Driving in and around Omaha

[Stan]

Here's my W T F of the season (so far).

Traveling north in the left lane on 72nd by NFM. Car in the middle lane puts on left turn signal to change lanes. More than 5-6 car lengths in between me and the person in front of me. They continue to drive next to the car thats in front of me. After several blocks, they finally get over. Their turn signal was on for a good 6 blocks maybe. I'm like "theres nothing stopping you from getting over except you!" LOL and SMH.

So, we both got in the left turn lane at 72nd & Farnam, they're in front of me. The left arrow was red. There was a break in traffic, and they went on a red arrow. Already perplexed, as I'm first in line now, several cars in line behind me. And to my right in the northbound lane comes a truck that takes a left from the straight lane in front of all of us.

I was just dumbfounded. Like, uhh, thats not how that works yall. I'm still just lost. Had two of the most idiotic traffic moves I might have ever seen happen in a span of under a minute. I just can't even.

Sorry about that, my edible kicked in much sooner than I thought it would.

[Busguy2010]

Here's my W T F of the season (so far).

Traveling north in the left lane on 72nd by NFM. Car in the middle lane puts on left turn signal to change lanes. More than 5-6 car lengths in between me and the person in front of me. They continue to drive next to the car thats in front of me. After several blocks, they finally get over. Their turn signal was on for a good 6 blocks maybe. I'm like "theres nothing stopping you from getting over except you!" LOL and SMH.

So, we both got in the left turn lane at 72nd & Farnam, they're in front of me. The left arrow was red. There was a break in traffic, and they went on a red arrow. Already perplexed, as I'm first in line now, several cars in line behind me. And to my right in the northbound lane comes a truck that takes a left from the straight lane in front of all of us.

I was just dumbfounded. Like, uhh, thats not how that works yall. I'm still just lost. Had two of the most idiotic traffic moves I might have ever seen happen in a span of under a minute. I just can't even.

Sorry about that, my edible kicked in much sooner than I thought it would.

I let it simmer for a minute, because even though you're joking, it legitimately is the reality. I hate to be a broken record, but literally 98% of the time I'm in traffic, I smell weed.

Just a little bit ago today, I had the displeasure of being stuck behind someone on California/Underwood/Cass from 30th to 69th. Nowhere to go, a two lane road. E V E R Y single light, the individual was for all intents and purposes, asleep at the wheel. Took forever to get going, weaving, either driving too slow or too fast. Very unpredictable. And I swear being behind them that long, I might test positive for Marijuana. And I'm only half joking.

[Stan]

Here's my W T F of the season (so far).

Traveling north in the left lane on 72nd by NFM. Car in the middle lane puts on left turn signal to change lanes. More than 5-6 car lengths in between me and the person in front of me. They continue to drive next to the car thats in front of me. After several blocks, they finally get over. Their turn signal was on for a good 6 blocks maybe. I'm like "theres nothing stopping you from getting over except you!" LOL and SMH.

So, we both got in the left turn lane at 72nd & Farnam, they're in front of me. The left arrow was red. There was a break in traffic, and they went on a red arrow. Already perplexed, as I'm first in line now, several cars in line behind me. And to my right in the northbound lane comes a truck that takes a left from the straight lane in front of all of us.

I was just dumbfounded. Like, uhh, thats not how that works yall. I'm still just lost. Had two of the most idiotic traffic moves I might have ever seen happen in a span of under a minute. I just can't even.

Sorry about that, my edible kicked in much sooner than I thought it would.

I let it simmer for a minute, because even though you're joking, it legitimately is the reality. I hate to be a broken record, but literally 98% of the time I'm in traffic, I smell weed.

Just a little bit ago today, I had the displeasure of being stuck behind someone on California/Underwood/Cass from 30th to 69th. Nowhere to go, a two lane road. E V E R Y single light, the individual was for all intents and purposes, asleep at the wheel. Took forever to get going, weaving, either driving too slow or too fast. Very unpredictable. And I swear being behind them that long, I might test positive for Marijuana. And I'm only half joking.

I only joke because I'm constantly frustrated by drivers as well. I try to give a little grace to others, but I also drive with intent everywhere I go. One guy ahead of my yesterday, I could see him in his rear view mirror constantly looking down at his center console(maybe phone) instead of paying attention to the road and the lights.

[Busguy2010]

I only joke because I'm constantly frustrated by drivers as well. I try to give a little grace to others, but I also drive with intent everywhere I go. One guy ahead of my yesterday, I could see him in his rear view mirror constantly looking down at his center console(maybe phone) instead of paying attention to the road and the lights.

Of all the gripes I have with other drivers, oddly probably my biggest one is overly cautious, or simply not paying attention. We all have somewhere to be by a certain time, so keep it moving. I too drive with intent, so I love when I'm first in line so I can get where I need to be, unimpeded, and lead by example while I'm at it. Just GO when the light turns green lol.

I take advantage of people not paying attention too, so if perhaps I really need to be in one lane in a couple blocks, yet the other lane is clear, I can almost certainly bet I'm going to get off the line with enough advantage to tuck in front of that line of cars. I pay attention and I play the numbers. Its a pretty simple concept of efficiency, yet so many people feel it's an obligation to stay in line, or they're afraid they won't fit back in, or afraid somebody will be mad, etc. I just don't know.

[Busguy2010]

Nothing really grinds my gears more than when not everybody (or even worse, I) can get through a light because not only the first person is delayed in going, but theres also an additional delay between each car, because of what I can fairly assume some sort of distraction, likely a phone.

I just hate how driving comes secondary to enough people that I encounter these things in every group of traffic I've ever been in.

[Stan]

I love being the first one in line at a red light. I will only pause momentarily when it turns green to check for red light runners and them I'm off.

[ThreeGGG]

Stan and BusGuy, you both tell Omaha driving stories like it is. I have also figured out that leaving a "safe distance" between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you, only means that the driver in the lane next to you can cut in unexpectedly.
I still say that it isn't a matter of [if it will happen] but [when it will happen], and BELIEVE me when I say, "I do not want it to happen, and will do everything to not make it happen.

[Busguy2010]

I had a pretty sweet situation earlier today. Stuff doesn't happen often. But I turned onto I-480 SB from Cuming, and there was an accident of some sort, so the right two lanes coming from 75 were totally backed up nose to tail, but getting on 480 from Cuming, you are presented with a dedicated lane from Cuming to Dodge. As I was passing probably over 100 stopped cars just "getting onto the interstate" I didn't once feel obligated to find my soonest possible entry into the pack of cars. So I basically had my own dedicated lane for a half mile or so, and I non consequently poked into the group at the very front merge point and drove off into the sunset. Peace

[ThreeGGG]

Seriously, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!! The amount of BAD DRIVING that I see on a daily basis is absolutely, ridiculously INSANE!!! If you are behind the wheel of a vehicle in motion,..... THAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN YOUR LIFE AT THAT MOMENT!!!
__________________
Put the cell phone away!
Signal your turns ahead of time!
STOP tailgating!
STOP the intimidating driving!
If you are turning, plan ahead for that turn!
STOP running red lights!
Stay in YOUR lane!
When the light turns green, be ready to go.
Drive relatively close to the speed limit!
PLEASE Drive like your life and everyone around you depends upon the SAFETY of how you operate the vehicle that you are responsible for. Nothing else should matter when you are behind the wheel operating a motor vehicle. PLEASE, for the safety of everyone, including yourself.
( Before you blow this off as a rant from some old man, think about it,.. what isn't true about this post?)

[Busguy2010]

The #1 thing I've established throughout life when I drive or walk is DO NOT TRUST ANYBODY. It sucks, but anybody can be anybody behind the wheel. They may or may not be licensed, they may or may not be competent or qualified, they may or may not be sober or totally drugged out, they may or may not even own the vehicle, they may or may not have their mind on something else. Who knows? Nobody knows. It's (fittingly) a big ol mixed bowl of candy out there.

I consider myself a part time walker, if you will. And it happens so often... SO OFTEN. That I do not count on anybody but me. Literally every time I cross 72nd or whatever street, I have the walk signal, but there's maybe up to ten people taking a right, and not but one of em will yield to me.

We're all subject to the same rules, but, I dunno, just guessing 80% of them don't follow them? Low standards out there brother, low standards.

There is no such thing as courtesy anymore.

[ThreeGGG]

Well said, Busguy!

[Busguy2010]

It's crazy, I think most people just skirt by and barely pass the test, and never yet again apply the principles of it. I would not doubt it for a second.

[ThreeGGG]

You used to see police in areas searching for bad driving techniques, pulling drivers over, and often times giving citations for bad driving behaviors. I can't remember the last time I have heard or seen anything like that. I would be OK with that because I feel like I am a safe and conscientious driver. It could be a good way to increase some revenue too.

[Busguy2010]

You used to see police in areas searching for bad driving techniques, pulling drivers over, and often times giving citations for bad driving behaviors. I can't remember the last time I have heard or seen anything like that. I would be OK with that because I feel like I am a safe and conscientious driver. It could be a good way to increase some revenue too.

Totally, they used to do speed traps all the time on Blondo around 79th at the creek. Another notorious speed trap was at the bottom of the hill on Pacific around 92nd. I can't say with certainty if its just a matter of me not being there at the right time or what, but I personally haven't seen a deliberate speed trap in a long time. God forbid they are allowed to hold people accountable

[ThreeGGG]

Why have rules, if they are never enforced? I can't stress SAFETY enough, especially when you are operating a motor vehicle.

[Brad]

Totally, they used to do speed traps all the time on Blondo around 79th at the creek. Another notorious speed trap was at the bottom of the hill on Pacific around 92nd. I can't say with certainty if it’s just a matter of me not being there at the right time or what, but I personally haven't seen a deliberate speed trap in a long time. God forbid they are allowed to hold people accountable

The Omaha Police Department traffic unit is running radar at 90th and Leavenworth, 94th and Pacific, 91st and Pacific, 84th and Pacific, and 90th and Arbor multiple times a week.

[GenX]

Totally, they used to do speed traps all the time on Blondo around 79th at the creek. Another notorious speed trap was at the bottom of the hill on Pacific around 92nd. I can't say with certainty if it’s just a matter of me not being there at the right time or what, but I personally haven't seen a deliberate speed trap in a long time. God forbid they are allowed to hold people accountable

The Omaha Police Department traffic unit is running radar at 90th and Leavenworth, 94th and Pacific, 91st and Pacific, 84th and Pacific, and 90th and Arbor multiple times a week.

I have seen a much higher number of speed traps than usual, especially on Dodge St (not just West Dodge)

[Busguy2010]

It'd be interesting to know where all the other ones are, because truthfully, I haven't seen one in a good decade, and all those are in a half mile radius in one of the nicer neighborhoods. Maybe they catch a lot of teenagers being that close to the school, but other than that, it wouldn't strike me as the most problematic area. I'd like to see them working on 72nd, Ames, 60th, Military, Fort, north 90th, Blondo, etc. where everybody regularly goes 10-15 over, and where I smell the most weed in traffic multiple times daily and (more than likely) stolen cars. Thats just my two cents, and that's also my area so I know it well. I can't be everywhere at once, but you'd think I'd stumble upon one once every 10 years haha.

[Busguy2010]

Though I will give them they hang out at that church south of 72nd & Western pretty often, but it more often seems like they're mainly there for visibility.

[BRoss]

It'd be interesting to know where all the other ones are, because truthfully, I haven't seen one in a good decade, and all those are in a half mile radius in one of the nicer neighborhoods.

They did seem to be non-existent for a few years since COVID. But it sounds like they are becoming more active. I did see one at 150th & Dodge today.

[ThreeGGG]

We had relatives in from out of town and they commented on the bad driving behaviors here in Omaha. You can't make this stuff up. Be BETTER Omaha! SAFE driving is a VERY SERIOUS matter.

[Busguy2010]

Had a nice, smart witted interaction today. What with this being the first big snow and the first time I took my truck out since, I was in a hurry and I forgot to kick it into 4WD before I embarked up my steep hill. I had no chance of making it, stopped, and actually started to slide back down the hill. A brand new Jeep Wrangler came up behind me, and as I was sliding back toward them, I said please, please recognize the assignment and go around me before I hit you! And they did. Saved me quite a headache. I was surprised, because I never expect our drivers to be very sharp like that.

And my god, are the roads an absolute slip and slide. I was not prepared for it to be that bad.

Just about a minute later once I got to the main road, here I am counting my blessings going like 5 to 10 under and somebody blows by me going 5 or 10 over, and they were close enough I could have put my hand out the window and touched them.

[Busguy2010]

For anybody familiar with the 78th & Cass Hy-vee, when you go straight north from 78th, there's no stop sign for entering vehicles, and if you continue straight into the parking lot its one way straight in. I had a lady today, I turned left to go to the gas station, and she was coming out of the parking lot going the wrong way out. I guess she was expecting me to stop or something? I turned left in front of her without stopping as I would expect, as she shouldnt even be there. She had her window open and totally crashed out yelling and honking. I was totally confused lol. She was going the wrong way out and I don't have a stop sign. What the heck are ya mad about?

[ThreeGGG]

She was a totally UNAWARE DRIVER. Omaha is full of them. That is the biggest problem with driving in and around Omaha.

[Brad]

I'm not sure which drivers are worse... People that don't use their cruise control on the interstate or people that drive in the left lane on the interstate, but they are both terrible drivers. Yesterday I had the same Nissan do both and pass me at least 50 times between Sioux City and Omaha on I29. I had my cruise set at a good speed (several miles an hour over the speed limit) and this car would race past me (and race past other cars in the right lane) and then slowly drift back, then race forward and slowly drift back, it was ridiculous. He would also just randomly hit the brakes for no reason with nobody around him.

[skinzfan23]

I'm not sure which drivers are worse... People that don't use their cruise control on the interstate or people that drive in the left lane on the interstate, but they are both terrible drivers. Yesterday I had the same Nissan do both and pass me at least 50 times between Sioux City and Omaha on I29. I had my cruise set at a good speed (several miles an hour over the speed limit) and this car would race past me (and race past other cars in the right lane) and then slowly drift back, then race forward and slowly drift back, it was ridiculous. He would also just randomly hit the brakes for no reason with nobody around him.

Hate that all the time too....be thankful you were on I-29 and not I-80 through IA. I try to avoid it for that same reason and all the truck traffic that love to get in the left lane going up hill after hill maxing out at 60 and there are 20 cars behind them in the left lane waiting to pass.

[Busguy2010]

I hate that, when you go to pass somebody and they speed up. It's not even that they're going under the speed limit, other people are just going faster. If they're going 70, and I and a bunch of other people are going 74, don't speed up! That grinds my gears more than people chilling in the left lane, because if they're snoozing in the left lane, I won't hesitate to pass them on the right. I don't like to, but I will. I don't know if they're the purposeful speed limit enforcer type, or just not paying attention.

[Brad]

Looks like the Sherriff did red light patrol at 50th and Dodge Street.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BtdydFna3/

[BRoss]

Looks like the Sherriff did red light patrol at 50th and Dodge Street.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BtdydFna3/

It's good they are going after such blatant run light runners, but the meme reactions were pretty cringe imo.

[TitosBuritoBarn]

There are waaay too many full size pickups in Omaha and there is no way the majority of them are not simply parking lot queens.

[Busguy2010]

There are waaay too many full size pickups in Omaha and there is no way the majority of them are not simply parking lot queens.

A couple notes. Pickup design changed somewhere along the way. If shopping for one, the majority of whats out there is crew cab with a short box. Short boxes are next to useless beyond hauling a couch, grill, or TV, or what have you. Prissy stuff. Thats the majority of what's for sale out there. The fact thats whats most available screams, "we know you're not really gonna use this thing".

Now and then when a guy decides to use his brand new truck for something its meant for, like hauling dirt, lumber, rebar, concrete, retaining wall block, etc. They're always super careful with it, like a woman who just got her nails done haha.

Whats crazy is I drive a full size truck, but from the late 90's, and every now and then one of those new Colorados or Tacomas will park next to me, and they're basically the same size now. So what used to be an S-10 is now what used to be a 1500. Theyre just so unnecessarily big nowadays, I dont even want one. So I keep my old one. At least I can use it.

[TitosBuritoBarn]

There are waaay too many full size pickups in Omaha and there is no way the majority of them are not simply parking lot queens.

A couple notes. Pickup design changed somewhere along the way. If shopping for one, the majority of whats out there is crew cab with a short box. Short boxes are next to useless beyond hauling a couch, grill, or TV, or what have you. Prissy stuff. Thats the majority of what's for sale out there. The fact thats whats most available screams, "we know you're not really gonna use this thing".

Now and then when a guy decides to use his brand new truck for something its meant for, like hauling dirt, lumber, rebar, concrete, retaining wall block, etc. They're always super careful with it, like a woman who just got her nails done haha.

Whats crazy is I drive a full size truck, but from the late 90's, and every now and then one of those new Colorados or Tacomas will park next to me, and they're basically the same size now. So what used to be an S-10 is now what used to be a 1500. Theyre just so unnecessarily big nowadays, I dont even want one. So I keep my old one. At least I can use it.

Exactly. And I don't mean to suggest I'm anti-pickup truck, but trucks have grown so substantially in size yet the beds have stayed the same or gotten smaller. They're now supposed to be family vehicles I guess?

It seems to be an image thing, which also doesn't bother me. I drive a sports sedan built for speed. It's somewhat frivolous capability that I don't need or use every day to drive to work. But when I don't, it's as docile as a Camry. It's the same size, it has a trunk for groceries, it has a 4-cylender so it's not chugging gas, and I can see other cars and pedestrians around me. When a full-sized truck is being used for commuting and not full-sized truck things, it's still as large and efficient as a vehicle you usually need a CDL for. I used to work somewhere that had company vehicles consisting of Chevy Equinoxes, Colorados, and Silverado 1500s. When I drove the Silverado, it was hard to tell if I was between the lines on the road.

[nebport5]

I can appreciate the usefulness of a 4 wheel drive vehicle -particularly a truck in this climate or as it may be relevant for work. However, I’m guessing many of the people driving around in one of those petrol hogging monstrosities for status or image are probably some of the same people complaining about affordability and gas prices.

[Busguy2010]

Wow, talk about the full package. Pretty AND smart - Samantha Pastorino quick reminder to zipper merge:

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/17s6QS2Uuw/

[NEDodger]

Wow, talk about the full package. Pretty AND smart - Samantha Pastorino quick reminder to zipper merge:

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/17s6QS2Uuw/

+1

[Busguy2010]

I'll never understand how rage-baity it is when the subject comes up.

All the people who cry that it's "cutting in line" LOL. Zipper merging has become so second nature to me that I don't worry about finding a forgiving soul that'll "let" me in. Either the people that I cut in front of understand how it works, or they're just slow off the line and subsequently leave enough space to fit in. It works every time.

Its actually been a very long time since I've encountered any friction at a merge point. The last time I did I was at the merge point and everybody was nose to tail not letting my lone soul zipper in, despite the line being long enough that it was blocking the next intersection back. The only lane available to turn into from the cross street was the lane that ends. That was my option. That, or perpetually sit there because all the dummies falling in line to the point it was long enough to block the intersection three blocks away. When I got to the point, nobody was gracious enough to give an inch, so I just slowly got closer to the merge and the line as the next car passed and the next car passed. You could say I forced the issue with that one. I can say they weren't happy about it.

And thats what I won't understand. The amount of space to let a car in is equal to maybe a second, so, I guess it all comes down to pride and ego? I dunno. When you pass 20, 30, or more cars, it just seems like the smart thing to do. If everybody did it, eventually the ending lane will be equal, and thats how it should work.

[ThreeGGG]

I have just resigned myself to the fact that most Omaha drivers are just BAD drivers! I will continue to practice safe driving skills and be a defensive driver at all times.

[Busguy2010]

I had an interesting article suggested a few days ago I just remembered. I wish I could find it again. It wasn't so much a parking-focused story, but rather about the psychology of how we park.

Some of the points are obvious. People who park like |expletive| are in a hurry, just don't care, distracted, or just don't have their faculties straight.

The other was parking forward vs backward. They revealed some interesting traits of people who tend to back in, vs people who go in forward. Oddly enough, people who back in were found to be more forward thinking. I.e., time spent now is time saved later.

I personally don't have much of a choice, as my old truck's turning radius is about that of a cargo ship. I would say it is more difficult to back in, and with how tight parking lots are, I again, don't have a choice, unless its diagonal.

I used to have a pretense that people backed into parking spots to show off, or distinguish themselves. "Anything you can do, I can do better" kind of thing.

But just thinking about the psychology of it... in an unscientific study of places I regular, I'd say on a good day, no more than 20% of people back in, but for the most part, those who do, do it well. On the other hand, 80% of people pull in forward, yet they seem to be the ones who have more trouble doing it well.

I did notice, various places through the years. If you back into a parking spot, you will see that more people will also back in. If you don't already back in, try it. I guarantee if you were the only one to back in to start, it won't be long before you see more. It's kinda funny and kinda cool. I guess people park next to those they like and trust, even if you never know each other.

[ChadJK]

The other was parking forward vs backward. They revealed some interesting traits of people who tend to back in, vs people who go in forward. Oddly enough, people who back in were found to be more forward thinking. I.e., time spent now is time saved later.

I personally don't have much of a choice, as my old truck's turning radius is about that of a cargo ship. I would say it is more difficult to back in, and with how tight parking lots are, I again, don't have a choice, unless its diagonal.

I used to have a pretense that people backed into parking spots to show off, or distinguish themselves. "Anything you can do, I can do better" kind of thing.

But just thinking about the psychology of it... in an unscientific study of places I regular, I'd say on a good day, no more than 20% of people back in, but for the most part, those who do, do it well. On the other hand, 80% of people pull in forward, yet they seem to be the ones who have more trouble doing it well.

I did notice, various places through the years. If you back into a parking spot, you will see that more people will also back in. If you don't already back in, try it. I guarantee if you were the only one to back in to start, it won't be long before you see more. It's kinda funny and kinda cool. I guess people park next to those they like and trust, even if you never know each other.

I think all bets are off the table on backing-in to a parking spot since the proliferation of back-up cameras in cars. It use to take a bit of skill to back in on one try and many people found it too frustrating to bother with. Now, they have a high-def color camera with gridlines assisting them. That's why the number of vehicles backed into parking spaces has skyrocketed over the last 10 years or so.

What I find funny is that almost no one does it in the parking spots adjacent to the front of the building. Every once in a while for grins I back into the spot right by the front door and it always feels weird and I occasionally get looks. lol

[locoluke]

The other was parking forward vs backward. They revealed some interesting traits of people who tend to back in, vs people who go in forward. Oddly enough, people who back in were found to be more forward thinking. I.e., time spent now is time saved later.

I personally don't have much of a choice, as my old truck's turning radius is about that of a cargo ship. I would say it is more difficult to back in, and with how tight parking lots are, I again, don't have a choice, unless its diagonal.

I used to have a pretense that people backed into parking spots to show off, or distinguish themselves. "Anything you can do, I can do better" kind of thing.

But just thinking about the psychology of it... in an unscientific study of places I regular, I'd say on a good day, no more than 20% of people back in, but for the most part, those who do, do it well. On the other hand, 80% of people pull in forward, yet they seem to be the ones who have more trouble doing it well.

I did notice, various places through the years. If you back into a parking spot, you will see that more people will also back in. If you don't already back in, try it. I guarantee if you were the only one to back in to start, it won't be long before you see more. It's kinda funny and kinda cool. I guess people park next to those they like and trust, even if you never know each other.

I think all bets are off the table on backing-in to a parking spot since the proliferation of back-up cameras in cars. It use to take a bit of skill to back in on one try and many people found it too frustrating to bother with. Now, they have a high-def color camera with gridlines assisting them. That's why the number of vehicles backed into parking spaces has skyrocketed over the last 10 years or so.

What I find funny it almost no one does in the parking spots adjacent to the front of the building. Every once in a while for grins I back into the spot right by the front door and it always feels weird and I occasionally get looks. lol

As a part of the streetcar project, most of the parking spaces along the route east of about 36th are being converted to back-in angle spaces