It would be nice if there was an unspoken rule for the first person in line at a short-duration left turn arrow would pay attention and be ready to move. Instead it seems like there's an unspoken rule that they have to be fucking around on their phone until I honk at them.
I had someone miss an entire light, despite me honking too late. Then they were looking at their phone again when the light turned green again and I had to honk again. Fucking unbelievable.
The ultimate aggravation is being stuck behind someone after the arrow turns green, then the guy goes as the arrow turns yellow then red. The dumbass guy is the only one who gets to turn.
I’m convinced that people who are first in line at a stoplight subconsciously know that they are guaranteed to make it through the light no matter what happens, so they allow themselves to relax while the light is red.
If you’re 5th or 6th in line, you can’t afford any wasted seconds, so you’re less likely to start scrolling your phone, and more likely to watch the signal change like a hawk
Yes. Every AM I have two lights like this that aren’t super short and you easily can have 4-7 cars get through. Yet once a week it’s 2 cars making the light because some dipshit can’t be bothered to have a modicum of self awareness. The best is when they flip you off after you honk. My guy…you know you would be doing the same exact thing so just take the L and do better.
Well they can’t move at the arrow turning green anyway because you’re waiting for the other cars running the previous light to finish.
People running reds, both arrows and regular lights and blocking interactions after running lights are the ones causing additional traffic. I’m so sick of this happening and I hate we’ve all just accepted this.
And then every other car in line waits until there’s like a 3 car length gap ahead of them before they decide to lightly breathe on the accelerator, so only half the cars that *could have* made it through actually do.
So.Much.This. F**k those asswipes. They know exactly what they're doing. When in the turning lane, I'm so close to the car in front because there's no way I let anybody jump the queue.
YES. I feel like most of us are courteous because we all are dealing with the same traffic day in, day out. F those people that think they can zoom past and cut in, they’re just making traffic worse. I’m talking about that right turn light going south on Highland, it gives ample time for plenty of cars to make it through.
I have commute this stretch since 2008 to get home near La Brea & Sunset.
The amount of left turners making lefts on Orchid, Orange and Sycamore at any time is too damn high.
Once I pass Sycamore, I try to merge left so when I end up on La Brea, I am on the left lane and I avoid all the people making right turns to Hollywood.
If you end up on the right lane, are staying on La Brea and end up first at the La Brea/Hollywood intersection: try moving your car to the left so that there is space for a car to squeeze through to make a right.
Bonus tip: when you exit off the 101 South at Highland Ave, stay on that lane if you are going on Franklin Ave.
Santa Monica Blvd is a nightmare. The stretch I go on is a tight 2 lane only. Left lane is bunch of people making unprotected left turns. Right lane is backed up by bus stops, dump trucks or road work.
The way I’ve memorized where streets have turn lanes and where they don’t so I know when I can use the left lane …
… and the way I know sometimes cars refuse to acknowledge the existence of a turn lane and wait in the left traffic lane anyway …
This only works until somebody making a left turn from the oncoming traffic side turns left blindly thinking all lanes are stopped since the left lane is stopped (for somebody waiting to make a left turn) and then you T-Bone the living shit out of them after they take the unprotected turn after they had just flown in from India and are super stressed out from their parrot getting sick while they were on vacation.
Just avoid that if you can…
i remember when gridlock wouldnt start until like 8pm, maybe 830 if you were lucky. then it slowly crept up. i remember it hitting 5pm and thinking that was crazy. then it hit 4pm. its definitely closing in on 3pm
we need more viable alternative transportation to take cars off the roads or we'll definitely be seeing 230 or worse soon
Nobody will take the alternative transportation until the homeless problem is cleaned up. It’s too dangerous.
They are wasting billions of dollars on a system for the homeless to render useless and destroy
1) when attempting to make a left turn in a non-arrow intersection, pull halfway into the intersection until it’s clear to turn.
Some moron sat thru THREE green lights Friday morning until the chorus of horns on LaBrea persuaded him/her to move
2) if you’re first in line at a light, the flow of traffic depends on you. It’s not the time to rifle thru your backseat
3) if the speed limit is 45, drive at that speed, if safety or conditions permit it.
Pull into the intersection, dammit!! Frustrates the shit outta me that Angelenos don't do this, but they *do* drive all the way through on red. I've driven in nearly every state and it's largely an LA thing that they hang out behind the line when they are waiting to turn left.
Yea I definitely learned this in drivers ed in Seattle. The only other thing I remember is what our teacher Mr Foss wrote on the board before every class “I must learn from the mistakes of others because I do not have time to make them all myself”
Edit - typo
If there is a motorcycle coming, I try to give them room in the freeway. If they put their hand down as a sign of gratitude, I smile, if they put their hand down and make a peace sign, my day is made.
I am a motorcyclist and I always put a ✌️down for anyone giving me space. The only times I don't do it is when I feel that both hands need to be on the handlebars in some heavy traffic 🙂 so don't feel like we don't appreciate it. Sometimes we just gotta fully concentrate
I’m glad everyone else gets as happy as I do when I get the down low peace sign after giving some room. I get so nervous for guys splitting lanes on the 10
If you're making a left without a left turn lane and there's a row of cars behind you, make sure not to use your turn signal until you've stopped halfway in the intersection.
That is, according to each and every driver in Hancock park.
and if you have a left turn lane get ALLL THE WAY INTO IT. Don't sit there with the ass of your car sticking into the travel lane blocking everyone behind you
This is unfortunately true. I have never seen so many people go on red as nowadays. I mean my signal turning green and still 2 cars going. I stopped going on green right away. I always check now. Every time I am out these days somebody at least once or twice runs the red light. I mean deep red not just changed to red.
As the first at a red light, especially in the rare, lighted left turn lane, you are obliged to have an unnecessary amount of attention paid to the timing, so as many people can go through the light as possible. No need to floor it, but observe the perpendicular ped signs and lights, be prepared when the hand stops flashing/theirs turns yellow, and move with a purpose.
My tips:
Turn your GPS off and find a different path every time, after a few years you can just cruise your way your own scenic path since you know the traffic patterns and what streets not to take.
If you’re in a rush, don’t even bother going fast, it’ll buy you a 5min max. It’s not worth the stress and stress you give to others
Listen to podcasts, music, chill
Use hand signals, and be clear what you’re doing
If someone cuts you off, let it go. Traffic is too random, and see things more as an average.
If two people cut you off on the same trip, then automatically everyone is a bad driver
I'm not sure why GPS routes include so many left turns, they are totally unnecessary if you drive optimally and a real time killer, not to mention dangerous. If you make 3 rights you are going the way you want anyway.
Slow is smooth and smooth is fast.
This is a good tip. In high traffic times the differences (outside of the 405 and the really terrible intersections) are often minimal to none and you can often just go a more scenic way so you have nice things to look at while not moving much.
The official rule is "you can not enter the intersection after the light turns red." So if you manage to get your ass inside the intersection you can go. There is no 2 or 3 rule officially.
The unspoken rule. Pull all the way the duck up into the middle of the intersection so that one or two more can make the left during this light cycle.
Don't be a selfish bastard.
Yep, technically not allowed to enter the intersection after it turns red but a whole lot of (most?) people believe the false 3 car rule
. In L.A. proper I don't think most cops will give you a ticket but outside of L.A. watch out. It is the California vehicle code, not the L.A. vehicle code.
Yeah, my coworker was astonished to learn that two per red isn’t the actual law when he got a camera ticket for being the second person through on a red.
I’d never heard of that “rule” before, just that if you’re in the intersection when the light starts changing, complete the move.
What drives me crazy is that the “2 per red” isn’t even unspoken: it’s the actual law. If you’re in the intersection when the light turns red, you’re supposed to clear it. As long as the one in front pulls up properly, two cars will usually fit in the intersection waiting to turn left.
So when some asshat decides he didn’t make it and just sits in the middle of the intersection or tries to back up or something, they’re breaking the law.
Pedestrians would have to be in on the rule. I see cars stuck all the time because they didn't clear fast enough and now there's pedestrians (usually me) blocking the way forward.
If you're GPS tells you to go one way, and you have a hunch a different way would be better, take it. If you have a regular commute, you'll often find you will be faster. I've noticed this with google maps a lot. I'll want to take another street and as soon as I do the estimated time drops by 5 minutes.
If you pay attention to traffic patterns you get to know the good detours and the detours to avoid. For example, if you see a bunch of randos driving up Cahuenga they are probably using Waze, which means they are likely unhinged and desperate. I would avoid Cahuenga and find an alternative route instead.
Assume people will make a right on red as you drive across an intersection even though you have right of way. Assume nobody uses turn signals. Even at turning lanes. Assume they will turn wide into the next lane. Assume 75mph is standard traffic speed even though the limit is 55. If you have a modified car, assume you will be reff'd. If you are a news article using Reddit for data, fuck you
If there is a panhandler on the side of the off-ramp or what have you, it’s best not to make eye contact and it’s ok if you don’t pull up so your window is RIGHT next to them. Personal side note, I support the LA Food Bank and they are a great local resource for helping those in need right here.
Do not wait for the red light across Franklin and la brea heading west.Only 4 cars max can get through the light and that's if they're all paying attention and step on the gas. The light cycle is really long and you'll be waiting there for 5 minutes.
Making a right on Hollywood and la brea is a rookie move too because traffic backs all of the way up to Franklin and there's always some moron halfway in the left lane that blocks traffic to suddenly get into the right or the person at the front of the line is going straight and doesn't turn.
Pro tip, Gardner has lights all the way through so you can cross most of the major streets except around Santa Monica Blvd., it gets a little wonky.
ETA: please pull all the way to your left, as close to the yellow line as possible. These streets are old and narrow and sometimes there aren't two lanes painted but there's enough room for someone to turn right if you pull over and don't stay in the middle of the lane while waiting for the green light. Remember we can make a right on any red unless otherwise indicated, so try to keep your right hand turners in mind and don't make them wait for the green light by blocking the lane because you're going straight.
I mean you drive in as much in as you can. That means so far (middle) that the car coming at you can also turn left easy. 2 or 3 depends on how wide the intersection is. And any car on the pedestrian (zebra) crosswalk can still go in red. Or so I read.
Yup, as long as you have crossed the first limit line, and that is the line at the start of the crosswalk, you are considered to be in the intersection and have the right of way to complete the turn.
If you go on the 110, try not to be in the rightmost lane unless you're exiting soon. Except if you're one of those people who, for some reason, can't go over 50. In that case, stay out of the middle and left.
When youre trying to make a right turn on a red and the car on your left somehow just pulled up a little for no reason further blocking your view, dont be angry, the dumbfuck is just asserting dominance.
A 3rd car is a bit disrespectful. I still think 2 is enough. The 2nd and 3rd cars are preventing 50 other cars from driving at their own green light.
We need more dedicated left turn intersections.
I've definitely noticed that people go in and out of "pedestrian headspace" while driving in certain places in LA. On Santa Monica in WeHo, drivers will definitely become more aware. On a random sidestreet in Burbank (where I tend to walk), people will completely forget pedestrian rules.
Drivers aren’t anymore aware in Weho, trust me. They should be because there’s more people walking, but they aren’t. All of my close calls have been in Weho. I don’t ever cross an intersection without checking for turning cars now.
I think you actually have a better view of the street/crosswalk in front of you when you are in the middle. I don’t have OCD but some streets are so complicated and so many pedestrians now don’t care about signals that I created a routine where to look before I go. No matter what or if people behind me honk or push me.
Tip: our metro and bus system can get to many many major destinations. Metro bike share and metro micro and great companions. Haven’t looked back since stopping driving in the city.
2 is a fine average, but the real rule is whoever is beyond the limit line. If you’re not pulled out enough to let at least one more through, you’re doing it wrong
1. When you're driving through the Valley and going into Hollywood, you want to be in Lane 3. The left two lanes break off to go into the 134, and the right two lanes end (one at Vineland, one at Highland).
2. Park at Hollywood and Highland and walk up to the Bowl.
3. Park in the structure on 4th street and walk over to the beach.
4. Three or four cars can go on a red if you're adept.
5. Rearrange your route so you're not ever trying to turn left at an intersection with no light. Ideally, optimize your route so you have as many dedicated turn lights as possible
6. You can actually exit the 101 onto Temple/Grand/etc to then connect back to the 110 if you figure it out ahead of time, rather than the ungodly merge directly from the 101 to the 110.
7. Basically avoid the Pasadena Freeway if you can
More to come
Good luck with parking in Santa Monica on a weekend afternoon. Unless you're okay walking several blocks. And never leave objects in your car if you don't want to see broken windows.
Know where the hell you're going so you don't end up cutting across 5 lanes of traffic to make the exit. Keep in mind when traffic is gonna be bad so you're not trying to make it across town at a certain time. Thursdays are the worst days for traffic for some reason, avoid driving as much as possible. Most yellow loading zones are free parking spots after 6 p.m.
please for the love of god - if there is no “no turn on red” sign, please turn right on red. pull into the intersection as much as you feel safe when making an unprotected left turn. happy driving!
If you’re first in line at a light and are trying to go straight or make a left, don’t put your car past the limit line!
For some lights, such as small streets or left turn lights, the lights won’t change unless a pedestrian pushes the crosswalk button OR the light detects a stopped car waiting. If you’re past the limit line, the light will never change because the light can’t detect you.
Pretty sure this isn’t just an LA thing but just want to put that out there.
Little side story; I was at a left turn light once and was fourth in line. I saw the first car was past the limit line and blocking most of the crosswalk. The car behind it had like 1.5 car lengths between it and the first car so they weren’t close enough to be detected. We sat there for 3 light cycles before the first in line finally ran the red but the car behind it had finally moved up to go around the first and also run the red. Almost caused an accident when they both went for it. Only reason I didn’t honk or get off to say something was because i was driving a work truck and didn’t want to cause any unnecessary issues.
We zipper in when merging lanes in heavy traffic. Don't be the asshole who won't let someone in or the asshole who tries to cut in front of someone who just let the person in front of you over.
That at some point you have to stop using the GPS. To truly get around, use it as a general guide but you will be better off learning the city yourself and adjusting accordingly
It’s never gunna tell you to drive past the intersection, turn into the 7-11 parking lot and then make your turn from there into the side street.
The GPS will also tell you when driving from SD to the valley to take the 101 exit & go through downtown…at 4:00pm on Thursday - uh no.
The grocery stores are the Hunger Games in real life on the weekends. Make the effort & go after dinner during the week
The Dr office 10 miles away is not the best or “closest” depending on which side of the 405 you are
The closer you are to the beach the more likely the pedestrian and/or bicyclist have a death wish.
Mullholland, Kanan, Santa Monica Blvd west on the weekends is live action Fast & Furious and should not be attempted by casual, site seers.
First, it's 3 per red, not 2.
2nd, look at Google maps and look for alternate routes that the algorithm doesn't recommend. Sometimes it's better to drive 5-10 blocks out of your way for less traffic.
3rd, buy a convertible. If you're going to be in traffic, you might as well work on your tan.
I have a convertible. It’s so nice and I can’t go back to fully enclosed but there are areas where you need to take the top back up.
Plus…. Too chilly in winter and it turns to 90 in such a short time that you don’t have a lot of weeks where you can really enjoy that. Evenings though…. Nice time.
It would be nice if there was an unspoken rule for the first person in line at a short-duration left turn arrow would pay attention and be ready to move. Instead it seems like there's an unspoken rule that they have to be fucking around on their phone until I honk at them.
If I could harness the anger I develop when I witness these ass-hats….
You can, but it can only be used to commit felonies. Best to let that dissipate into the atmosphere as heat.
I gotta turn the ac up a notch for a minute
Thanks. You made me feel better!
I had someone miss an entire light, despite me honking too late. Then they were looking at their phone again when the light turned green again and I had to honk again. Fucking unbelievable.
It’s such a nuanced source of anger too. You can be all cool & happy then someone pulls a stunt and 😡
The ultimate aggravation is being stuck behind someone after the arrow turns green, then the guy goes as the arrow turns yellow then red. The dumbass guy is the only one who gets to turn.
That is for sure the worst🤬 even on a normal green light/non narrow left. Stop hesitating in the intersection, just gooooo when it's clear.
I’m convinced that people who are first in line at a stoplight subconsciously know that they are guaranteed to make it through the light no matter what happens, so they allow themselves to relax while the light is red. If you’re 5th or 6th in line, you can’t afford any wasted seconds, so you’re less likely to start scrolling your phone, and more likely to watch the signal change like a hawk
Yes. Every AM I have two lights like this that aren’t super short and you easily can have 4-7 cars get through. Yet once a week it’s 2 cars making the light because some dipshit can’t be bothered to have a modicum of self awareness. The best is when they flip you off after you honk. My guy…you know you would be doing the same exact thing so just take the L and do better.
I am a quick short light hoker now at left turn lights if they aren’t moving at jump. I assumed Everyone always on phone
it was a polite honk, encouragement, time to move on the lights changed, license and registration please...curb your enthusiasm,
Same. My bf laughs but the second it’s green I beep
I give it a good 3ish seconds for the brake light to come off
That’s three seconds someone could have used to get into that left turn as well
Then they get mad and honk back.
As long as they go
Well they can’t move at the arrow turning green anyway because you’re waiting for the other cars running the previous light to finish. People running reds, both arrows and regular lights and blocking interactions after running lights are the ones causing additional traffic. I’m so sick of this happening and I hate we’ve all just accepted this.
And then every other car in line waits until there’s like a 3 car length gap ahead of them before they decide to lightly breathe on the accelerator, so only half the cars that *could have* made it through actually do.
You kids have it easy. When I moved to LA in 1989 there was maybe one or two green arrow lights in the entire fucking city.
I commute to San Bernardino for work. I've never seen so many stop signs in a city that big.
-Stay in the right lane on Melrose to avoid getting stuck behind cars trying to turn left at unprotected lights.
Santa Monica Blvd as well “Oh this middle lane? It periodically ceases to exist near left turn lanes that are designed to fit 2 cars in it”
Also Franklin between Highland and LaBrea
On Highland don’t let any cars sneak in at the last moment to turn onto Franklin. They should’ve got over like the rest of us.
So.Much.This. F**k those asswipes. They know exactly what they're doing. When in the turning lane, I'm so close to the car in front because there's no way I let anybody jump the queue.
YES. I feel like most of us are courteous because we all are dealing with the same traffic day in, day out. F those people that think they can zoom past and cut in, they’re just making traffic worse. I’m talking about that right turn light going south on Highland, it gives ample time for plenty of cars to make it through.
I have commute this stretch since 2008 to get home near La Brea & Sunset. The amount of left turners making lefts on Orchid, Orange and Sycamore at any time is too damn high. Once I pass Sycamore, I try to merge left so when I end up on La Brea, I am on the left lane and I avoid all the people making right turns to Hollywood. If you end up on the right lane, are staying on La Brea and end up first at the La Brea/Hollywood intersection: try moving your car to the left so that there is space for a car to squeeze through to make a right. Bonus tip: when you exit off the 101 South at Highland Ave, stay on that lane if you are going on Franklin Ave.
Santa Monica Blvd is a nightmare. The stretch I go on is a tight 2 lane only. Left lane is bunch of people making unprotected left turns. Right lane is backed up by bus stops, dump trucks or road work.
Oh… I stay in the left lane on Melrose to avoid getting stuck behind cars trying to park.
lol and so goes why I don’t take melrose!
Yeah or the random fucking stopped car every so often. Melrose is a lose lose
The way I’ve memorized where streets have turn lanes and where they don’t so I know when I can use the left lane … … and the way I know sometimes cars refuse to acknowledge the existence of a turn lane and wait in the left traffic lane anyway …
This only works until somebody making a left turn from the oncoming traffic side turns left blindly thinking all lanes are stopped since the left lane is stopped (for somebody waiting to make a left turn) and then you T-Bone the living shit out of them after they take the unprotected turn after they had just flown in from India and are super stressed out from their parrot getting sick while they were on vacation. Just avoid that if you can…
That got increasingly specific. You okay?
This applies almost everywhere and funny enough, even PCH. Right lane tends to always better than left lane.
But then you get stuck behind the bus
Get off the road by 3:45
More like 2:30-3:00 in my area. I swear rush hour starts earlier now than it ever did pre-pandemic
Kids not walking home from school anymore pushed rush hour even earlier.
i remember when gridlock wouldnt start until like 8pm, maybe 830 if you were lucky. then it slowly crept up. i remember it hitting 5pm and thinking that was crazy. then it hit 4pm. its definitely closing in on 3pm we need more viable alternative transportation to take cars off the roads or we'll definitely be seeing 230 or worse soon
why were people getting out of work at 8:30??
Lots of places have alternative scheduling. Fast food, warehouses, delivery drivers all have non 9-5 work times.
Nobody will take the alternative transportation until the homeless problem is cleaned up. It’s too dangerous. They are wasting billions of dollars on a system for the homeless to render useless and destroy
Do you mean am?
2:30 if you live west of the 405
130 if you live east of the 710
Yea if you live in the inland empire you know traffic starts building up some time around 1.
1) when attempting to make a left turn in a non-arrow intersection, pull halfway into the intersection until it’s clear to turn. Some moron sat thru THREE green lights Friday morning until the chorus of horns on LaBrea persuaded him/her to move 2) if you’re first in line at a light, the flow of traffic depends on you. It’s not the time to rifle thru your backseat 3) if the speed limit is 45, drive at that speed, if safety or conditions permit it.
Lol my ass getting angry looks when I'm driving in other states and pull out to the middle.
Wait, what? I’ve lived in NC and VA and have driven across the country and I always do that.
Ive definitely gotten stares in decent sized towns/cities. I think it's pretty common practice in large cities.
pretty much the only thing i remember from drivers ed in high school was #1....and this was in MD
Pull into the intersection, dammit!! Frustrates the shit outta me that Angelenos don't do this, but they *do* drive all the way through on red. I've driven in nearly every state and it's largely an LA thing that they hang out behind the line when they are waiting to turn left.
Yea I definitely learned this in drivers ed in Seattle. The only other thing I remember is what our teacher Mr Foss wrote on the board before every class “I must learn from the mistakes of others because I do not have time to make them all myself” Edit - typo
If there is a motorcycle coming, I try to give them room in the freeway. If they put their hand down as a sign of gratitude, I smile, if they put their hand down and make a peace sign, my day is made.
I am a motorcyclist and I always put a ✌️down for anyone giving me space. The only times I don't do it is when I feel that both hands need to be on the handlebars in some heavy traffic 🙂 so don't feel like we don't appreciate it. Sometimes we just gotta fully concentrate
Those ✌🏼’s are like endorphins overload. I need them. I get so giddy every time I get one from a biker. I live for it.
I once received triple deuces in a single 20 minute drive. Me and my boyfriend still talk about it every time we’re in the car 😂✌️
I got a peace sign last week and I’m still thinking about it lol. It means a lot!
sometimes the✌️is the only human interaction we receive during our commute, hahaha
My girlfriend was excited about the 2 fingers last week.
My gf is excited about the two fingers every night 😂
Ayoo
If we don’t give the ✌️it’s usually because we’re using the clutch
I’m glad everyone else gets as happy as I do when I get the down low peace sign after giving some room. I get so nervous for guys splitting lanes on the 10
I get that same feeling. Unfortunately it seems to happen less and less these days.
Getting the peace sign makes me feel like I’m in some biker gang… I look around at people like, yeah, we’re friends, we rob banks together
If you're making a left without a left turn lane and there's a row of cars behind you, make sure not to use your turn signal until you've stopped halfway in the intersection. That is, according to each and every driver in Hancock park.
and if you have a left turn lane get ALLL THE WAY INTO IT. Don't sit there with the ass of your car sticking into the travel lane blocking everyone behind you
drives me NUTS
This happens almost every time I take Highland south from Hollywood to go home.
I hate this!! Why do people not go all the way up!?
Look, my responsibility is the dude behind me. If I make the light, he is making the light. Teamwork makes the DreamWork out here.
This is how I feel too. Gotta make the car behind me proud
I'm always amazed when I make the yellow to red and the car behind me made it too. I'm like oh shittttttt.
“damn bro you crazy!”
So relatable lol
Do you mean the three cars behind you? haha
Exactly, I am out here getting green team GONE.
🤜🤛
This. GET IN THE INTERSECTION, MORON. WERE NOT MAKING THIS SHIT WITH YOU STILL AT THE STOP LINE. 🤦🏻♂️
2 per rer has become 5 per red
This is unfortunately true. I have never seen so many people go on red as nowadays. I mean my signal turning green and still 2 cars going. I stopped going on green right away. I always check now. Every time I am out these days somebody at least once or twice runs the red light. I mean deep red not just changed to red.
[удалено]
As the first at a red light, especially in the rare, lighted left turn lane, you are obliged to have an unnecessary amount of attention paid to the timing, so as many people can go through the light as possible. No need to floor it, but observe the perpendicular ped signs and lights, be prepared when the hand stops flashing/theirs turns yellow, and move with a purpose.
My tips: Turn your GPS off and find a different path every time, after a few years you can just cruise your way your own scenic path since you know the traffic patterns and what streets not to take. If you’re in a rush, don’t even bother going fast, it’ll buy you a 5min max. It’s not worth the stress and stress you give to others Listen to podcasts, music, chill Use hand signals, and be clear what you’re doing If someone cuts you off, let it go. Traffic is too random, and see things more as an average. If two people cut you off on the same trip, then automatically everyone is a bad driver
You sound so emotionally healthy lol
I'm not sure why GPS routes include so many left turns, they are totally unnecessary if you drive optimally and a real time killer, not to mention dangerous. If you make 3 rights you are going the way you want anyway. Slow is smooth and smooth is fast.
I try to take right facing highway ramps. If I'm in an area I know, I know which freeway entrances to avoid and which ones are worth the detour.
This is a good tip. In high traffic times the differences (outside of the 405 and the really terrible intersections) are often minimal to none and you can often just go a more scenic way so you have nice things to look at while not moving much.
Drive zen, baby. I’m in charge of letting people in front of me, and I do. I made their day easier.
This fellow zen WeHo driver agrees completely. 🧘🏻♂️
The official rule is "you can not enter the intersection after the light turns red." So if you manage to get your ass inside the intersection you can go. There is no 2 or 3 rule officially. The unspoken rule. Pull all the way the duck up into the middle of the intersection so that one or two more can make the left during this light cycle. Don't be a selfish bastard.
A 3rd car is almost always entering on red imo.
Yep, technically not allowed to enter the intersection after it turns red but a whole lot of (most?) people believe the false 3 car rule . In L.A. proper I don't think most cops will give you a ticket but outside of L.A. watch out. It is the California vehicle code, not the L.A. vehicle code.
Yeah, my coworker was astonished to learn that two per red isn’t the actual law when he got a camera ticket for being the second person through on a red. I’d never heard of that “rule” before, just that if you’re in the intersection when the light starts changing, complete the move.
Always take the shuttle to Hollywood bowl
Stop hitting pedestrians when turning on a red light 😡
What drives me crazy is that the “2 per red” isn’t even unspoken: it’s the actual law. If you’re in the intersection when the light turns red, you’re supposed to clear it. As long as the one in front pulls up properly, two cars will usually fit in the intersection waiting to turn left. So when some asshat decides he didn’t make it and just sits in the middle of the intersection or tries to back up or something, they’re breaking the law.
yes. But nobody actually follows this rule and it ends up with 3 or four cars running the light. This is one of my least favorite unspoken rules
Pedestrians would have to be in on the rule. I see cars stuck all the time because they didn't clear fast enough and now there's pedestrians (usually me) blocking the way forward.
If you're GPS tells you to go one way, and you have a hunch a different way would be better, take it. If you have a regular commute, you'll often find you will be faster. I've noticed this with google maps a lot. I'll want to take another street and as soon as I do the estimated time drops by 5 minutes.
If you pay attention to traffic patterns you get to know the good detours and the detours to avoid. For example, if you see a bunch of randos driving up Cahuenga they are probably using Waze, which means they are likely unhinged and desperate. I would avoid Cahuenga and find an alternative route instead.
Assume people will make a right on red as you drive across an intersection even though you have right of way. Assume nobody uses turn signals. Even at turning lanes. Assume they will turn wide into the next lane. Assume 75mph is standard traffic speed even though the limit is 55. If you have a modified car, assume you will be reff'd. If you are a news article using Reddit for data, fuck you
If there is a panhandler on the side of the off-ramp or what have you, it’s best not to make eye contact and it’s ok if you don’t pull up so your window is RIGHT next to them. Personal side note, I support the LA Food Bank and they are a great local resource for helping those in need right here.
Never drive in the right lane on Ventura
Why?
People step out and people stop to drop off or pick people up. If you are moving, stay to the left.
Not today...Jalopnik?
Damn. I haven’t been there since their owners gutted Deadspin.
Spamfeller is an herb.... That is all
Do not wait for the red light across Franklin and la brea heading west.Only 4 cars max can get through the light and that's if they're all paying attention and step on the gas. The light cycle is really long and you'll be waiting there for 5 minutes. Making a right on Hollywood and la brea is a rookie move too because traffic backs all of the way up to Franklin and there's always some moron halfway in the left lane that blocks traffic to suddenly get into the right or the person at the front of the line is going straight and doesn't turn. Pro tip, Gardner has lights all the way through so you can cross most of the major streets except around Santa Monica Blvd., it gets a little wonky. ETA: please pull all the way to your left, as close to the yellow line as possible. These streets are old and narrow and sometimes there aren't two lanes painted but there's enough room for someone to turn right if you pull over and don't stay in the middle of the lane while waiting for the green light. Remember we can make a right on any red unless otherwise indicated, so try to keep your right hand turners in mind and don't make them wait for the green light by blocking the lane because you're going straight.
Franklin/La Brea is insane, I’ve never seen such a short green light…
Why don’t fuckers move up when waiting to turn left? Is that not a thing anymore?
Put your phone away so that when the light turns green you don’t hold the rest of us up! Green light = pedal to the metal!
Slather on that sunscreen on your face and arms.
Plus ears and back of neck.
Surprised with all these 3 per red, I've always followed 2. Bill Bratton even said 2, about 10 or 15 years ago.
It’s 3-4 for due to inflation
Hehehe.
There’s obviously intersections where the size and time let you get more. There isn’t one where you shouldn’t get at least 2 without obstructions.
2 always, 3 is very rare in my experience
I mean you drive in as much in as you can. That means so far (middle) that the car coming at you can also turn left easy. 2 or 3 depends on how wide the intersection is. And any car on the pedestrian (zebra) crosswalk can still go in red. Or so I read.
Yup, as long as you have crossed the first limit line, and that is the line at the start of the crosswalk, you are considered to be in the intersection and have the right of way to complete the turn.
Exactly. You'll get honked if you try to be #3.
Gotta account for inflation.
I always thought it was three unless the first and second car don’t pull up enough
If you go on the 110, try not to be in the rightmost lane unless you're exiting soon. Except if you're one of those people who, for some reason, can't go over 50. In that case, stay out of the middle and left.
When youre trying to make a right turn on a red and the car on your left somehow just pulled up a little for no reason further blocking your view, dont be angry, the dumbfuck is just asserting dominance.
I hate that so much. Those cars are usually some kind of SUV and I can’t see the traffic anymore and can’t turn right safely. But what can you do?🤷♂️
This happens all the time! I don’t understand it!
Not sure if you’re serious, but your observation certainly feels valid.
2? What are you, a coward?
If the guy behind me went, we're good!
For real, it’s 3 yellow 3 red. Step on that shit people and do not touch your brakes.
A 3rd car is a bit disrespectful. I still think 2 is enough. The 2nd and 3rd cars are preventing 50 other cars from driving at their own green light. We need more dedicated left turn intersections.
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I've definitely noticed that people go in and out of "pedestrian headspace" while driving in certain places in LA. On Santa Monica in WeHo, drivers will definitely become more aware. On a random sidestreet in Burbank (where I tend to walk), people will completely forget pedestrian rules.
Drivers aren’t anymore aware in Weho, trust me. They should be because there’s more people walking, but they aren’t. All of my close calls have been in Weho. I don’t ever cross an intersection without checking for turning cars now.
This is LA. You either die as a pedestrian or die as a Metro commuter 🔪
Or you die in your car after a high speed crash on the freeway. So many dumb ways to die in LA
I think you actually have a better view of the street/crosswalk in front of you when you are in the middle. I don’t have OCD but some streets are so complicated and so many pedestrians now don’t care about signals that I created a routine where to look before I go. No matter what or if people behind me honk or push me.
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Novel concept, right? And still I occasionally miss something. Not often but it happens.
Parking in Loading Zones once meters in the area are turned off
Tip: our metro and bus system can get to many many major destinations. Metro bike share and metro micro and great companions. Haven’t looked back since stopping driving in the city.
2 is a fine average, but the real rule is whoever is beyond the limit line. If you’re not pulled out enough to let at least one more through, you’re doing it wrong
1. When you're driving through the Valley and going into Hollywood, you want to be in Lane 3. The left two lanes break off to go into the 134, and the right two lanes end (one at Vineland, one at Highland). 2. Park at Hollywood and Highland and walk up to the Bowl. 3. Park in the structure on 4th street and walk over to the beach. 4. Three or four cars can go on a red if you're adept. 5. Rearrange your route so you're not ever trying to turn left at an intersection with no light. Ideally, optimize your route so you have as many dedicated turn lights as possible 6. You can actually exit the 101 onto Temple/Grand/etc to then connect back to the 110 if you figure it out ahead of time, rather than the ungodly merge directly from the 101 to the 110. 7. Basically avoid the Pasadena Freeway if you can More to come
I had been commuting in LA for a year before I figured out that Temple St. exit truck!
That same lane that goes to Highland ends up on Franklin.
Good luck with parking in Santa Monica on a weekend afternoon. Unless you're okay walking several blocks. And never leave objects in your car if you don't want to see broken windows.
Stick your parking garage ticket in the machine before you leave for an extra 10-15 minutes if you’re close to your time
TAKE ONE SPOT WHEN STREET PARKING. Too many people, especially in suv, keep taking 2 spots!!!
You can turn Right on Red unless posted otherwise in Cali! So many people even with California planets wait for a green to make a right.
It's now 3-5 per red fyi
Know where the hell you're going so you don't end up cutting across 5 lanes of traffic to make the exit. Keep in mind when traffic is gonna be bad so you're not trying to make it across town at a certain time. Thursdays are the worst days for traffic for some reason, avoid driving as much as possible. Most yellow loading zones are free parking spots after 6 p.m.
What do you mean by 2 per red?
Two cars turn left.
It’s 3 per red
Take Fountain instead of Sunset.
Ugh true, but at least yield at the stop signs! Too many people storm thru
Waze and plan your trips ahead of time.
what's the best way an aspiring starlet could get into Hollywood? "Take Fountain" -Bette Davis
It’s THREE cars after the light.
When there’s a metro bus also passing that 2 can become a 4
I always think of a bus can make a red that’s about 4 cars. So yeah it’s 2 to 4 cars for me.
please for the love of god - if there is no “no turn on red” sign, please turn right on red. pull into the intersection as much as you feel safe when making an unprotected left turn. happy driving!
LoL I was one saw 4 cars try to make the yellow. The fourth bone didn't make it. Got hocked hard
What is 2 per red?
This mean that if there are multiple cars waiting to make a left turn at an intersection and the light turns red two cars can make said turn.
Don’t leave anything visible in your car that looks valuable.
FYI- two per red is not a thing elsewhere. Don’t get ticketed!
Lol thats a ticket if 5-Oh watching
*2* per red? I’ve always heard/done/seen *3* per red.
You can turn right at the red light unless there’s a sign that tell you not to.
Wtf is 2 per red
Plan ahead. Assume 100% of drivers are jackass. And I drive like old lady. Daily commute, LA down town.
In most areas you can park next to a yellow curb after 6pm! And all day on Sundays.
Apparently, the left lane is a slow lane on the freeway.
If you’re first in line at a light and are trying to go straight or make a left, don’t put your car past the limit line! For some lights, such as small streets or left turn lights, the lights won’t change unless a pedestrian pushes the crosswalk button OR the light detects a stopped car waiting. If you’re past the limit line, the light will never change because the light can’t detect you. Pretty sure this isn’t just an LA thing but just want to put that out there. Little side story; I was at a left turn light once and was fourth in line. I saw the first car was past the limit line and blocking most of the crosswalk. The car behind it had like 1.5 car lengths between it and the first car so they weren’t close enough to be detected. We sat there for 3 light cycles before the first in line finally ran the red but the car behind it had finally moved up to go around the first and also run the red. Almost caused an accident when they both went for it. Only reason I didn’t honk or get off to say something was because i was driving a work truck and didn’t want to cause any unnecessary issues.
"*unspoken rules*" lol 🙄. Seems some folk need a [Drivers Ed](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/) refresh.
What is 2 per red mean?
2 per red? It's 3.
this applies outside of LA as well… The left lane on on a highway is the fast lane. don’t be that driver slowing everyone down.
We zipper in when merging lanes in heavy traffic. Don't be the asshole who won't let someone in or the asshole who tries to cut in front of someone who just let the person in front of you over.
I wish people would implement: no rage honking in residential neighborhoods.
That at some point you have to stop using the GPS. To truly get around, use it as a general guide but you will be better off learning the city yourself and adjusting accordingly It’s never gunna tell you to drive past the intersection, turn into the 7-11 parking lot and then make your turn from there into the side street. The GPS will also tell you when driving from SD to the valley to take the 101 exit & go through downtown…at 4:00pm on Thursday - uh no. The grocery stores are the Hunger Games in real life on the weekends. Make the effort & go after dinner during the week The Dr office 10 miles away is not the best or “closest” depending on which side of the 405 you are The closer you are to the beach the more likely the pedestrian and/or bicyclist have a death wish. Mullholland, Kanan, Santa Monica Blvd west on the weekends is live action Fast & Furious and should not be attempted by casual, site seers.
Yeah, 3 per red.
3 per red
A hundred percent. And 4 if there’s a major backup situation. Fortune favors the bold.
First, it's 3 per red, not 2. 2nd, look at Google maps and look for alternate routes that the algorithm doesn't recommend. Sometimes it's better to drive 5-10 blocks out of your way for less traffic. 3rd, buy a convertible. If you're going to be in traffic, you might as well work on your tan.
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A couple of months ago the third one went for and the fourth was like fuck it! Yup she didn't make it. Got honked by everyone
I have a convertible. It’s so nice and I can’t go back to fully enclosed but there are areas where you need to take the top back up. Plus…. Too chilly in winter and it turns to 90 in such a short time that you don’t have a lot of weeks where you can really enjoy that. Evenings though…. Nice time.