Driving in and around Omaha

[ThreeGGG]

I moved to Omaha about 3 years ago from another Midwestern city. I have driven more than my fair share of big cities, mid size cities, Interstate travel, neighborhoods, commercial driving, and as a professional driver. I have to unload this subject off my mind. I have never seen so many bad drivers. Three days and nights a week I travel I-80 for 15-20 miles through the heart of Omaha. These are some of the things that I see regularly. -------

No headlights after sundown.
Tailgating.
Distracted drivers. (phones, food, & dogs)
Lack of turn signal use.
Speeding.
Running Red lights.
Not stopping at stop signs.
____________________
Before you call me the "old man yelling at clouds", I have more than enough knowledge, proof, and experience to back my claims. Just feels better to unload this here. I don't expect any change or any real differences in this established pattern.

[Brad]

No headlights after sundown.
Tailgating.
Distracted drivers. (phones, food, & dogs)
Lack of turn signal use.
Speeding.
Running Red lights.
Not stopping at stop signs.

I agree with all of these and would add changing multiple lanes, weaving in and out of lanes on the interstate. Drives around here suck.

I was rear ended about a month ago, it totaled my car. While the guy that hit me had insurance, its still costing me a lot of money. The whole situation has been very frustrating.

[Louie]

I think one survey a few years back found omaha to have the worst drivers in the US. So there’s that.

[Nosebot]

You're not wrong It's bad and It's not just omaha unfortunately it seems to be most the state. I drive to grand Island twice a month and I swear even the truckers forget how to drive when they come here...

[Garrett]

Nationwide I think people have gotten worse at driving since the pandemic. Low traffic made people wild.

[Nebraska>Iowa]

I moved to Omaha about 3 years ago from another Midwestern city. I have driven more than my fair share of big cities, mid size cities, Interstate travel, neighborhoods, commercial driving, and as a professional driver. I have to unload this subject off my mind. I have never seen so many bad drivers. Three days and nights a week I travel I-80 for 15-20 miles through the heart of Omaha. These are some of the things that I see regularly. -------

No headlights after sundown.
Tailgating.
Distracted drivers. (phones, food, & dogs)
Lack of turn signal use.
Speeding.
Running Red lights.
Not stopping at stop signs.
____________________
Before you call me the "old man yelling at clouds", I have more than enough knowledge, proof, and experience to back my claims. Just feels better to unload this here. I don't expect any change or any real differences in this established pattern.

Nebraska native and have lived in Omaha since 1992. I couldn't agree more.

I've sensed that it's gotten worse since the pandemic, and my two sons noticed the same. Many, many people not paying attention...and many that don't minimally drive the speed limit.

I cannot tell you how many times I experience people doing 35 mph in a 45 mph zone. At least drive the speed limit. I don't expect people to drive over the limit or be excessive, but at least drive the speed limit.

[Stan]

My theory boils down to a few different things;

People that have lived here for a long while and think this is still a 15-20 minute city that you can get anywhere in around that time. They rush and push and expect to still get anywhere in that time frame.

Then you have the wide range of variety of drivers. In major cities where traffic has been this way for longer, a majority of people have learned to drive aggressively and defensively. In Omaha, you have people that drive the speed limit or under and then people that drive 10-15 mph over. There's not so much of a happy medium where we're co-existing.

Lastly, Covid messed up a lot of people. I know that once lockdown opened up, it felt weird to drive longer distances again.

All that said, we'll adjust eventually. I've experienced worse traffic and drivers than here in Texas, South Florida, New Jersey and Southern California, but most of them were used to it.

[Busguy2010]

I haven't had anything bad that I can remember lately. Maybe I am getting used to it.

I will share a petty moment I had a couple weeks ago. The road out of my neighborhood has parking on one side, naturally. I drive it the same every day, there's always at least some cars parked. We'll on this particular day, I had a lady coming the opposite direction. And as I always do, if there's enough time to go around the parked cars and get back in my lane without impeding the progression of the oncoming car, I'll picke em all off at once and be on my way. However, I don't know what, but I guess this lady thought it was unfair of me to not overtake the parked cars one by one, as there was room to dip in between each one. But still I got it done in time before she got to them. And it wasn't even particularly close. But she continued to veer over into my lane after I had already gotten back in it. She was yelling and flipped the bird and all that. I still do not see what her point was. I don't believe anything I did there was illegal or even remotely unsafe. I just laughed about it as we passed each other. Was she expecting me to weave back behind each parked car as she approached? If i had done that then I would not have cleared them by the time she got to them. I literally was back in my lane with enough time for her to veer over and impede MY progression. It was just bizarrely petty to me.

[Busguy2010]

Otherwise, the main issue I still see is people not paying attention, or seemingly being unsure where they're going. I couldn't care less if someone is speeding or driving aggressively. At least they're not in my way is how I look at it.

The most consistently annoying driving I see on a daily basis is from people with Iowa plates, Nebraska county plates, cars 2 day dealer plates, or no plates at all. What that tells me is it's the people not familiar with the daily traffic that kinda hold up the show, at least in my experience .

[ThreeGGG]

It just seems to me that most Omaha drivers don't think about safety at all. The safety of others or their own safety. Driving is considered a second obligation to them, driving should ALWAYS be FIRST PRIORITY. I can't imagine being responsible for causing an accident that did harmful or even fatal pain to another driver and family members. Being in a hurry all the time (constantly running late) is a lifestyle that can be fixed. Be responsible for your driving habits. Drive like your life depends upon it. Because,... IT DOES.

[Big E]

West Dodge and 275, either directon...

Whenver there are only two lanes, you are guarnteed to be behind one driver going one MPH below the speed limit driving next to another driver going one and a half MPH under the speed limit, with 50 vehicles stacked up behind them.

I'm certainly not condoing hood-mounted rocket launchers, but I would use one.

[remline]

I cannot tell you how many times I experience people doing 35 mph in a 45 mph zone. At least drive the speed limit. I don't expect people to drive over the limit or be excessive, but at least drive the speed limit.

It has been a few years since driver's ed… but I thought the speed limit was a maximum, not a minimum?

[Big E]

You’re also not allowed to impede traffic, so get ya slow |expletive| out the way.

[jag42]

I drive pretty much the entire length of I-80 (eastbound) across Omaha every afternoon. It seems there is at least one accident every dang day on either direction of I-80, even in perfect driving conditions (sunny sky and dry roads). I'm sure a lot of it is distracted driving. And in the summer, there are of course the "invincible" motorcyclists driving 100 mph, weaving in and out of lanes, popping wheelies, passing in between cars, etc.

[Nebraska>Iowa]

I cannot tell you how many times I experience people doing 35 mph in a 45 mph zone. At least drive the speed limit. I don't expect people to drive over the limit or be excessive, but at least drive the speed limit.

It has been a few years since driver's ed… but I thought the speed limit was a maximum, not a minimum?

I think it's more about common sense, but as another poster pointed out you are also not allowed to impede traffic.

[Brad]

I was running around for a little bit this evening and I was surprised the number of cars I saw with no lights on.

[guy4omaha]

I would wager a guess that smart phones and Apple CarPlay and Android’s version of same plus everything else in the information center of our cars is part of the distraction equation as well.

[nebugeater]

I cannot tell you how many times I experience people doing 35 mph in a 45 mph zone. At least drive the speed limit. I don't expect people to drive over the limit or be excessive, but at least drive the speed limit.

It has been a few years since driver's ed… but I thought the speed limit was a maximum, not a minimum?

I think it's more about common sense, but as another poster pointed out you are also not allowed to impede traffic.

Tell me how it works out when you get pulled over for speeding, and you use the " I wasn't impeding traffic" reason

[Busguy2010]

My transmission has been giving me fits in the past week or so, so I haven't been able to be the leader of the pack lately. But I realized, damn. Maybe it's because of the holidays, or whatever. People really are in a damn hurry. Pretty much every road I drove this week, even though I was able to manage the speed limit, and even 5 over, that wasn't enough. People frustratingly whipping around me and leaving me in the dust. I was just thinking if 45 down Dodge in the 35 isn't good enough for you, then I'm not the problem.

[JDJase]

My two biggest driver pet peeves that seem unique to Omaha are 1) using their turn signal, but not until after they've slammed on the breaks and are already half way into the turn, thus defeating the purpose of the signal, and 2) not stopping behind the line/crosswalk at a red light.

That one truly boggles my mind; all the other issues people have mentioned (speeding, lane changes, etc) are all bad choices that at least have an understandable reason behind them (they're in a hurry). Stopping your car on top of the crosswalk at a red light gains nothing for you. Since I live and work downtown, I of course walk a lot and it has pretty much become a daily occurrence that I nearly get hit by a car in the crosswalk because they don't understand where to stop. And it's not like West Omaha where frequently (and stupidly) lines/crosswalks don't exist at intersections; downtown has very clearly painted lines. I thought we all learned to stand behind the line in preschool/kindergarten, but I didn't grow up here. And the turn signal issue is so prevalent that I genuinely wonder if Nebraska drivers ed programs just did the HOW portion of the turn signal lesson and left off the WHY portion. "The law says you need to use your turn signal when you turn. Nobody knows why that's a rule though, so as long as you turn your blinker on at some point, you should be fine."

[Cermak]

Interstate 80 thru Omaha which is 5-6 lanes wide in spots, demands everyone’s full attention, not the best road to be doing other things while driving. Lots of moving parts on this section of road.

[Stargazer]

I think the problem can be linked to simple traffic law enforcement. Since before Covid, I haven't seen anywhere near as many speed traps as I used to see around town, whether local streets or on the interstate. I don't know if this is a manpower thing or they've allocated resources to target other areas, like violent crimes/gang activity.

[Uffda]

I was running around for a little bit this evening and I was surprised the number of cars I saw with no lights on.

It would be interesting to know how many of those cars with no lights on have the Auto light setting that drivers don’t turn on and leave on.

[Uffda]

I would wager a guess that smart phones and Apple CarPlay and Android’s version of same plus everything else in the information center of our cars is part of the distraction equation as well.

My 2019 Ioniq has CarPlay and I find it to be less of a distraction when trying to use map directions or adjusting stations/listening/responding to text/call. I plug my iPhone in and lay it to the side and rarely pick it up until I am done driving.

[guy4omaha]

I would wager a guess that smart phones and Apple CarPlay and Android’s version of same plus everything else in the information center of our cars is part of the distraction equation as well.

My 2019 Ioniq has CarPlay and I find it to be less of a distraction when trying to use map directions or adjusting stations/listening/responding to text/call. I plug my iPhone in and lay it to the side and rarely pick it up until I am done driving.

I agree CarPlay is less distracting than all the other gizmos we have on our vehicles. But my reference point when we just had a radio with five presets for AM only and a push-in cigarette lighter.

[WorldStreet]

Lack of turn signal use.

The biggest thing I notice are the lack of turn signal use. There have been many times in which I have waited at a stop sign for a car to drive by only to see him turn off the street before reaching me. Tailgating and cutting in right in front of my car are also big problems when I drive from Omaha to Lincoln. It's really not safe.

Twenty five years ago when I began spending my winters and springs in Shanghai, China, driving in Shanghai seemed like the wild west. Fast forward to 2024, and coming back to Omaha now seems like the wild west. Because of cameras and sensors, Shanghai drivers are no longer able to speed on the freeways and use of horns is also illegal except in case of an emergency. Traffic flows around Shanghai's highways so much better now. I've become a proponent for surveillance on public highways.

[meliketrains]

The most egregious |expletive| I've ever seen in my life happens between 30th and 68th on Dodge. I cannot really put into words the sheer horrors I witness driving this stretch of road each morning and afternoon. Omaha drivers cannot comprehend a shifting lane assignment. They cannot comprehend a road without double yellow lines that prohibits left turns. They cannot zipper merge. When you combine all three of these into one stretch of hilly, high-speed-poor-vision stroad, you're left with what feels like a daily outtakes clip from Arrested Development.

People casually walking across the street at Saddlecreek is a common occurrence. Oh, is that rush hour traffic barreling down Dodge at 45MPH, blaring their horns all the while? Better slowly walk across this 5-lane road so I maintain my composure and don't look like a little |expletive|. The homies over at Megasaver might mock me.

Oh, is that my turn with two different signs posted above and to the right explicitly forbidding me from making a left? I can't afford to make a right and turn around I need to get to my tanning appointment NOW. Who cares if it takes 10 minutes to make a left on Dodge, my priorities matter more. What's that? I'm blocking all of traffic and there's a 6-car pileup behind me? #notmyproblem

Wait a minute, this lane is completely empty haha, suckers! I wonder what that little red "x" means. Must be for someone else.

These scenarios and more on my daily commute. The number of delusional freaks I see regularly sitting in their cars facing oncoming traffic is astonishing. Their egos can't handle being wrong so they just sit there and stare, possibly in shock. In August this year, I saw a woman in a minivan parked, yes PARKED, in the leftmost lane of oncoming traffic, trying desperately to turn into Popeye's. This of course right outside the construction, so the entirety of west and eastbound traffic was reduced to 3 lanes with a wackjob in the middle who believed themselves to be more important that the rest of us chickenless souls. Someone should study these drivers.

[ThreeGGG]

Omaha drivers are very BAD! But they also compound it by refusing to admit to it. Seriously I often think that it isn't,... if I will be involved in a collision,... but when I will be involved in a collision. You DEFINITELY have to drive defensively in and around Omaha.
Red lights are just a warning it seems.

[Busguy2010]

I have a couple recent grievances:

GO when the light turns green, wake up.

And seen LOTS of obviously stolen vehicles with no license plate, and them actively smoking weed while driving. It makes me sick. Anybody else seeing this more?

[ThreeGGG]

Driving on I80 today and tonight for a 25 minute ride East, and then a 25 minute ride West. I was tailgated at least 4 times. I saw at least 5 cars without headlights after sundown. I saw numerous last second lane changes with no turn signal usage. Once I got off of I80 and into commercial and residential areas I saw running of red lights, I saw no stops at stop signs, I saw speeding in school zones, I saw handheld cell phone usage, and of course more tailgating. WAKE UP people, driving is a very serious issue. It is ACTUALLY a matter of LIFE & DEATH !!!!!

[Big E]

And seen LOTS of obviously stolen vehicles with no license plate, and them actively smoking weed while driving. It makes me sick. Anybody else seeing this more?

What makes a vehicle "obviously stolen"?

[Busguy2010]

Usually an older kinda crappier car, GM, ford, etc, usually in not so good conditio, no license plate, driving erratically, usually smelling of weed. I mean its uncanny. Ask any po po, or security, they all know the split second they see one, as do I. It's just crazy to think they actually get away with it, at least for some period of time.

[ThreeGGG]

Driving in and around Omaha isn't getting any better. I was almost hit by a driver who decided at the very last second to get out of the left turn lane and into my lane. Not only did they cut directly in front of me, but they came to a complete stop, while the traffic light was green. I couldn't get into the lane to my right because of moving traffic, and cars were fast approaching from behind me too. I thought for sure that my prediction of "not if, but when" was going to happen.

[Busguy2010]

Driving in and around Omaha isn't getting any better. I was almost hit by a driver who decided at the very last second to get out of the left turn lane and into my lane. Not only did they cut directly in front of me, but they came to a complete stop, while the traffic light was green. I couldn't get into the lane to my right because of moving traffic, and cars were fast approaching from behind me too. I thought for sure that my prediction of "not if, but when" was going to happen.

Tough go when half the people out there driving are on drugs, selling drugs, drunk, mentally ill, dont understand English, driving a stolen car, distracted, or otherwise ill-equipped to be driving. Could be a million reasons they shouldn't be driving.

Like the sentiment I was trying to put forth earlier... There ain't a dam thing wrong with judging somebody if your gut tells you somebody out there driving poses a danger to your safety.

And I agree, driving in Omaha is degrading, and fast.

[Busguy2010]

Sure enough, last night I was sitting in the middle turn lane on Cass street waiting to turn onto a side street. Wouldn't you know, as I was waiting for all the oncoming westbound traffic to come by. Two cars in the through lane, side by side, and behind them comes up a speeding crappy looking Tahoe, literally gets Into the turn lane and passes them, facing me head on, and they get the pass done unsettlingly close to me. I was kind of just, shocked, cause what they did was just plain highly illegal. It happened so quick I couldn't have had time to react if I needed to move in any direction. But in that split moment I had the thought to look in the rear view mirror as they sped on, I said "I bet THAT car doesn't have a license plate", and sure enough, it didnt. And a short moment later, the smell of weed entered my nostrils... I'm just dumbfounded, that something so illegal happens on our streets, often enough that I know it, every time. If it's a kind of crappy looking car, it doesn't have license plates, driving crazy, at the very least, they're smoking weed. From then on, it's fair to assume they're engaged in criminal activity. If I was a cop I'd have DEFINITELY known what was up, and it probably wouldn't have been a cooperative exchange.

On one hand, I'm shocked that people are so shity, they have the audacity to be out there doing this every day. On the other hand, I can't be surprised, because I see it so often, that when I know, I know.

[ThreeGGG]

The danger that these unlawful drivers pose to other drivers and their families is what really ticks me off. I will say it again,... we are literally talking about LIFE & DEATH here folks. It is pure insanity.

[Busguy2010]

I dont know what the deal is. But I'd really prefer not to smell weed every time I leave the house. Like EVERY TIME. I wouldn't care so much if that's what you wanna do on your property, you do you. It's the total lack of regard, to not only, obviously be high while driving, but also give so little |expletive|, to smoke an intoxicating substance in traffic, and have not a care if anybody else notices or if you get caught. It's like if somebody sitting next to you at a light chugs a beer, sees you noticed, winks, throws the can in your car, drives of, cuts you off, and flips you off. Just a total lack of regard and respect. And the fact I smell it at nearly every group of vehicles I'm in, tells me that's just where this city/country is going. Just a bunch of high people that could not give one iota of |expletive| about anybody but themselves.

[Garrett]

Are yours and their windows open when this happens? My driving is obviously very limited to trips home these days so I've never had this experience, but weed is becoming more commonly consumed as well. I'm just having a hard time picturing how it transfers haha

[Busguy2010]

Are yours and their windows open when this happens? My driving is obviously very limited to trips home these days so I've never had this experience, but weed is becoming more commonly consumed as well. I'm just having a hard time picturing how it transfers haha

For real, it's been the dead of winter at times, and I've driven without my ventilation running, and it's still come into my vehicle to a detectable level. Maybe im sensitive because I haven't smoked it in years, maybe it's gotten stronger, maybe people are picking it up more, maybe it's more accepted. But back in my days, we at least felt fearful enough of being caught, that we strictly did it at the house, and blew it in the ol paper towel tube at that. I think people are losing courtesy. They think "oh, everybody does it". Like, nah, not everybody does. I am almost to the point i don't want to see it legalized, cause man, I don't like to imagine how lax people would be with it.

[Busguy2010]

Im getting ready to run some errands, I'll let you know how many times I smell it on the road.