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L A Motorists Handbook
When asked by "Entertainment Weekly" about the biggest difference between London and LA, actor Hugh Laurie replied "People here drive like baboons on crack--they've stolen the keys and sort of figured out how to switch the thing on. I'm staggered by it."
He's not wrong. We're constantly amazed by the traffic manuevers we witness on the streets of Los Angeles and the greater Southern Californian region.
After consulting the 2005 California Drivers Handbook, LAist has determined that there should be a special LA Motorists Handbook to supplement the state's version in order to warn unwary motorist about the way things really work around here.
For example, the CA Drivers Handbook says this aboutRight of Way laws regarding pedestrians:
Right of way rules help people drive safely. These rules go along with courtesy and common sense.
Always stop for any pedestrian crossing at corners or other crosswalks. Do not pass a car from behind that has stopped at a crosswalk... A pedestrian you can't se may be crossing.
Pedestrians have the right-of-way at corners, whether or not painted white lines mark the crosswalks.
The LA Motorists Handbook would say:
Sponsored message
Pedestrians are a menace. Never completely stop for one of these annoying obstacles at the corner, especially at Wilshire and La Cienega or any other "power" cooridor. Rather, slow down and dart your car between bodies, if you can. If you don't, you may find yourself at a stop and trigger the ire of the driver behind you who will express his or her frustration by honking his or her horn. When you see a car stopped for a pedestrian in a crosswalk, go around that fool and drive through the portion of the crosswalk that's still empty.
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Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
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