched numerous times as people are fighting on high speed merges, while at least twice a day someone drifts into my lane at high speeds. A tanker truck accident also has part of the NJ turnpike Western spur closed down, as they have to repave it, because it melted.
Even though today will be lighter because its electioin day, there is some crazy construction to note right now and watch out for:
-GWB, lower level, inbound – they are working on the right hand side, Deegan bound of the GWB lower level. They cut part of a lane out of the hard left merge, which is snarling traffic, as people don’t really understand how to take a tight turn. Expect the upper level to be better.
-Throgs Neck Bridge South - take the Whitestone Queensbound. For the next two weeks, this is going to a be nightmare getting into the tolls, as they have all but 2 lanes closed and split due to construction. The problem is further compounded by only having two cash lanes on either side.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Life in the Cash Lane
I made a discovery today that horrified me. As I pulled into the toll booth on the Throgs Neck, I was wondering why the gate hadn’t yet tripped- I looked up, and my heart sank.
I then remembered where my EZ Pass was: Firmly affixed to the windshield in my wife’s CR-V.
See, I have been gone for the last two weeks, and my car has sat in the driveway collecting mounds of bird crap and rusty rotors. I was out west for business, and then we took the kid on vacation, and loaded up her car. She let her EZ Pass tag expire, so we used my tag and GPS for the trip.
But you know what the worst part about this is? It’s a Friday. I need to add at least an hour of time to my commute tonight to accommodate for all of the weekend travelers who clog the cash lanes on their way to their weekend destinations. Have you ever attempted the inbound GWB on a Friday for the cash lanes? This is going to be a nightmare. This is of course if I remember to actually go into the correct lane, as my lane choices are pretty much an ingrained force of habit at this point.
Today I think we all learned something. First, it’s that EZ Pass is worth it. There is always a fight if it should be mandatory for metro NY’ers, and the answer is a resounding YES. After seeing what life is like without it, including the waiting, the higher prices, and the sheer frustration, I’ll never forget it again. Additionally, a lot of time spent idling and polluting the environment could be cut back if it was mandated. I also learned that the NJ turnpike still uses tickets. Who knew? They actually charge me to drive one hundred yards from the beginning of the Turnpike to my exit ramp.
So look for me today - I’ll be the guy sitting in line with all the minivans in the cash lane, the black car with all the bird crap on it. But that’s another story.
[caption id="attachment_423" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Today at the NJ turnpike. Until this moment, It had been about 9 years since I have actually had to snag a toll ticket. Shooting a picture while moving and taking a ticket a the same time as piloting a car through a toll plaza is actually a lot harder than it looks."]
[/caption]
I then remembered where my EZ Pass was: Firmly affixed to the windshield in my wife’s CR-V.
See, I have been gone for the last two weeks, and my car has sat in the driveway collecting mounds of bird crap and rusty rotors. I was out west for business, and then we took the kid on vacation, and loaded up her car. She let her EZ Pass tag expire, so we used my tag and GPS for the trip.
But you know what the worst part about this is? It’s a Friday. I need to add at least an hour of time to my commute tonight to accommodate for all of the weekend travelers who clog the cash lanes on their way to their weekend destinations. Have you ever attempted the inbound GWB on a Friday for the cash lanes? This is going to be a nightmare. This is of course if I remember to actually go into the correct lane, as my lane choices are pretty much an ingrained force of habit at this point.
Today I think we all learned something. First, it’s that EZ Pass is worth it. There is always a fight if it should be mandatory for metro NY’ers, and the answer is a resounding YES. After seeing what life is like without it, including the waiting, the higher prices, and the sheer frustration, I’ll never forget it again. Additionally, a lot of time spent idling and polluting the environment could be cut back if it was mandated. I also learned that the NJ turnpike still uses tickets. Who knew? They actually charge me to drive one hundred yards from the beginning of the Turnpike to my exit ramp.
So look for me today - I’ll be the guy sitting in line with all the minivans in the cash lane, the black car with all the bird crap on it. But that’s another story.
[caption id="attachment_423" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Today at the NJ turnpike. Until this moment, It had been about 9 years since I have actually had to snag a toll ticket. Shooting a picture while moving and taking a ticket a the same time as piloting a car through a toll plaza is actually a lot harder than it looks."]
[/caption]
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Commuters Vs. Travelers, Round 2
Wow, what a ride last night - All lanes closed on the Bruckner backs up 95 North / CBX East for miles. Took me an hour to make it to the bridge. But I digress.
It's late May. Its getting warm. Three months of summer and significantly less traffic are just within our grasp, we just have one major hurdle to cross - Memorial Day weekend. Starting Thursday, the roads are going to be a free-for-all of minivans and weekenders blindly following their GPS devices. Get ready for a lot of road rage, accidents and accordion traffic jams that erupt without purpose as the amount of traveler’s increases, once again flooding the roads with discourteous drivers who don’t know the roads and stress behind the wheel.
I can’t wait for the summer, it typically takes me under an hour to get to work, and even the CBX rarely comes to a complete stop. Summer afternoons on the other hand, especially Thursdays and Fridays are another story.
But here are some tips to help your commute this week: Stay strong, after this, its smooth sailing.
- Most GPS devices tell people to take the following routes - use these alternates:
- NJ Turnpike Express – It sounds fast, so people take it. Use the local.
- Go for the inner EZ pass lanes - weekend stragglers dive into the cash lane at the last minute
- If you take time off, drive in the morning, never in the afternoon
- Avoid the Belt Parkway on any afternoon
- Always watch out for last minute, three lane exit dives at high speed
It's late May. Its getting warm. Three months of summer and significantly less traffic are just within our grasp, we just have one major hurdle to cross - Memorial Day weekend. Starting Thursday, the roads are going to be a free-for-all of minivans and weekenders blindly following their GPS devices. Get ready for a lot of road rage, accidents and accordion traffic jams that erupt without purpose as the amount of traveler’s increases, once again flooding the roads with discourteous drivers who don’t know the roads and stress behind the wheel.
I can’t wait for the summer, it typically takes me under an hour to get to work, and even the CBX rarely comes to a complete stop. Summer afternoons on the other hand, especially Thursdays and Fridays are another story.
But here are some tips to help your commute this week: Stay strong, after this, its smooth sailing.
- Most GPS devices tell people to take the following routes - use these alternates:
- 95/80 -use 9/46
- Whitestone - use the Throgs neck
- LIE - instead take Northern State / GCP
- Cross Island - use the Clearview
- GWB upper level - use the lower level, although sometimes the thought of driving with trucks scares travelers to the lower level.
- NJ Turnpike Express – It sounds fast, so people take it. Use the local.
- Go for the inner EZ pass lanes - weekend stragglers dive into the cash lane at the last minute
- If you take time off, drive in the morning, never in the afternoon
- Avoid the Belt Parkway on any afternoon
- Always watch out for last minute, three lane exit dives at high speed
Friday, April 22, 2011
An Open Letter to the Driver Doing 45 MPH in the Left Lane With Their High Beams On.
Hi, it’s you again. I pass at least two of your kind a day going the other way, and I’ll always get stuck behind one of you at least once a day. If it wasn’t for auto-dimming side and rearview mirrors, I might react with some road rage, but for now my hostilities will be put into words.
Your kind knows no ethnic boundaries. You are never always a male or female, and never of one faith. Age is also irrelevant, as is type of car or social status. But it seems that you all are under the impression that no matter what time of day or night it is, high beams are a good idea. And why not? Nothing says “I’ve arrived” like serving up a whole dish of blinding HID goodness to your fellow motorists who still use that tungsten based method of illumination. Maybe you think that bright blue icon on your dash means your headlights are on, and no one ever told you differently (I call it a blue comet looking thing). Who cares right? You aren’t the one being blinded by oncoming traffic. I bet you feel smug and safe in your car on the parkway, knowing that everyone sees you. They might not see the pedestrian, road hazard or disabled car on the road because they are blinded but hey, that’s not your problem, right?
But why are you in the left hand lane doing well below the speed limit? its called the passing lane. I get that some people are a bit slower, and some like to drive with their brights on, but why both? Are you really that unaware of your surroundings and the rules of the road that this seems like a good idea? I wish one of your kind would go on the record to tell me what you are thinking as you cruise along, creating a wake of traffic and disgruntled drivers behind you. I really am at a loss for words what can be going through the minds of these people.
Your cousin, the no-lights-on-at-night person? He called and wants to know that he appreciates your enthusiasm, but he will remain in the top spot of most unaware driver on the road most likely to annoy and /or kill others.
So, on behalf of the commuters of Metro NY, Long Island and NJ, I beg of you, that driver doing 45 in the left lane with your brights on, to at least move over to the right. If you cant move over to the right due to some other reason, try pushing or pulling the column stalk on you car, and realize that with the amount of streetlights and light pollution we have, you barely need headlights much less high beams.
And if someone gets behind you and starts flashing their high beams, realize how annoying it is, move over, and check to see if that little blue comet-looking icon in your dash is on.
NY thanks you.
Your kind knows no ethnic boundaries. You are never always a male or female, and never of one faith. Age is also irrelevant, as is type of car or social status. But it seems that you all are under the impression that no matter what time of day or night it is, high beams are a good idea. And why not? Nothing says “I’ve arrived” like serving up a whole dish of blinding HID goodness to your fellow motorists who still use that tungsten based method of illumination. Maybe you think that bright blue icon on your dash means your headlights are on, and no one ever told you differently (I call it a blue comet looking thing). Who cares right? You aren’t the one being blinded by oncoming traffic. I bet you feel smug and safe in your car on the parkway, knowing that everyone sees you. They might not see the pedestrian, road hazard or disabled car on the road because they are blinded but hey, that’s not your problem, right?
But why are you in the left hand lane doing well below the speed limit? its called the passing lane. I get that some people are a bit slower, and some like to drive with their brights on, but why both? Are you really that unaware of your surroundings and the rules of the road that this seems like a good idea? I wish one of your kind would go on the record to tell me what you are thinking as you cruise along, creating a wake of traffic and disgruntled drivers behind you. I really am at a loss for words what can be going through the minds of these people.
Your cousin, the no-lights-on-at-night person? He called and wants to know that he appreciates your enthusiasm, but he will remain in the top spot of most unaware driver on the road most likely to annoy and /or kill others.
So, on behalf of the commuters of Metro NY, Long Island and NJ, I beg of you, that driver doing 45 in the left lane with your brights on, to at least move over to the right. If you cant move over to the right due to some other reason, try pushing or pulling the column stalk on you car, and realize that with the amount of streetlights and light pollution we have, you barely need headlights much less high beams.
And if someone gets behind you and starts flashing their high beams, realize how annoying it is, move over, and check to see if that little blue comet-looking icon in your dash is on.
NY thanks you.
Friday, March 25, 2011
America's worst traffic roads- and I have sat on 8 of the the top 10.
So I am sitting in dead stop traffic the other day on I-35 North of Austin, TX wondering to myself, "Wow, this road sucks. I wonder how it compares o the CBX?"
Imagine my delight today to find out that Autoblog published a story (via TheDailyBeast ) gathering GPS data to determine the worst roads for traffic in America. While I'll worry about the fact that anyone has access to my GPS data at another time, I found this story to be very interesting, and mostly because I have driven pretty much all of these roads, during rush hour at some point in my life.
Here is the top 10. While I haven't driven #2 and #10, I feel confident that these rating are pretty solid - but I feel as if something isn't quite right with the data, as it omits The 5 Freeway through LA and all of downtown Atlanta. Also I think #4 is a special case - normally it flows alright, but when that drawbridge opens up, you have to add two hours to your trip time.
And shouldn't it raise a red flag somewhere that 3 of the top 10 are all I-95 within few hours of eachother?
1. Riverside Freeway/Calif. Highway 91 eastbound, Los Angeles
2. Lunalilo Freeway/I-1 eastbound, Honolulu
3. California Delta Highway/Calif. Highway 4 westbound, San Francisco
4. I-95 southbound, Washington, D.C.
5. Bruckner/Cross Bronx Expressways (I-95 southbound), New York
6. I-35 southbound, Austin-Round Rock
7. Connecticut Turnpike (I-95 northbound), Bridgeport8. I-405 southbound, Seattle
9. Bayshore Freeway (U.S. 101 southbound), San Jose, Calif.
10. Kennedy/Dan Ryan Expressways (I-90/I-94 eastbound), Chicago
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/25/gps-data-gives-us-the-top-20-worst-commutes/
Imagine my delight today to find out that Autoblog published a story (via TheDailyBeast ) gathering GPS data to determine the worst roads for traffic in America. While I'll worry about the fact that anyone has access to my GPS data at another time, I found this story to be very interesting, and mostly because I have driven pretty much all of these roads, during rush hour at some point in my life.
Here is the top 10. While I haven't driven #2 and #10, I feel confident that these rating are pretty solid - but I feel as if something isn't quite right with the data, as it omits The 5 Freeway through LA and all of downtown Atlanta. Also I think #4 is a special case - normally it flows alright, but when that drawbridge opens up, you have to add two hours to your trip time.
And shouldn't it raise a red flag somewhere that 3 of the top 10 are all I-95 within few hours of eachother?
1. Riverside Freeway/Calif. Highway 91 eastbound, Los Angeles
2. Lunalilo Freeway/I-1 eastbound, Honolulu
3. California Delta Highway/Calif. Highway 4 westbound, San Francisco
4. I-95 southbound, Washington, D.C.
5. Bruckner/Cross Bronx Expressways (I-95 southbound), New York
6. I-35 southbound, Austin-Round Rock
7. Connecticut Turnpike (I-95 northbound), Bridgeport8. I-405 southbound, Seattle
9. Bayshore Freeway (U.S. 101 southbound), San Jose, Calif.
10. Kennedy/Dan Ryan Expressways (I-90/I-94 eastbound), Chicago
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/25/gps-data-gives-us-the-top-20-worst-commutes/
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Top 10 List for Metro NY Commuters
I am so freakin’ excited because summer is almost here. I actually hate the heat, and could care less about the beach, but summer means that all little rug rats are out of school and traffic decreases significantly. However, there is one more hurdle to pass, and that is today. The Memorial Day Holiday.
This Thursday is by far one of the most unpredictable traffic days of the year. We just don’t know if everyone is going to be taking Friday off to get a jump on their weekend plans. We don’t know how much extra construction there will be, because crews earn time and a half for working on the holiday. We don’t know how many non-commuters will get into accidents and cause major delays for the rest of us. But I can tell you the tolls will likely be hellish.
Nevertheless, I thought of something the other day. Everyone likes top 10 lists, so I put together a list of the top ways you know you are a hardcore commuter for the NY Metro Area.
Broken down:
99 Corolla, 96 BMW 3 series, 2000 Maxima, 96 Grand Marquis, 94 Grand Marquis
This Thursday is by far one of the most unpredictable traffic days of the year. We just don’t know if everyone is going to be taking Friday off to get a jump on their weekend plans. We don’t know how much extra construction there will be, because crews earn time and a half for working on the holiday. We don’t know how many non-commuters will get into accidents and cause major delays for the rest of us. But I can tell you the tolls will likely be hellish.
Nevertheless, I thought of something the other day. Everyone likes top 10 lists, so I put together a list of the top ways you know you are a hardcore commuter for the NY Metro Area.
- You can straddle a pothole at 60 mph without breaking a sweat
- You follow the person with their convertible top down on the CBX, and squeal with delight on the inside when they get the mystery water substance dumped on them that falls from the underpasses
- 1010Wins and NewsRadio88 are your first two presets
- Most other places in the world would consider our safe following distance to be tailgating
- Don’t worry about that NYPD cop, I’m only doing 65 MPH in a 50 zone
- You know that the word “express” usually means slower. For example, “express” lanes for NJ turnpike, Long Island “Express”way, etc
- You have a deep appreciation for Jewish holidays, no matter what your faith is
- You have a favorite toll lane
- You know the Clearview is where it’s at
- And finally, you get really annoyed on Fridays when all the slow, non commuters invade your way home.
Broken down:
99 Corolla, 96 BMW 3 series, 2000 Maxima, 96 Grand Marquis, 94 Grand Marquis
Monday, December 21, 2009
Another Hazard of Winter Driving
I'm back from sunny SoCal only to wake up to 2 feet of snow and blizzard conditions in Long Island. While us upstate natives call this a "dusting", its usually cause for panic amongst metro NY drivers. It is also a very good time to tell my fellow commuters CLEAN THE SNOW OFF YOUR DAMN ROOF!
I always see this for a few days after a heavy snow- People leave a mass of snow on top of their car, only to have it ice up and then fly off into unsuspecting motorists at highway speed. I have personally felt this, as a few years ago I was hit with an ice ball that shattered my windshield at about 60 MPH. OK, I understand if you drive an 18 wheeler where the issues might be, but for those of you with SUV's, and even smaller passenger cars, it amounts to laziness. Laziness that could be deadly for your fellow motorists.
Did you know its also the law now? NJ just passed it as a state law that roofs must be cleaned off, (http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/10/nj_to_require_snow_ice_to_be_r.html) and in NY, if snow and ice fly off your car, you are responsible for damages incurred to other drivers vehicles.
I have also noticed a few hotspots to be extra cautions of falling snow and ice. On the inbound GWB, right as it enters the CBX, this is when trucks usually get up to highway speed, and an updraft will almost always result in ice and snow flying off, even into the outbound lanes. Additional areas to watch out for are around rest areas where trucks sit for the night, and then pull on to the highway. alos, on ramps in general are where most issues happen, as cars get up to speed.
So what do you do if you see an iceberg headed for you? Try and anticipate its travel path. Typically, it will fly straight back, and if the winds catching it, you might be able to accelerate under it. Swerving should be kept to a minimum, as road conditions are usually sandy or icy and not fit for high speed evasive maneuvers. Usually, the better move is to the right, because if it does angle, it will usually go left. (I have no idea why this is, scientifically.)
But as always, the best evasive maneuver is awareness. take the time to scan ahead for cars and trucks that are potential threats, and get ahead or far behind them.
I always see this for a few days after a heavy snow- People leave a mass of snow on top of their car, only to have it ice up and then fly off into unsuspecting motorists at highway speed. I have personally felt this, as a few years ago I was hit with an ice ball that shattered my windshield at about 60 MPH. OK, I understand if you drive an 18 wheeler where the issues might be, but for those of you with SUV's, and even smaller passenger cars, it amounts to laziness. Laziness that could be deadly for your fellow motorists.
Did you know its also the law now? NJ just passed it as a state law that roofs must be cleaned off, (http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/10/nj_to_require_snow_ice_to_be_r.html) and in NY, if snow and ice fly off your car, you are responsible for damages incurred to other drivers vehicles.
I have also noticed a few hotspots to be extra cautions of falling snow and ice. On the inbound GWB, right as it enters the CBX, this is when trucks usually get up to highway speed, and an updraft will almost always result in ice and snow flying off, even into the outbound lanes. Additional areas to watch out for are around rest areas where trucks sit for the night, and then pull on to the highway. alos, on ramps in general are where most issues happen, as cars get up to speed.
So what do you do if you see an iceberg headed for you? Try and anticipate its travel path. Typically, it will fly straight back, and if the winds catching it, you might be able to accelerate under it. Swerving should be kept to a minimum, as road conditions are usually sandy or icy and not fit for high speed evasive maneuvers. Usually, the better move is to the right, because if it does angle, it will usually go left. (I have no idea why this is, scientifically.)
But as always, the best evasive maneuver is awareness. take the time to scan ahead for cars and trucks that are potential threats, and get ahead or far behind them.
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