| Message |
I've lived in both (Orlando and Chicago, among others), and driven in most big cities. Boston is definitely a bear! Up north, one problem is weather-related. The freezing and thawing creates potholes, and these get ripped up even worse by snow plows during the winter. Since nobody likes to be out in bad weather, drivers may seem less courteous too, especially to the uninitiated. Then, as soon as the weather breaks, everything grinds to a halt by road consturction. The congestion in northern cities is compounded by the fact that city planners laid their infrastructure down more than 100 years ago -- or in Boston, 200+ years ago! So roads go every which way, might end abruptly and resume three blocks away... Down south, weather is a factor too, but at the other end of the spectrum. When I lived in Orlando, it was just starting into its growth spurt. There weren't too many snarls, but when things slowed down, you'd better be sure you've got a good cooling system. The roads don't take the abuse they do up north, so most of them are smooth. They're also relatively new compared to the major northern city roads. But you'll encounter a lot more jallopies down south -- '64 Ford Galaxies held together with bailing wire, and driven by 93-year old farmers who can't see twenty feet in front of their face. Turn signals are optional in Florida, especially in areas with a high population density of retirees. And since so many people are moving from north to south (especially the aforementioned retirees), the chances of encountering a "bad driver" are pretty good. Defensive driving down there is a MUST.
 |
 |
