10 more problems only Las Vegas drivers have
It turns out Las Vegas driving is just too crazy to be figured out in a single story.
Last week’s list of 10 problems only Las Vegas drivers have got so much feedback, we decided there should probably be a Round 2. So, here are 10 more problems only Las Vegas drivers have. And before you think we forgot your biggest pet peeve, make sure to check out last week’s list, found here.
1. Streets that stop and start in different parts of town
“Fort Apache is Rampart is Durango which means Durango parallels itself for awhile,” Ross Blotter wrote on our Facebook post.
On the comment boards, jcrewmama posted, “Street names will start and stop in different parts of town but don’t think for a minute you can use that road to get where you need. Example: Russell road from one side of the airport to the other. If the road ends name it something else!”
Other examples included “Spring Mtn. becomes Sands becomes Twain” and “Patrick morphs into Green Valley … morphs into Sunridge Heights.”
2. Lanes suddenly disappear from streets before reappearing two blocks later
If you’ve ever driven down Fort Apache for any length of time, you’ll know what commenter 6591 meant when he posted this: “8 lanes to 3 lanes to 5 lanes to 2 lanes. Two lanes used up for lines painted to split you into two or three other lanes.”
It sounds like the beginning of a complicated math problem, but it’s real life in Las Vegas.
3. You get stopped at every light
“In Henderson most of the lights are timed so that each direction gets equal timing with a green light, even if it is some tiny road intersecting a major road,” commented DeDondeEs. “So one car comes off the minor road then 50 cars have to sit there and wait for the light to finish its 2-4 minute cycle.”
4. Yellow lights are basically extended green lights
“You may only apply your brakes when the end of a yellow light and the beginning of the red light create a ‘pumpkin-orange’ hue,” Richard Ivy commented on Facebook.
5. Right-side shoulder sneakers
That’s what bobconner calls them, and if you’re not sure what it is, you are one.
“For years, I saw at least one accident every week on eastbound Flamingo between Burnham and Eastern due to people driving the bike lane for 2 blocks or more, blowing through the intersections at Burnham and Channel 10 Dr in order to get around traffic and turn right on Eastern,” he wrote on the comment board.
6. Lanes never seem to stay in one place
(You’re) driving through an intersection when you suddenly realize your lane is positioned 4 feet over to the right or left,” Roseann Blackburn wrote on Facebook.
If you’ve never experienced this phenomenon, try driving on Flamingo west of the Strip and pay special attention to all the drivers (probably including yourself) who suddenly find themselves in a different lane — or turning left.
7. Speed limits are treated like suggestions
Assuming the weather is clear, there aren’t any obstructions and traffic isn’t bumper to bumper, the black numbers on the white roadside signs are how fast you should be going.
“Nobody can read a speed limit sign,” Miranda Greene wrote on Facebook. “They are either going lightning fast or super slow.”
That’s on the freeways, too. At least a dozen commenters complained about people going slower than freeway speed when there was hardly any traffic.
8. Valley View
Miles Coleman put it best on Facebook: “Thinking ‘Hey, Valley View will get me there’ ever in any way, shape or form. Valley View is a government testing ground for road work machines and stress and the effects of road rage. Never go near it.”
9. Pedestrians treat the streets like their own personal walkways
“The pedestrians that don’t use crosswalks, and just walk out in front of your vehicle,” Brenda Steele wrote.
On the flip side, pedestrians have to deal with crosswalks on busy streets that don’t have a light.
10. Oven mitts aren’t just for the kitchen
We included this on our list of 13 things Las Vegans love, but commenter Hamster Hockey reminded us of this perennial favorite:
“Having to keep oven mitts in your car so you don’t scorch your hands on the steering wheel when you first get into the car.”
Anything else you’d add to the list? Email us at social@reviewjournal.com.
Contact Stephanie Grimes at sgrimes@reviewjournal.com. Find her on Twitter: @steph_grimes