Run for your life! Cars and drivers in Texas

When you read lots of street and city reviews in StreetAdvisor.com, you start to see some interesting patterns in the stories community members are contributing. Texas (StateScore 69.08) is a big state and its drivers seem to have a certain reputation, eveng among themselves.

At Lazy Hollow Drive, Houston, Texas, United States (StreetScore 35.28), visitor tidalwave says:

"I used to visit a friend of mine here often. It was ALWAYS noisy... there are always cars parked on the side of the street which made it hard to navigate. Even so people were often speeding down the street (even with the massive speed bumps)."

Photo by billjacobus1 - Creative Commons license

The following contributions are all from the amazing missingmagic, who has some strong opinions and unique experiences to share about driving in Dallas.

At Montfort Drive, Dallas, Texas, United States (StreetScore 54.39):

"I've often found Montfort Drive to be an excellent alternative to The Dallas North Tollway or Preston Rd. when travelling through North Dallas.

Preston Rd. has serious drawbacks including endless and innumerable traffic lights which, however, often INCREASED accidents instead of lessening them. I was in TWO wrecks in a THREE Month period while legally waiting for a red light to turn green. On both occasions the initial crash was escalated into a several car pile-up when confused drivers who had been gauging their braking only upon that of the car immediately in front of them began skidding into each other.

And, yes, I was the one sitting at the light in the very first car BOTH TIMES. Essentially, I was hit by every car behind me X number of times calculated by some horrible mathematical mess I can't describe.

I don't know anything about LIVING on Montfort Drive. But I DO KNOW about NOT DYING on Preston."

At Verde Valley Lane, Dallas, Texas, United States (StreetScore 55.15):

"Verde Valley is a small stretch of Dallas, Texas blacktop wending its quiet way past the gated condominium communities that bump up against a wooden sign announcing the fact that another step will bring you onto the coveted lawns of Addison. I've often heard the word 'Addison' spoken of in hushed, reverent tones by those appealing for a loftier place on the social stair-master of Texas society. In other words, Verde Valley borders on the exclusive but does not really reach it.

However, a short, brisk walk towards Montfort (beyond which pedestrianism is NOT recommended) will bring you within reach of convenience stores, a couple of sports bars, an excellent jazz club, pool-halls, a nightly rock and roll joint/meat-market, several decent restaurants and even a hairdresser or optometrist. Nearby Beltline Rd. will get you to anything else you may need if Spring Valley doesn't.

I'd advise anyone new to Dallas to learn Dallas Driving Methods immediately. Even if you have no plans to drive. Know that these folks are like no others on the road. I was once hit by a car while WEARING A WALKING CAST across only half a lane to a meridian... in a designated crosswalk... in broad daylight... with right of way. The woman driving didn't even slow down as I spun round in circles. Learn a lesson from this. Fast."

At Southpoint Drive, Dallas, Texas, United States StreetScore 17.64):

"Southpoint Drive, Dallas, Texas, is a cut-rate substitute for an already second-rate dream. This area presents the visitor with a cheap 'study' into semi-suburbanite psychology. It's an ugly tug-of-war between block-party inclusion nostalgia and exclusionary strategies of the upwardly mobile.

Though winding avenues with just-sufficient shade trees, moderate traffic, and hypnotically similar red-tiled architecture seem pleasant enough for a quiet stroll, this is not a bright idea. The seclusion that this little suburbia offers is illusory. The quiet only lasts a few minutes, late model vehicles tend to take curvy lanes quickly, and drivers distracted with cellular phones often don't notice their own neighbor in the middle of the street… especially if they’ve NEVER seen you. Look both ways... several times.

A major culprit behind the strange neighborhood philosophy is the very literal 'box' in which it is located. In point of fact, the 'island' is entirely hemmed in by ‘the big city’ in the form of four of Dallas' more massive traffic ways. Preston Rd and Hillcrest form Western and Eastern borders, respectively, Arapaho guards the Southern flank and huge Campbell Rd shuts the Northern lid tight."

Photo by Marshall Astor - Creative Commons license

In a state that uses pedestrians for target practice but then also treats their cars like this, you better watch out. What's the traffic like in your neighborhood? Visit StreetAdvisor.com and vent your frustration!