Driving Etiquette (Part 1 of 2)

We're amazed at how each state we live in seems to have its own quirky driving etiquette.

Here's what we learned in Boston:

• It's a sign of weakness to use your blinker - whatever you do, don't use it, especially on the freeway (or is it a highway, maybe an interstate?)
• There are very few green arrows for left turns, but the first person in the left turn lane (and sometimes the 2nd if s/he is fast enough and brave enough) is allowed to quickly make a left turn before the oncoming traffic takes off.  It's surprising when you discover that no one honks at you. 
• If you're trying to make a left turn out of a parking lot and the traffic is backed up in both directions, you can nose out into the first lane, backing up all traffic on your left.  The drivers in the other lane (coming from the right) will then acknowledge your superiority, slow down, stop (backing up the traffic on your right), smile, give you the polite traffic wave, and allow you to make your left turn.  And, NO ONE honks at anyone!
• When you want to turn left where there's no light at all, sometimes the first driver of the oncoming traffic will actually stop and wave you through.  The people behind the courteous (to you) driver will NOT honk at him!  
• Now that I've put things into perspective - back to the blinker.  Sometimes if you use your blinker on the freeway, you'll get honked at!  It's best to just keep everyone guessing when it comes to lane changes on the freeway.

Here's the scariest thing.  And it's not etiquette, it's a posted rule on some of the freeways!

• It's OKAY to drive in the shoulder...on the freeway...during rush hour!  But, only on certain sections.  Heaven help you if you don't read all the signs.  I swore I'd never do it but had to succumb when I realized if I didn't, I'd have to drive all the way to Rhode Island before I could get off the freeway.  Speaking of Rhode Island.  We had some friends make a wrong turn in Boston and end up in Rhode Island!  But, I digress.

This whole post has become a digression.  I (and Howard even more so) could go on and on about driving in Boston.  This was supposed to be about driving in Nashville.  Hearing about Nashville will be boring after this!  Stay tuned till tomorrow, or whenever!

 Maybe stuff like this sign is the root of all the craziness!