On the plus side, it's a lot easier to avoid tickets:
* All (or very nearly all) unmarked cop cars are Toyota Crowns.
* No red light cameras.
* Speed cameras are announced with signs well in advance. You'd have to be illiterate (or very, very inattentive) to actually get dinged by one.
America traffic now matter how chaotic has nothing on Asia traffic. The fact that American roads are so much wider already makes things way easier to navigate.
I live in China now and have lived in Vietnam before. China is crazy, but Vietnam was completely insane. I genuinely never saw a stop sign while I lived there. Was a really fun place to live though.
When I was in college the town I lived in had a lot of one ways and one night after learning about the law I was driving and came to a light and just *had* to do it because I didn't think I'd get the opportunity to do it again. Silly reason and it took me a bit out of my way but yeah.
I remember hearing some public radio piece like 10-20 years ago about how being a cycler or pedestrian in NYC is basically ‘at your own risk’ from a legal standpoint. Like if you wanted to kill someone without repercussions you could just hit them with your car in New York City & unless you were driving extremely recklessly, you won’t be punished.
> Like if you wanted to kill someone without repercussions you could just hit them with your car in New York City & unless you were driving extremely recklessly, you won’t be punished.
that's basically the entire US
I've been to China where they don't have lights or stop signs at 4 way intersections and switch to the incoming traffic lanes to bypass a car lmao. I know.
I have almost been run over by the damn grubhub / seamless cyclists multiple times just trying to walk across 3rd ave / lex. A couple times I've been on the freakin sidewalk. All for less cars, but those guys are so unpredictable. Surprised I haven't seen one get hit by a car yet.
I visited NYC one time for a few days and rented a car, you are completely right. I seen multiple cars run red lights in front of cops and not a single one got pulled over
I do a lot of advocacy work in NYC on safe streets and recently called out my local precinct because the number of moving violations they wrote from 2018-2019 declined by 55% when you compare it to 2021-2023. Literally doing less than half of what they did pre COVID, and it’s similar across the city.
It’s an absolute joke.
Its illegal to honk your horn in the city too and that doesnt stop anyone 😭. People drive like complete maniacs, get the license plate lights to not pay tolls etc, and the nypd does jack shit
The craziest place for me was downtown San Francisco at rush hour. Rules just don't apply, period. Traffic Lights practically don't exist. In a way it's a little liberating because no matter what you do there's some jackass doing something even stupider.
LA sucks because I feel like it's just highways for days and all of them are parking lots all the time. Stop-and-go hell. San Francisco was more chaotic to me because it's like tight city streets and lots of pedestrians and drivers just doing whatever they feel like lol
I'm sure it's not the worst, but driving through downtown DC was interesting for a similar reason. It was like there were no rules; lanes were almost non-existent and you just kinda kept your head on a swivel and went as you could. It almost would've been fun if I didn't care so much about not crashing my car.
People think we have this raw, overpowering animosity toward LA on account of just the Dodgers. Oh, oh Nooo no no no; anyone who has driven through its many roads will develop a true hatred of that hellhole.
Multiple times I’ve see people pull crazy shit right in front of cops but the cop would have pull a maneuver even more dangerous to pull them over. You don’t risk more lives to pull over a red light runner basically.
It makes sense if it's one way to one way. Same thing as right turn on red, you only need to check one lane is clear (I mean obviously you should be aware of your surroundings but you technically are only disrupting one lane, not crossing over multiple)
That's different state to state, in Oregon you can make a left on red from a two way on to a one way. You can even turn left on red from a double turn lane as long as it's onto a 1 way street.
Oh, my roommate from college’s girlfriend knows all about left on red lights. I was driving us somewhere and she said “why aren’t you turning? There’s nobody coming.” *It’s a red light.* “What?? You can turn left on red!” *No you can’t* “Uhhh yes you can I it literally all the time.”
So ask Amber about it, she’ll tell you all about turning left on red.
Arizonan here (they're legal here, though I've never done it)
On roads that have a left turn lane with a designated light (arrow) if you want to make a U-turn, you can on red as long as you stop first. Also, making lefts from one-way streets to another one-way street.
We can also make right turns on red from the second right turn lane, not just the far right lane. It took me a while to muster the courage to do that.
Freedom!
You're last two points are true pretty much everywhere.
But people get really angry if you turn right on red from the left hand lane. Since y'know, most folks don't understand the concept of staying in their lane as they turn, and they planned to use your lane as their turning lane.
When we moved from NJ to PA I was shocked to have to pump my own gas! WTF? Pumping gas on a freezing winter day is for the birds. I want a gas jockey to pump my gas while I sit in my car. Plus I’ve seen kids pumping gas. I thought that was illegal but it isn’t. Stupid parents!
All it’s done is put people out of work and made us do the job.
I learned about that cause in MA if you get 3 moving violations within 2 years you have to take a drivers re-education course. I left my car covered and parked on my private parking lot while it wasn’t functional. My inspection lapsed because the car didn’t work. I got 3 separate inspection tickets within a week and those all count as moving violations
i learned this in my drivers' ed class many many many moons ago
When I first got my learner's permit, my dad would wake me up extra early to get some driving practice near where I lived. I did exactly this, and he slapped me upside the head for doing that
i wouldn't be surprised if a lot of people on the road don't know this rule exists
Missouri is one of six states in the country where you can never make a left turn on red.
There are five states where you can make a left turn on red, as long as the street you are turning onto is a one way street.
There are 37 states that allow a left turn on red as long as you are turning from a one way onto another one way.
South Dakota and New York it depends on local laws.
honestly to tell you the truth, I haven't been in a situation that caused this
however, there's other people in this discussion who are joking about it, so clearly it must exist
I ended up taking a left on red once when I realized it was possible after sitting at a red light for 15-20 seconds one night. Had a cop immediately pull me over and cuss me out as he went over the facts that I had just turned left at a red light. Having him yell “What the fuck were you thinking?” before he even got up to my car was an interesting way to start the traffic stop.
i understand why they feel the need to act tough
but man...it's beyond infuriating for a cop to talk like that to you. Imagine if a fucking grocery store guy or a nurse talked to you that way.
man...just fucking ridiculous
The sunshine doesn't do a whole lot for you after you get turned into a meat crayon by some asshole in an ugly crossover who creams you while texting and then gets 3 months of probation
hey my friend, i know this might be little consolation, but after nearly hitting a cyclist when i first got my license nearly 20 years ago, I always make an extra effort to be mindful of pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists when i'm on the road
i took a Lyft to work today because my car is absolutely shot right now. My Lyft driver, while a really nice guy, totally did not see a college student on his razer scooter and turned right in front of him. Nothing serious happened but it made me shake my head
It can be pretty disheartening. And worse than the occasional negligence is the outright bloodthirsty attitude some drivers have towards pedestrians/cyclists.
yeah i'm not gonna lie. a few weeks ago, I thought I had enough room to pass a cyclist as carefully as I could, and when I looked in the rearview, the dude did the universal, "WTF man!" pose
i was super angry the rest of the commute home, but i realized that regardless of how i felt toward the cyclist, it is the driver's responsibility to exercise a lot more caution. way more dangerous for a car to hit a motorcyclist, bicyclist, or pedestrian than the other way around. that's part of the responsibility of owning and operating your own vehicle
You're a good egg. It's hard for a non-cyclist to know the near constant hyper awareness cyclists need to have to, you know, not die. So we will tend to be a little snippy and on edge when it feels like we're being put in a dangerous situation. Similarly, it's hard to explain how much different a 3 ft. pass feels from a 6ft pass. Three is the law in most states and frankly, it's still freaky.
my goodness you have every right to be freaked out. 3 feet is nothing. that's literally the height of a tennis net. it really should be at least 5 feet
My dog got hit by a taxi a couple of months ago. It's this pretty busy street and while cara are supposed to yield to pediatrians in the marked cross walk he blew through it, and before I I could pull my dog out if the way hit him.
Thankfully he's fine but fuck that was so scary. Also, since the taxi company just wouldn't give out any way to proceed with their insurance(I have the accident on video and a witness) I took them to small claims court and it's looking like I'm gonna get a not insignificant amount of money from them.
I cycle occasionally out on not popular rural roads in the morning to not have as many cars around as possible. On an hour ride maybe 6 cars pass me. . .everytime i think. . . is this the one.
Also the Canadian experience. Last summer, my city a mother a bike get hit and killed by a dump truck making a right on a red light in front of her two kids. This was close to the university where pedestrian and cycle traffic is high. It's an awful allowance.
I walk home from work and I have stared down so many drivers who are just *aching* to zoom right on that red light, even though I am very much in the process of crossing the street on my green light.
Also an unreasonable number of drivers who for some reason were under the impression that even though there isn’t space for them on the other side of the crossing, surely there will be by the time the light turns! My rule is that if they’re dumb enough to do that, I *will* cross in front of their car and force them to continue to endure the humiliation and honks of blocking traffic even though a gap is now opening up in front of them.
Like, if you make the choice to drive through downtown Toronto during rush hour and then also to be an idiot about it, I *will* make that as inconvenient for you as I humanly can. Am I taking my life into my own hands? Yes. But the workday is long, I could really use some dinner, and I simply do not care enough to curb my petty impulses.
The War On Cars may not be real, but the Scuffle On Cars is, and it looks like me levelling the thousand-yard-stare of stim comedown at a Tesla on the outskirts of Liberty Village.
Amen! I do similar things because, frankly, the five seconds to a minute that the driver is inconvenienced in really inconsequential compared to my walking time and safety.
Also, I'm stealing Scuffle On Cars. Cheers and happy walking!
My buddy from Europe came to the US for the first time and said cheap vapes and right on red were the highlights of his trip. He was also very excited to see Walmart
I'm from India. I went to the US when I was 13 or 14 and by god, going to a costco in SF is one of my core memories. Felt like a monument to excess. I loved it, I need to try that goddamn hot dog
It's actually something the US introduced in the 70s thinking that it would save gas.
It doesn't do that, but is very effective in introducing a ton of unpredictability and danger for bikers and pedestrians, whom the US is very good at murking for this and other reasons.
also bc this guy came from a country where they drive on the left … even then I still doubt u could make a left against a red in japan.
and NYC is the only place in america where a right on red is strictly prohibited. elsewhere in america sure. not only is it allowed but ur also expected to make a right on red. otherwise u get honked at.
This is actually brought up in the interview, at least the DC part. I had no idea and I drive in DC regularly oops.
(Oh I looked it up, goes into effect Jan 2025)
Since Japan drives on the left, Japanese cars have the driver on the right (opposite of the US & most of the world).
But imported cars still have the driver on the left & my understanding is that having a car with left-hand drive is seen as a ‘flex’ of sorts in Japan.
I may be misremembering but I believe that to be the case. I remember looking it up when I first saw Drive My Car because the iconic Saab in that movie has left-hand drive.
I know Hummers have it on the left like the US. Which annoyed me when I saw an anime where they had a Hummer with the drivers seat on the wrong side. I complained a lot about that.
Yeah there's a right turn near where I work that has a big ass no right turn on red sign because it's at a curve in the road where it's hard to see if someone's actually coming from that direction. I see people turn right there all the time. And don't get me started on the on ramps that say 2 cars per green light where someone goes and the next person stops.
And keep moving signs. Don't forget about those and the people who stop anyway. But honestly we've all been in one of these situations at least once where we miss a sign and stop in the "keep moving" lane or turn right on red when a sign says not to. Anyone who thinks they've never made this mistake just means they never even realized their mistake.
The off ramp at where I work has a “continuous right turn” that becomes its own lane. I swear to god people, it’s easier to merge when you’re moving than at a standstill.
correct. if there’s a right red arrow or a sign that says ‘no turn on red.’ otherwise ur free to do it.
unless ur in NYC, which u prob know already. it is the opposite. it is prohibited unless there’s a sign that says u can do it. upon entering NYC there’s a sign that says ‘no right on red in NYC.’
Can confirm, turning left on red in Japan is not allowed. If I had to guess, it’s because many more people walk and ride bikes, so turns on red would lead to a lot more accidents
Worst part about going to a game is dealing with city drivers. In the burbs we have plenty of aggressive and assholish drivers but generally they are predictable. When I'm in the city it feels like a free for all.
Went to London recently, such a mind fuck of cars and steering wheels on the opposite side. I can't even cross the street correctly without looking right first.
i knew someone way back in the day who grew up in the Portland suburbs her entire life, and then moved to New Jersey for college lmfao. Imagine that.
it wasn't until she came to Wisconsin when she finally learned how to pump her own gas. I think she and her husband live in Singapore now and no clue how it works over there lol
Sox happened to be ***THE*** team when I really started getting into MLB. Ortiz as the cover of MLB The Show ‘06 helped that out a lot.
Honestly the worst part about being a Sox fan in Indiana is that you see a lot of Patriots coverage as a Colts fan from all the Boston sources that cover multiple Boston sports.
When Finnish footballer Elli Pikkujamsa came to the US for the first time she said she drove around the block a few times giggling because she could turn right on red.
Preferably in a curb-protected slot that’s separated. Have a few lanes like that in Chicago and it gives me peace of mind as both a driver and cyclist.
It's not that tough, honestly. I drove right out of a rental lot in Glasgow, and while I was a little hestitant for the first hour or so, I felt very comfortable before too long.
I visited the UK and rented a car and drove with just my US license and passport. Obviously it's a little easier when I can read all the signs in English no problem, but it was no big deal. A little weird but you figure it out quick.
When I went to Ireland I thought it was odd how there wasn't a "No turn on red" sign at an intersection that had poor visibility. So I turned anyway, and only later did it occur to me that maybe it's never allowed to turn on red.
The idea that this dude just flew over to the US, signed a contract worth millions and just decided to jump into Chicago traffic is hilarious to me.
Can totally picture him importing a Kei truck and banging 4 gears in Chicago traffic
God I want a Kei truck so bad. Someday
If only we could get them in the country before they were eligible for antique plates.
They are all over the place here in Honolulu, Hawaii now. Really cool cars.
He spends his off days exploring Lower Lower Wacker.
Imanaga - OUT (Missing on Lower Wacker for 5 days)
The Nether Wacker has him now
After moving to Japan and driving for a little bit, I think he'll be fine. Driving here fucking *sucks* lol
On the plus side, it's a lot easier to avoid tickets: * All (or very nearly all) unmarked cop cars are Toyota Crowns. * No red light cameras. * Speed cameras are announced with signs well in advance. You'd have to be illiterate (or very, very inattentive) to actually get dinged by one.
Driving in Japan is pretty crazy. Lots of narrow roads, and people build right up to the corners.
America traffic now matter how chaotic has nothing on Asia traffic. The fact that American roads are so much wider already makes things way easier to navigate.
I live in China now and have lived in Vietnam before. China is crazy, but Vietnam was completely insane. I genuinely never saw a stop sign while I lived there. Was a really fun place to live though.
Yeah first time I was in China traffic in a roundabout I was gripping my seat nearly screaming the whole way lol
Not while you’re still in NYC, Shota!
Tbf the drivers on my street often even turn left on red because traffic enforcement in much of NYC is nonexistent
Left on red is a thing downtown via one-ways
Left on red always feels so weird even when it's a legal move
How about left on go-go-go-it's-turning-red?
Only in civilized society
So uncivilised.
When I was in college the town I lived in had a lot of one ways and one night after learning about the law I was driving and came to a light and just *had* to do it because I didn't think I'd get the opportunity to do it again. Silly reason and it took me a bit out of my way but yeah.
The one time I’ve taken a left on red I had a cop get absolutely pissed and cuss me out.
I hate left turns in Chicago, people expect you to turn left on red when you are 3rd in line
In Washington it's legal even if you're not on a one-way street.
what how does that work
you have to be turning onto a one way still, but the street you're on doesn't have to be one way
"??? just don't crash." \- Washington Driving Laws
It’s definitely never allowed in NYC and I live on a two way street lol
NYC is a different beast. Cyclers don't even stop on a normal red light. They just keep it pushing. Was shocking to see.
I remember hearing some public radio piece like 10-20 years ago about how being a cycler or pedestrian in NYC is basically ‘at your own risk’ from a legal standpoint. Like if you wanted to kill someone without repercussions you could just hit them with your car in New York City & unless you were driving extremely recklessly, you won’t be punished.
> Like if you wanted to kill someone without repercussions you could just hit them with your car in New York City & unless you were driving extremely recklessly, you won’t be punished. that's basically the entire US
And if they happen to be protesting something, you get a free hat and a happy meal
You should check out SE Asia at some point.
I've been to China where they don't have lights or stop signs at 4 way intersections and switch to the incoming traffic lanes to bypass a car lmao. I know.
I have almost been run over by the damn grubhub / seamless cyclists multiple times just trying to walk across 3rd ave / lex. A couple times I've been on the freakin sidewalk. All for less cars, but those guys are so unpredictable. Surprised I haven't seen one get hit by a car yet.
I visited NYC one time for a few days and rented a car, you are completely right. I seen multiple cars run red lights in front of cops and not a single one got pulled over
I do a lot of advocacy work in NYC on safe streets and recently called out my local precinct because the number of moving violations they wrote from 2018-2019 declined by 55% when you compare it to 2021-2023. Literally doing less than half of what they did pre COVID, and it’s similar across the city. It’s an absolute joke.
 Its illegal to honk your horn in the city too and that doesnt stop anyone 😭. People drive like complete maniacs, get the license plate lights to not pay tolls etc, and the nypd does jack shit
The craziest place for me was downtown San Francisco at rush hour. Rules just don't apply, period. Traffic Lights practically don't exist. In a way it's a little liberating because no matter what you do there's some jackass doing something even stupider.
Don't even get me started on Los Angeles
LA sucks because I feel like it's just highways for days and all of them are parking lots all the time. Stop-and-go hell. San Francisco was more chaotic to me because it's like tight city streets and lots of pedestrians and drivers just doing whatever they feel like lol
I thought LA was bad until I tried Houston. Traffic there is insane.
I'm sure it's not the worst, but driving through downtown DC was interesting for a similar reason. It was like there were no rules; lanes were almost non-existent and you just kinda kept your head on a swivel and went as you could. It almost would've been fun if I didn't care so much about not crashing my car.
LA is worse than Houston traffic wise. Houston is worse than LA speed wise. So many big trucks going 80+ takes time to stop
People think we have this raw, overpowering animosity toward LA on account of just the Dodgers. Oh, oh Nooo no no no; anyone who has driven through its many roads will develop a true hatred of that hellhole.
And I can say this because I'm a Dodger fan
[удалено]
Multiple times I’ve see people pull crazy shit right in front of cops but the cop would have pull a maneuver even more dangerous to pull them over. You don’t risk more lives to pull over a red light runner basically.
Or Montréal! Only two places that have that.
Also not while in Chicago. They have camera at lights and you will get a ticket in the mail
You just gotta come to a full stop before turning. Unless it says no turn on red, which it does most of Chicago lol.
His mind will be blown when he learns about lefts on red
As a NJ native, what the fuck is a left turn?
1) Illegal turns 2) Left on a one way street I’m going with option 1.
My wife still freaks out whenever I take a left on red onto a one way. It’s the same thing as a right on red!
Left on red sounds actually insane lol
In PA at least as long as you’re on a one way turning left onto a one way on red is legal. You only have to worry about traffic in one direction.
It’s legal in California, and where I live there’s a looooot of one way streets.
It makes sense if it's one way to one way. Same thing as right turn on red, you only need to check one lane is clear (I mean obviously you should be aware of your surroundings but you technically are only disrupting one lane, not crossing over multiple)
Only if you're going from a one way to another though.
He ain't talking about legality lol. NJ solves the left turns are dangerous problem by removing all left turns.
Must be from a one-way as well
That's different state to state, in Oregon you can make a left on red from a two way on to a one way. You can even turn left on red from a double turn lane as long as it's onto a 1 way street.
Oh, my roommate from college’s girlfriend knows all about left on red lights. I was driving us somewhere and she said “why aren’t you turning? There’s nobody coming.” *It’s a red light.* “What?? You can turn left on red!” *No you can’t* “Uhhh yes you can I it literally all the time.” So ask Amber about it, she’ll tell you all about turning left on red.
Fucking Amber
jug handles all the way!
jughandles ftw! some are big enough to have a whole business in them! my first job was at a liquor store on a jughandle!
Arizonan here (they're legal here, though I've never done it) On roads that have a left turn lane with a designated light (arrow) if you want to make a U-turn, you can on red as long as you stop first. Also, making lefts from one-way streets to another one-way street. We can also make right turns on red from the second right turn lane, not just the far right lane. It took me a while to muster the courage to do that. Freedom!
You're last two points are true pretty much everywhere. But people get really angry if you turn right on red from the left hand lane. Since y'know, most folks don't understand the concept of staying in their lane as they turn, and they planned to use your lane as their turning lane.
I just learned of this phenomenon and it blew my mind. Some Urban Planner must have fuckin hated turning left
left turns should be illegal and pumping petrol should be left to the professionals
Aghast!
When we moved from NJ to PA I was shocked to have to pump my own gas! WTF? Pumping gas on a freezing winter day is for the birds. I want a gas jockey to pump my gas while I sit in my car. Plus I’ve seen kids pumping gas. I thought that was illegal but it isn’t. Stupid parents! All it’s done is put people out of work and made us do the job.
You can take a left at a red light from one 1 way onto another 1 way. At least in PA you can
Mine sure was lmao
I learned about that cause in MA if you get 3 moving violations within 2 years you have to take a drivers re-education course. I left my car covered and parked on my private parking lot while it wasn’t functional. My inspection lapsed because the car didn’t work. I got 3 separate inspection tickets within a week and those all count as moving violations
One way to one way baby. We did it U S A U S A
America stays winning, this is what the founding fathers dreamed of
Nothing says freedom of choice more than the option to turn right on red 🇺🇸🦅
It’s even more America when you can left turn on red at 2 one way roads.
i learned this in my drivers' ed class many many many moons ago When I first got my learner's permit, my dad would wake me up extra early to get some driving practice near where I lived. I did exactly this, and he slapped me upside the head for doing that i wouldn't be surprised if a lot of people on the road don't know this rule exists
I've never heard of a place where you can do that.
Missouri is one of six states in the country where you can never make a left turn on red. There are five states where you can make a left turn on red, as long as the street you are turning onto is a one way street. There are 37 states that allow a left turn on red as long as you are turning from a one way onto another one way. South Dakota and New York it depends on local laws.
Well there ya go.
You absolutely can turn left on a red if going from a one-way onto another one-way, at least in Illinois.
honestly to tell you the truth, I haven't been in a situation that caused this however, there's other people in this discussion who are joking about it, so clearly it must exist
It's not uncommon in downtown areas of cities
I ended up taking a left on red once when I realized it was possible after sitting at a red light for 15-20 seconds one night. Had a cop immediately pull me over and cuss me out as he went over the facts that I had just turned left at a red light. Having him yell “What the fuck were you thinking?” before he even got up to my car was an interesting way to start the traffic stop.
i understand why they feel the need to act tough but man...it's beyond infuriating for a cop to talk like that to you. Imagine if a fucking grocery store guy or a nurse talked to you that way. man...just fucking ridiculous
I think it might be state by state? I keep forgetting to look it up in mine. BRB.
When I make a right on red I feel like a bald eagle made out of bourbon and buffalo wings.
bourbon, buffalo wings, barbecue three quintessentially American consumables...and they all start with the letter b. that can't be a coincidence
Also bald eagle, the tastiest of them all.
This Bud’s for you.
So you feel like John Daly?
Nothing says America more than making car-centric legislation at the cost of pedestrians and cyclists
Why don't pedestrians and cyclists just buy cars? Are they stupid?
You mean motorcycle? Cars are for depression. Motorcycles are for sunshine.
*What the heck*? Two motorcycles with a little house in the middle?
The sunshine doesn't do a whole lot for you after you get turned into a meat crayon by some asshole in an ugly crossover who creams you while texting and then gets 3 months of probation
hey my friend, i know this might be little consolation, but after nearly hitting a cyclist when i first got my license nearly 20 years ago, I always make an extra effort to be mindful of pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists when i'm on the road i took a Lyft to work today because my car is absolutely shot right now. My Lyft driver, while a really nice guy, totally did not see a college student on his razer scooter and turned right in front of him. Nothing serious happened but it made me shake my head
It can be pretty disheartening. And worse than the occasional negligence is the outright bloodthirsty attitude some drivers have towards pedestrians/cyclists.
yeah i'm not gonna lie. a few weeks ago, I thought I had enough room to pass a cyclist as carefully as I could, and when I looked in the rearview, the dude did the universal, "WTF man!" pose i was super angry the rest of the commute home, but i realized that regardless of how i felt toward the cyclist, it is the driver's responsibility to exercise a lot more caution. way more dangerous for a car to hit a motorcyclist, bicyclist, or pedestrian than the other way around. that's part of the responsibility of owning and operating your own vehicle
You're a good egg. It's hard for a non-cyclist to know the near constant hyper awareness cyclists need to have to, you know, not die. So we will tend to be a little snippy and on edge when it feels like we're being put in a dangerous situation. Similarly, it's hard to explain how much different a 3 ft. pass feels from a 6ft pass. Three is the law in most states and frankly, it's still freaky.
my goodness you have every right to be freaked out. 3 feet is nothing. that's literally the height of a tennis net. it really should be at least 5 feet
My dog got hit by a taxi a couple of months ago. It's this pretty busy street and while cara are supposed to yield to pediatrians in the marked cross walk he blew through it, and before I I could pull my dog out if the way hit him. Thankfully he's fine but fuck that was so scary. Also, since the taxi company just wouldn't give out any way to proceed with their insurance(I have the accident on video and a witness) I took them to small claims court and it's looking like I'm gonna get a not insignificant amount of money from them.
I cycle occasionally out on not popular rural roads in the morning to not have as many cars around as possible. On an hour ride maybe 6 cars pass me. . .everytime i think. . . is this the one.
Also the Canadian experience. Last summer, my city a mother a bike get hit and killed by a dump truck making a right on a red light in front of her two kids. This was close to the university where pedestrian and cycle traffic is high. It's an awful allowance.
I walk home from work and I have stared down so many drivers who are just *aching* to zoom right on that red light, even though I am very much in the process of crossing the street on my green light. Also an unreasonable number of drivers who for some reason were under the impression that even though there isn’t space for them on the other side of the crossing, surely there will be by the time the light turns! My rule is that if they’re dumb enough to do that, I *will* cross in front of their car and force them to continue to endure the humiliation and honks of blocking traffic even though a gap is now opening up in front of them. Like, if you make the choice to drive through downtown Toronto during rush hour and then also to be an idiot about it, I *will* make that as inconvenient for you as I humanly can. Am I taking my life into my own hands? Yes. But the workday is long, I could really use some dinner, and I simply do not care enough to curb my petty impulses. The War On Cars may not be real, but the Scuffle On Cars is, and it looks like me levelling the thousand-yard-stare of stim comedown at a Tesla on the outskirts of Liberty Village.
Amen! I do similar things because, frankly, the five seconds to a minute that the driver is inconvenienced in really inconsequential compared to my walking time and safety. Also, I'm stealing Scuffle On Cars. Cheers and happy walking!
Sorry, gotta do my patriotic duty and point out that America's traffic fatality rate is still more than twice as high as Canada's. Murica!
There's some popular sentiment/action in city council around banning right turn on red in Chicago at the moment actually
Intersections with "no turn on red" signs are plainly unAmerican.
My buddy from Europe came to the US for the first time and said cheap vapes and right on red were the highlights of his trip. He was also very excited to see Walmart
I'm from India. I went to the US when I was 13 or 14 and by god, going to a costco in SF is one of my core memories. Felt like a monument to excess. I loved it, I need to try that goddamn hot dog
It's actually something the US introduced in the 70s thinking that it would save gas. It doesn't do that, but is very effective in introducing a ton of unpredictability and danger for bikers and pedestrians, whom the US is very good at murking for this and other reasons.
also bc this guy came from a country where they drive on the left … even then I still doubt u could make a left against a red in japan. and NYC is the only place in america where a right on red is strictly prohibited. elsewhere in america sure. not only is it allowed but ur also expected to make a right on red. otherwise u get honked at.
Cambridge & DC have recently passed laws banning right on red as well.
This is actually brought up in the interview, at least the DC part. I had no idea and I drive in DC regularly oops. (Oh I looked it up, goes into effect Jan 2025)
ahh really ? thanks for updating me
Since Japan drives on the left, Japanese cars have the driver on the right (opposite of the US & most of the world). But imported cars still have the driver on the left & my understanding is that having a car with left-hand drive is seen as a ‘flex’ of sorts in Japan. I may be misremembering but I believe that to be the case. I remember looking it up when I first saw Drive My Car because the iconic Saab in that movie has left-hand drive.
I know Hummers have it on the left like the US. Which annoyed me when I saw an anime where they had a Hummer with the drivers seat on the wrong side. I complained a lot about that.
Based
To be fair, a right hand drive JDM is a bit of a flex here as well.
Unless there’s a sign that prohibits it! But even then you still get honked at
Yeah there's a right turn near where I work that has a big ass no right turn on red sign because it's at a curve in the road where it's hard to see if someone's actually coming from that direction. I see people turn right there all the time. And don't get me started on the on ramps that say 2 cars per green light where someone goes and the next person stops.
And keep moving signs. Don't forget about those and the people who stop anyway. But honestly we've all been in one of these situations at least once where we miss a sign and stop in the "keep moving" lane or turn right on red when a sign says not to. Anyone who thinks they've never made this mistake just means they never even realized their mistake.
The off ramp at where I work has a “continuous right turn” that becomes its own lane. I swear to god people, it’s easier to merge when you’re moving than at a standstill.
correct. if there’s a right red arrow or a sign that says ‘no turn on red.’ otherwise ur free to do it. unless ur in NYC, which u prob know already. it is the opposite. it is prohibited unless there’s a sign that says u can do it. upon entering NYC there’s a sign that says ‘no right on red in NYC.’
Can confirm, turning left on red in Japan is not allowed. If I had to guess, it’s because many more people walk and ride bikes, so turns on red would lead to a lot more accidents
Not universally allowed. Chicago and the region have many signed for no turn on red.
Like a true Chicagoan, he'll start ignoring those when convenient. We have some terrible drivers here lol.
Worst part about going to a game is dealing with city drivers. In the burbs we have plenty of aggressive and assholish drivers but generally they are predictable. When I'm in the city it feels like a free for all.
Regional driving rules are weird. In Vermont, U-turns are illegal except for like 3 intersections this one road in one town.
Went to London recently, such a mind fuck of cars and steering wheels on the opposite side. I can't even cross the street correctly without looking right first.
And already, he's demonstrated a better knowledge of driving than half the fucking people on Long Island.
Americas only contribution to western civilization -Jeramy Clarkson
Shōta really is the best.
Check out jersey buddy
He seems to like it here so far why tell him about New Jersey
Pump my gas peasant.
Im glad everyone thinks this place is a dump. We need less density in this state and more great food for all of us
Literally the most densely populated state in the country lol
Imagine how dense it would be if people didn’t hate it lol
We need to get more people to hate it it's too damn crowded here.
It's the gabagool
Less density tends to lead to less great food though, since there’s now a smaller population/market for restaurants
If he wants to see that left hand turn jug handle that is so pointless
Rich coming from someone who roots for a team from *Texas*
can't even pump your own gas smh
i knew someone way back in the day who grew up in the Portland suburbs her entire life, and then moved to New Jersey for college lmfao. Imagine that. it wasn't until she came to Wisconsin when she finally learned how to pump her own gas. I think she and her husband live in Singapore now and no clue how it works over there lol
Given that car ownership in Singapore is around 10% they likely don’t own a car at all
If he does, there will be a lot of new surprises I’m sure.
Look at banner Shota!
Wait until he finds out you can turn left on red onto a one way.
don’t know what the rules are in MA. however in CA this is only allowed if ur on a 1-way street turning into a 1-way street.
Oh I’m in Indiana, but you’re right about that. Forgot the part about entering from a one way.
boston sports fan in indiana ? larry bird would feel so proud.
Sox happened to be ***THE*** team when I really started getting into MLB. Ortiz as the cover of MLB The Show ‘06 helped that out a lot. Honestly the worst part about being a Sox fan in Indiana is that you see a lot of Patriots coverage as a Colts fan from all the Boston sources that cover multiple Boston sports.
In MA a left on red onto a one way is legal unless explicity stated otherwise.
Michigan Left baby!
First time I drove in Detroit I thought my GPS was just fucking with me with those.
I love this man
Between this and him thinking of Spiderman when pitching in New York...I love Shota's honesty
The most Midwest answer a Japanese dude could ever give
As a Midwesterner, I have to ask, how is this a Midwest answer?
Not in NYC you can't!
I like this guy a lot
I love this dude. So fun to watch and seems like a great guy.
I love him so much
This guy is quickly becoming my favorite non-Ranger player
Don’t worry, Shota, Chicago is actively removing that feature across the city.
Cementing a place in my heart
This dude rocks so hard I’m jealous cubs fans
I’m going to go out on a limb and say that there will probably never be widespread right on red in Japan.
Does he know about the Chicago Left Turn already?
When Finnish footballer Elli Pikkujamsa came to the US for the first time she said she drove around the block a few times giggling because she could turn right on red.
I thought he was going to say how MLB hitters suck lol
super dangerous for pedestrians, unfortunately
Fuck, what an incredibly cool likeable guy.
Cyclecels going to seethe at this one
Not sure I get this? A cyclist can also turn right on red and most do?
I'm mostly joking but cyclists generally don't like right on red laws
I want to talk with whoever decided bike lanes being in between the regular lanes and the right turning lanes was a good idea.
Where would you put cycle lanes?
Preferably in a curb-protected slot that’s separated. Have a few lanes like that in Chicago and it gives me peace of mind as both a driver and cyclist.
Protected intersections ftw.
Right on red is super dangerous for pedestrians, not so much for cyclists.
These are some of the best interview answers since Kawasaki.
Imagine my surprise when I moved to a place that have signs that say "No Turn On Red" everywhere. You never know what you have until you lose it.
Do japanese players actually drive here in the US ? I thought switching from Right Handle drive and left roads is difficult.
Takes around ten minutes to acclimate to actually driving. Walking to the correct side of the car takes longer to adjust.
It's not that tough, honestly. I drove right out of a rental lot in Glasgow, and while I was a little hestitant for the first hour or so, I felt very comfortable before too long.
I visited the UK and rented a car and drove with just my US license and passport. Obviously it's a little easier when I can read all the signs in English no problem, but it was no big deal. A little weird but you figure it out quick.
🦅 🦅 🦅
Dude is killing it
It was the prevelance of four way stop signs for me. Absolutely mental and asking for trouble imo.
When I went to Ireland I thought it was odd how there wasn't a "No turn on red" sign at an intersection that had poor visibility. So I turned anyway, and only later did it occur to me that maybe it's never allowed to turn on red.
Mfer gonna get a ticket in NYC. Stay vigilant Shota.