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Road-related pet peeves

Started by TravelingBethelite, September 01, 2015, 02:21:06 PM

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WIroadfan

Quote from: mgk920 on August 02, 2024, 04:24:44 PMI don't know if this is only  a common thing around here, but when I am out walking and just somewhat *near* a crosswalk and everyone stops for me, even though I am making no motions towards crossing the street.  It is annoying and a traffic delay. ('misplaced courtesy'?)

Mike
It's a pandemic here in Madison and it's so annoying.  I'll cross when you guys are gone and it's safe for me to do so!


Max Rockatansky

Quote from: WIroadfan on October 31, 2024, 08:46:57 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on August 02, 2024, 04:24:44 PMI don't know if this is only  a common thing around here, but when I am out walking and just somewhat *near* a crosswalk and everyone stops for me, even though I am making no motions towards crossing the street.  It is annoying and a traffic delay. ('misplaced courtesy'?)

Mike
It's a pandemic here in Madison and it's so annoying.  I'll cross when you guys are gone and it's safe for me to do so!

I run without reflective gear before sunrise partially to avoid these kinds of interactions.

pderocco

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 31, 2024, 09:00:32 PM
Quote from: WIroadfan on October 31, 2024, 08:46:57 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on August 02, 2024, 04:24:44 PMI don't know if this is only  a common thing around here, but when I am out walking and just somewhat *near* a crosswalk and everyone stops for me, even though I am making no motions towards crossing the street.  It is annoying and a traffic delay. ('misplaced courtesy'?)

Mike
It's a pandemic here in Madison and it's so annoying.  I'll cross when you guys are gone and it's safe for me to do so!

I run without reflective gear before sunrise partially to avoid these kinds of interactions.

Eh, what could go wrong!

Max Rockatansky

Quote from: pderocco on October 31, 2024, 11:21:28 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 31, 2024, 09:00:32 PM
Quote from: WIroadfan on October 31, 2024, 08:46:57 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on August 02, 2024, 04:24:44 PMI don't know if this is only  a common thing around here, but when I am out walking and just somewhat *near* a crosswalk and everyone stops for me, even though I am making no motions towards crossing the street.  It is annoying and a traffic delay. ('misplaced courtesy'?)

Mike
It's a pandemic here in Madison and it's so annoying.  I'll cross when you guys are gone and it's safe for me to do so!

I run without reflective gear before sunrise partially to avoid these kinds of interactions.

Eh, what could go wrong!

At 5 AM?  I've found not much.

The two times I've been hit by cars has been in the early afternoon.  I talked way more about the results of both impacts in the "Minor things that bother you" thread.

Here was the result from the more serious of the two incidents:

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 25, 2024, 10:55:43 AM
Quote from: LilianaUwU on October 25, 2024, 10:23:44 AM
Quote from: noelbotevera on October 25, 2024, 09:41:51 AMI can't bear to imagine what a car or anything heavier hitting me at anything faster than 15-20 MPH would feel like.
I don't need to imagine it... though I think it was barely above 20.


I want to sit down on my laptop to give the above scenarios it's proper due.  That said, I can speak to the damage caused by a 25-30 MPH impact.  In that scenario I mentioned above in 2010 that's what I happened to me in Coronado, CA when a drive ran a stop sign trying to cross CA 75.  The damage I incurred was as follows:

-  A broken left distal radius.
-  Three broken ribs.
-  A concussion and a couple months of random bouts of vertigo. 
-  A shit ton of tar on the right side of my face from skidding on the asphalt. 
-  Multiple bruises and cuts over my entire body. 

Mind you, I saw the car coming at the last second and apparently had jumped onto the hood.  I was told that if I had not done that the damage would have been far more severe if not fatal.

I did need rehabilitation for my left arm after I had surgery.  I have nine pins and a titanium plate in my arm.  I lost about 10% range of motion and had some permanent nerve damage.

Probably the worst part of the whole incident was when I was in ER at UC San Diego.  The doctor had a really difficult time setting my left arm and it took three people to get it into place.  Mind you, I wasn't on pain killers given I was concussed.  I didn't think that someone could have lucid thought with that level of pain but I guess that's what happens after about 30 minutes of sheer pain.

Speaking to insurance, I did ultimately get a settlement from the driver's insurance company.  I guess I was mainly glad my legs didn't get taken out in some way.

pderocco

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 31, 2024, 11:32:53 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on October 25, 2024, 10:55:43 AMI want to sit down on my laptop to give the above scenarios it's proper due.  That said, I can speak to the damage caused by a 25-30 MPH impact.  In that scenario I mentioned above in 2010 that's what I happened to me in Coronado, CA when a drive ran a stop sign trying to cross CA 75.  The damage I incurred was as follows:

-  A broken left distal radius.
-  Three broken ribs.
-  A concussion and a couple months of random bouts of vertigo. 
-  A shit ton of tar on the right side of my face from skidding on the asphalt. 
-  Multiple bruises and cuts over my entire body. 

Mind you, I saw the car coming at the last second and apparently had jumped onto the hood.  I was told that if I had not done that the damage would have been far more severe if not fatal.

I did need rehabilitation for my left arm after I had surgery.  I have nine pins and a titanium plate in my arm.  I lost about 10% range of motion and had some permanent nerve damage.

Probably the worst part of the whole incident was when I was in ER at UC San Diego.  The doctor had a really difficult time setting my left arm and it took three people to get it into place.  Mind you, I wasn't on pain killers given I was concussed.  I didn't think that someone could have lucid thought with that level of pain but I guess that's what happens after about 30 minutes of sheer pain.

Speaking to insurance, I did ultimately get a settlement from the driver's insurance company.  I guess I was mainly glad my legs didn't get taken out in some way.

Here's an odd coincidence: I've been hit by cars twice, too, both times on skates, and once was in Coronado, probably on 75. In that incident, a driver hit me while turning a corner with a fogged up windshield after dark. The 10mph impact was mitigated because my feet just rolled out from under me and I did a reverse somersault over the hood. I had the wind knocked out of me, but I skated away after a few minutes.

mgk920

Quote from: WIroadfan on October 31, 2024, 08:46:57 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on August 02, 2024, 04:24:44 PMI don't know if this is only  a common thing around here, but when I am out walking and just somewhat *near* a crosswalk and everyone stops for me, even though I am making no motions towards crossing the street.  It is annoying and a traffic delay. ('misplaced courtesy'?)

Mike
It's a pandemic here in Madison and it's so annoying.  I'll cross when you guys are gone and it's safe for me to do so!

More often these days I'm finding myself hiding behind tress and poles and in very nearby alcoves to avoid seeing drivers unnecessarily stopping for me.

Mike

JayhawkCO

Here's one: left turn arrows that don't stay green long enough for the entire left turn lane to make the light. Obviously someone thought x amount of cars were going to be waiting at once to turn left, hence why the turn lane was designed to be the length it is. The light should be long enough to make sure no one has to sit through a light once they make it into the turn lane. If there's a big back up and you're not in the turn lane yet, it's reasonable to sit through a light.

Max Rockatansky

There are quite a few of those short interval left turn signals near me.  When they are backed up it is just easier to drive through the light and pull an adhoc Michigan Left via U-Turn.  Westbound Manning Avenue at CA 41 is where I do this the most.

jeffandnicole

Quote from: JayhawkCO on November 02, 2024, 10:38:29 AMHere's one: left turn arrows that don't stay green long enough for the entire left turn lane to make the light. Obviously someone thought x amount of cars were going to be waiting at once to turn left, hence why the turn lane was designed to be the length it is. The light should be long enough to make sure no one has to sit through a light once they make it into the turn lane. If there's a big back up and you're not in the turn lane yet, it's reasonable to sit through a light.

There's one near me that was long enough for traffic in the turn lane to turn left. For some reason, it got shortened to half its max time, and delays and red light running are now common. Been like this for several months. No idea why they changed the timing.

Rothman

Quote from: Max Rockatansky on November 02, 2024, 10:43:13 AMThere are quite a few of those short interval left turn signals near me.  When they are backed up it is just easier to drive through the light and pull an adhoc Michigan Left via U-Turn.  Westbound Manning Avenue at CA 41 is where I do this the most.

Do not let other people know this secret!
Please note: All comments here represent my own personal opinion and do not reflect the official position(s) of NYSDOT.

hotdogPi

Quote from: Rothman on November 02, 2024, 12:32:27 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on November 02, 2024, 10:43:13 AMThere are quite a few of those short interval left turn signals near me.  When they are backed up it is just easier to drive through the light and pull an adhoc Michigan Left via U-Turn.  Westbound Manning Avenue at CA 41 is where I do this the most.

Do not let other people know this secret!

I think it's fine for people to know. If enough people are aware of it and do it, that means the intended left turn lane will be shorter and it won't back up.
Clinched

Traveled, plus
US 13, 50
MA 22, 35, 40, 53, 107, 109, 126, 141, 159
NH 27, 78, 111A(E); CA 90; NY 366; GA 42, 140; FL A1A, 7; CT 32, 320; VT 2A, 5A; PA 3, 51, 60, WA 202; QC 162, 165, 263; 🇬🇧A100, A3211, A3213, A3215, A4222; 🇫🇷95 D316

Lowest untraveled: 36

vdeane

The timing of this light.  The majority of the traffic is going straight in both directions on Sparrowbush, but the majority of the green time is for the driveway on the right, so for much of the time, it's green for nobody.
Please note: All comments here represent my own personal opinion and do not reflect the official position of NYSDOT or its affiliates.

Quillz

Quote from: jeffandnicole on November 02, 2024, 11:26:59 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on November 02, 2024, 10:38:29 AMHere's one: left turn arrows that don't stay green long enough for the entire left turn lane to make the light. Obviously someone thought x amount of cars were going to be waiting at once to turn left, hence why the turn lane was designed to be the length it is. The light should be long enough to make sure no one has to sit through a light once they make it into the turn lane. If there's a big back up and you're not in the turn lane yet, it's reasonable to sit through a light.

There's one near me that was long enough for traffic in the turn lane to turn left. For some reason, it got shortened to half its max time, and delays and red light running are now common. Been like this for several months. No idea why they changed the timing.
It might be due to future construction/changes. Here in the valley, the Mulholland/Old Topanga Canyon junction used to have a very long left turn light. Like a good solid minute. Now, it only lasts for about 20 seconds. I couldn't figure out why until recently, when the other Mulholland/Old Topanga Canyon junction was signalized (prior to this it was just a stop sign on OTC). So the shorter cycle makes more sense because it's synced up with the new signalized change.

vdeane

The full closure of I-91 south between exits 16 and 15 in Vermont.  Most states would set up crossovers and run two-way traffic in the event a carriageway needed to be closed.  Vermont?  Nope, let's just force everyone to take US 5 even though that's slower and the temporary traffic light we added just adds even more delays.  And no, we don't have even the slightest clue when we'll reopen the road even though it's already been months.

As much as I love Vermont, I feel like I get annoyed at their transportation infrastructure (or lack thereof) every single time I'm in the state.  The 40 mile trek across the width of the state (because there are no east-west interstates other than I-89, which is not useful for traffic from NY) on top of whatever slog it is across eastern NY just to get to/from the border doesn't help.  I mean, I know intellectually that Vermont does actually have freeway connections to other places... but it sure doesn't feel like it.  At least NY 7 wasn't a problem today, that's actually a first.  I didn't even hit heavy delays between Walmart and Hannaford in Brunswick, which is very unusual.  I wonder if the smoke is keeping everyone home; might explain why the dominant traffic flow was outbound (relative to Albany/Troy) even on a Sunday afternoon.
Please note: All comments here represent my own personal opinion and do not reflect the official position of NYSDOT or its affiliates.

1995hoo

Quote from: jeffandnicole on November 02, 2024, 11:26:59 AM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on November 02, 2024, 10:38:29 AMHere's one: left turn arrows that don't stay green long enough for the entire left turn lane to make the light. Obviously someone thought x amount of cars were going to be waiting at once to turn left, hence why the turn lane was designed to be the length it is. The light should be long enough to make sure no one has to sit through a light once they make it into the turn lane. If there's a big back up and you're not in the turn lane yet, it's reasonable to sit through a light.

There's one near me that was long enough for traffic in the turn lane to turn left. For some reason, it got shortened to half its max time, and delays and red light running are now common. Been like this for several months. No idea why they changed the timing.

There are some near me that would be long enough if people paid attention and moved when it turned green instead of burying themselves in their phones. It's not helped by other people seemingly being unwilling to honk at such people (on Saturday, I could see from the shadows that the guy three cars up was just sitting there after everyone in front of him moved, but I was the only one to honk).
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commenting on the Capitals clinching a playoff spot.

"That sounded stupid, didn't it?"
—Kolzig, to the same reporter a few seconds later.

Rothman

I absolutely loathe the slog on NY 7 through Brunswick and Troy.  I don't know if there's an acceptable solution, though, that wouldn't result in unacceptable destruction.
Please note: All comments here represent my own personal opinion and do not reflect the official position(s) of NYSDOT.

webny99

#491
Quote from: vdeane on November 10, 2024, 10:45:49 PMI mean, I know intellectually that Vermont does actually have freeway connections to other places... but it sure doesn't feel like it.

Actually considering that NY state is a chokepoint for anyone accessing Vermont from the west (meaning the rest of the country has to pass through NY to reach Vermont by road), it's fair to say they don't have freeway connections to anywhere besides New England.  You have to go through another New England state to reach Vermont by freeway, and even then, I-91 is essentially on the western border, so that's no help for the western half (and especially the southwestern quarter) of the state.

kurumi

There's a pair of linked traffic lights here on the border of San Jose / Santa Clara. Stevens Creek Blvd is a 6-lane divided arterial. The two streets are side streets (though they do serve shopping plazas). I've driven that way on Stevens Creek at least once every 2 weeks, for more than two years. I've hit those lights green exactly twice. That's a red rate greater than 96%, which (IANATE) seems a little high. It's like playing football against the Kansas City Chiefs

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