Peter1469 (07-31-2019)
For waltky: http://quakes.globalincidentmap.com/
"The Nation that makes a great distinction between its scholars and its warriors will have its thinking done by cowards and its fighting done by fools."
- Thucydides
"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote" B. Franklin
Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum
FindersKeepers (07-31-2019)
Keep driving in areas that make you uncomfortable; it'll sharpen your skills and get you used to driving if foreign or stressed environments like cities and bad weather. As long as you have Google maps or something to that effect, don;t be afraid to take whatever turns: you should also be on highways and downtown somewhere... Night driving can be tiring because of the glare. Your peripheral vision is what you need to practice and don't look into on coming headlights: look at the shoulder and follow the white line as a car passes; you can see that oncoming car movements better that way. You sound determined, so you'll be fine.
Main advice is get the best defensive driving info you can. Always assume someone’s going to run a red light or a stop sign. Don’t get too anxious to pass. Keep 3-4-5 seconds between you and whatever you’re following (depending on speed).
I drive 3-4K miles per month. Good luck, God bless!
FindersKeepers (07-31-2019)
My driving instructor taught us to imagine an invisible air cushion around our car that extended a few car lengths in front and in back. We were to always try to maintain this invisible bubble so as to be ready in an instant if we had to make a sudden driving correction.
Also, on that shoulder-drop-off thing. Don't look at the edge of the road. Rather, focus your attention straight ahead somewhere a few feet above the middle of your lane.
""A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul" ~George Bernard Shaw
stjames1_53 (07-31-2019)
my junk is ugly
Adelaide (08-01-2019)
Come to Ohio. The roads are pretty good.
Any time you give a man something he doesn't earn, you cheapen him. Our kids earn what they get, and that includes respect. -- Woody Hayes
Adelaide (08-01-2019),NapRover (07-31-2019),stjames1_53 (08-01-2019)
Just moved from Springfield 3 years ago up to North of Frederick.
What a huge difference even though certain roads can come near sometimes to the mess in Springfield.
Once you get north of 70 it's much much better. The country roads and roads through the mountains are peaceful and there's lots to see and do with limited traffic.
Depending on where you are go west towards Front Royal. It's not too bad out that way either.
As far as going into DC I'd advise against it for a while. Look at the bumpers and corner panels of most cars that go to into DC and you'll see scuff marks because there's lots of contact (literally) and they will just drive right off after they hit you. It's a rush. They will do anything to get around you even blasting on the right through empty parking places.
And they aren't all very tolerant as you may be aware of the shooting in the 3rd Street tunnel the other day.
Anyway, I'd suggest coming north. It's much better driving up here.
Good luck.
Red Green
The man's prayer:
I'm a man
But I can change
If I have to
I guess
Adelaide (08-01-2019)
If you are driving on a motorway, take the middle lane and drive at the maximum speed, but not over it.
If any problem does arise, it's due to who is behind you, on either side. So, it wont be your fault.
Get an Uber or lyft. I’m 44. I’m so sick of driving in populated areas. It is constant fight or flight. Largely do to strangers possibly finger banging their phone at any given time, and also the increase in congestion. Sorry to be buzzkill. Congratulations on your new mobility.