Driving the Town

When George Bush declared that America was addicted to oil, he wasn't kidding. There are no shortage of cars in this city that was not built for cars, or (in some parts) even horses. Walking probably is the best way to get around the core of Boston, but that doesn't stop thousands and thousands of drivers every day from taking on the challenge.

And this is not the town for the compact car, or even the sedan. No, to take on the challenges of Boston one needs - excuse me is required to have - an SUV of course. You never know when that 4 wheel drive action will be needed for off-roading through the Common or Harvard yard.

And man - they love the horn in this city. They use it if you go slow or fast. They use it mostly it seems when you obey traffic laws.

This became apparent when I drove for the first time here the other day. I knew I'd get the horn at some point - it is inevitable. So I mentally prepared for it. Pshycing myself up, or down depending on how you look at it.

Well, didn't get the horn (woohoo!). Did make a risky lane change; for Toronto that is. In Boston last minute lane changes are common, so that my risky action is in the norm.

Says something about a place that a risk, is the norm. And that "good" driving (safe driving), is bad driving, or at least worth giving somebody the horn on.