Denver Drivers…look out, New Yorkers!
While the people in Denver are typically kinder (in person) than the average joe walking the streets of NYC or DC, I’ve noticed something rather strange. Despite their face-to-face attitudes, Denver drivers are BY FAR the worst drivers I have ever had to deal with.
I’ve had to deal with some bad drivers: DC Beltway, NJ Turnpike, I-95, NYC, etc. But nothing compares to the horrid display of driving I see out here. Is it the altitude? Is it the snow? I have NO idea. All I can tell you is that in the time I’ve been out here, I’ve heard about THREE separate accidents where pedestrians have been hit…2 out of the 3 were fatal. Moreover, I’ve been nearly run off the road twice, my fiance saw a woman carelessly drive right into a man crossing the street (he was ok) and I’ve seen some of the most unsafe differentials in speed on the highways (one person going 45mph and others going 80mph).Am I making this all up? Is this just my frustration finding something to latch onto and complain about? The links below provide published stories, editorials and letters to the editor about this exact problem. You will see for yourself that Denver drivers are truly some of the worst in America:
1) Angry Motorist Given Life Term – this guy was purposely killing people (literally) on the road by driving in front of them and slamming on the brakes!
2) Slippery Roads Pileup the Accidents in Denver – you’d think living in Denver that people might start to understand the dangers of hazardous roadways…or maybe not.
3) ‘Make My Day Better’ Expands Gun Law to Cars, Businesses – so now we get these same drivers, but they are able to carry loaded guns!? (please see article #1 again)
4) Cell-Phone-Driver Bill Fails – please note the last quote in this article: “I have a friend who actually carries a dead bee in the car – true story – figuring if he ever gets pulled over for speeding or driving erratically, he can just say he was trying to kill the bee,” he said.
5) Have Patience With Drivers, Pedestrians – this letter is straight from the mouth of a resident who is sick of drivers getting impatient, especially with pedestrians.
Honestly, I really hope to see some improvements here. Otherwise, yours truly may have to call in some recruits from the east coast to help shape things up around here. And nobody wants a pack of NJ drivers racin’ around their area.
Hallelujuah! I couldn’t have said it better myself. And to think…I LEARNED how to drive in this city at the unassuming age of 16.
Seeing firsthand an innocent pedestrian being hit head on by an SUV in downtown Denver was the last straw for me. Something must be done.
Oh dear, it there nowhere clean and fresh and free of bad drivers? If not the west, then where? I always thought the worst drivers were on the east coast. Maybe I never noticed in my 16 trips to Colorado! Ignorance is bliss! I’ll have to get defensive next time out.
Very nice site! I wish I could write as well as you do… Jenny R.
I’m from Boston, and I’m here for a temp computer project. I’m fortunate enough to live wherever I want in the Country.
I can tell you from Living in Boston and commuting in the big dig every day that the east coast drivers are nowhere near as bad drive as they are here in Colorado!
I just did a google search to see what other people think just to see if it was just me thank god for your web site.
I think Coloradans drive similar to Wisconsinites and Minnesota’s maybe it’s the aggressive uneducated European in decent influence? Maybe it’s the uneducated cowboy type but I know its lack of education either way they drive reckless here. Don’t they know a automobile is a death machine!! The Atlantic and southeastern states like Florida and Atlanta are just stupid from the heat but at least they don’t tail gate you like they do here.
The best drivers in the country are in Oregon and Washington State. I found them to be the most polite and educated in my drive across this entire county.
I just don’t get it why they drive like jerks here I’m’ sure a lot of them are educated. Its true that face to face they are the friendly’s people around more than anywhere in the country I think.
I wish the state police would start pulling more people over for speeding and most of all tail gating!!! I’ve seen 3 accidents already here they just don’t pay attention. It seems they don’t look ahead if you see a red light I slow down not step on the gas going up to it. I see them all the time fly up or go though yellow lights or last second and slam on the breaks. I see it all the time. I’m trying to drive and be an example. I guess that’s the only way these people will learn is if they have a much bigger police presence. I really feel for the police here they have there hands full. How are they teaching the kids here in high school that’s what might be the underlying root?
Come on Colorado start respecting your fellow driver were all trying to get somewhere don’t be a rude jerk. God is watching you.
[...] Photo source: Exit East Coast [...]
Colorado Air Pollution | Good Environmental News Blog said this on April 14, 2009 at 2:22 pm |
I agree. After driving in several different states, and through many major cities, I find myself needing a serious chill pill with Denver drivers! I cannot believe the stupidity that ensues from just a standard drive, whether or not it’s the interstate. And there are far too many dangerous drivers by going too slow in these highly formidable traffic zones as well. People really need to catch up or turn in their keys for a red wagon, seriously!
Ohio drivers are pretty polite they let you over