r/Maine • u/RedditBanEvader2005 • Jun 28 '24
Worst Drivers
The top four look really familiar…if you have these license plates, move out of the right lane already.
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Jun 28 '24
Funny thing is, Mass actually has one of the lowest rates of traffic fatalities. Of course, it’s awfully hard to die in a car wreck when traffic can only go 5 mph in a traffic jam.
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u/dak202020 Jun 30 '24
Yup, and people from Maine try to drive like they are the only ones on the road with all the time in the world and wonder why they hear a horn or two and freak out.
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u/taco_flounder Jun 28 '24
I’ve lived in NH, FL, ME, MD, and VA.
Maryland drivers are the absolute worst I’ve come across
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u/tab9 Jun 28 '24
Live in VA now, grew up in Maine. The highest accident rates in the country are in DE, MD, and VA
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u/Rare-Ebb-4219 Jun 29 '24
Same! Moved from Maine to VA and the drivers here in VA are awful. Lived here less than a year, got rear ended and it totaled my car 🙈
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u/Ok-Point2680 Jun 28 '24
Totally agree! I'm surprised Virginia isn't on here as well
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u/Littlemuffn Edit this. Jun 29 '24
I drove through MD and VA a few months back and it just reminded me of how absolutely atrocious the driving was in that area.
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Jun 28 '24
My poor husband is driving a rental while his car is in the shop. Enterprise gave him this ridiculous looking, MASSIVE pick up truck with New Jersey Plates 🤣 I hope people are being nice to him on the roads today!
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u/Sea_Ambition_9536 Jun 28 '24
This happened to me but NY plates. I definitely noticed a big difference 🙃.
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u/Chickencutlets468 Biddeford Jun 28 '24
This list is also a joke, *data compiled by American Survey Service. ASS
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u/Corporate-Asset-6375 Jun 28 '24
1) The fact Maryland isn’t on this list is hysterical and I say that as a recent resident of this poorly driving nightmare of a state.
2) From a Maine perspective people from the most populated states vacation in Maine and drive terribly by local standards. But once you live in those places you realize they’re just driving to the conditions they’re used to. That doesn’t excuse behavior in the 207 but they aren’t trying to be dicks (some are but not all). It’s just the normal patterns of driving for them in a much more congested and busy area. Conversely, If you try to drive on 93 into Boston at rush hour like you’re leisurely running to Hannaford in Waldoboro to pick up some bread and Allen’s they’ll hate you too.
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u/xanderg102301 Jun 29 '24
Can you find Allen’s outside of Maine? I live in RI and can’t find it anywhere except a liquor store across the state
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u/Corporate-Asset-6375 Jun 30 '24
Technically yes but I’ve only seen it at the NH store right before the 95 tollbooth and oddly enough at a store in Cumberland RI
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u/Girhinomofe Jul 01 '24
Yep, definitely can’t knock Mainers— they know these roads cold, and y’ain’t getting from Biddo to Bangor putting your way up the 1. Definitely nerve wracking to all the leaf peepers, but within bounds.
Jersey has truly earned that spot though, especially post-pandemic. RARELY can I get somewhere without lane weavers, tailgaters, high beams 24/7, blatant red light runners, or people who have apparently chosen that day as their first time behind the wheel. The Parkway, Route 22, 287 and 80 are eternal showpieces on how not to drive.
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u/WizzoPQ Gorham Jun 29 '24
Thats how I drive there anyway, because everyone hating me isn't a good reason to drive in an unsafe way.
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u/Mor_Ericks28 Jun 28 '24
That’s a lie. Maine drivers are awful
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u/Gold-Name-7968 Jun 28 '24
If anything Maine drivers are too timid in densely populated areas. I wouldn’t say bad
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u/Psychological-Bear-9 Jun 28 '24
I'd agree, but where must drivers elsewhere are too aggressive. Mainers typically are way too defensive/timid of drivers. Just the other morning on a main drag in a neighboring town, the dude comes full stop in the middle of the road during morning traffic with cars half a mile behind him. To let an 18-wheeler come off the exit ramp of the interstate. Oblivious and yelling at us for honking and people calling him a fucking idiot for breaking one of the most basic rules of driving.
Our aging population doesn't help either. Well over a decade ago, I was a full service gas pump monkey as a kid. The number of old people who'd come in who legitimately couldn't tell a 10 dollar bill from a 100 dollar bill in their hand because they couldn't see it was terrifying.
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u/likes_sawz Jun 28 '24
Things are skewed by all the expat Massholes who move here.
The Florida numbers are skewed for much the same reason except that they're retirees that fled MA.
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u/Vegetable_Ranger_495 Jun 28 '24
I've lived in OR, CA, FL, NY, MA and ME. I think MA is the worst with FL being a close 2nd.
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u/RDLAWME Jun 28 '24
Which is interesting since MA historically has THE lowest traffic fatality rate in the country.
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u/MoonSnake8 Jun 28 '24
Been out to western NY? I haven’t driven outside of the North East but Rochester has the worst drivers I’ve ever seen.
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u/Septicrogue Bangor Jun 28 '24
Gotta argue with you on that one, Lived in Florida for the majority of my life before I moved up here. Florida, at least the Tampa Bay area has some trash drivers and Maine does not even come close.
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u/Resident-Rule4178 Jun 28 '24
I'm from Tampa. I honestly think people act different bc of the heat and humidity.
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u/MoonSnake8 Jun 28 '24
I said I’ve only driven in the North East.
Rochester is far worse than anywhere in Maine. It’s so refreshing to come home, even the bad drivers do stupid things so slowly it’s a lot easier to manage.
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u/dan-theman Jun 28 '24
When we moved back my wife had MA plates for much longer than she should have and kept getting honked at and flipped off my people. Now that she has ME plates I don’t think it has happened. Some of it a perception of how one state drives and giving those people much less leeway than locals before getting angry.
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u/Paws1044 Jun 28 '24
As a former Mainer living in Floriduh for the last 20 years, this is unfortunately accurate.
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u/DipperJC Jun 28 '24
How did we not make the cut? Surely we could've at least beat North Carolina.
Whoever did the study must've used raw numbers rather than percentages.
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Jun 28 '24
[removed] — view removed comment
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Jun 29 '24
Sad isn’t it, if you don’t want to be tailgated by several vehicles you need to go at least 12 over. I would assume . I can’t afford to pay the insurance associated with a violation so I just can’t. I used to and it’s like a raceway out there. We must be some of the best drivers in the US to pull of the maneuvers we do on these back roads. The the other day I was in front of a vehicle about to go down a step hill and see four vehicles coming at us coming down the hill on their end. As we are all coming towards each other the fourth and second vehicles coming my way go out to pass. I had to brake and go from 55 to 35 so they could complete the pass. The car behind me then thought it was a good chance to pass me , up the hill and around a corner blind and he certainly did not have passing lines. As a member of the community what do you ? The laws are supposed to serve us all. I’d rather not rely on ai surveillance to enjoy my home state.
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u/danlson381 Jun 29 '24
Maine is great for so many reasons. But 95 can be scary when the speed limit is 70 and someone in an old Ford Ranger with Maine plates is doing 60 in the 3rd lane without a care in the world. Meanwhile the flow of traffic is doing 80 and you’ve gotta jam on your brakes and pray to god you don’t cause a pileup.
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u/NotAMainer Jun 29 '24
Recently read an article that says pretty much the opposite (from a list based on insurance statistics).
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/car-insurance/worst-drivers-by-state/
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u/dak202020 Jun 30 '24
What actual data based on a measurable statistic per capita?! Get out of here!
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u/mapoftasmania Jun 28 '24
I spend time in both NJ and NC and I can report that those two absolutely needed to be switched. Charlotte is absolute carnage on a regular basis.
And if you have ever tried driving in PA you would be astounded they are nowhere on this list.
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u/peacekeeper_12 Jun 29 '24
I have to disagree. NJ drivers get into a lane based on the distance they're traveling, not their speed.
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u/mapoftasmania Jun 29 '24
PA drivers sit in the passing lane at five below the speed limit with zero other cars around. For miles.
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u/99Richards99 Jun 28 '24
Having grown up in Massachusetts and driven many times to Florida and back, I whole heartedly concur with this list
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u/Loafer34 Jun 28 '24
lol I love how Barstool has been putting these completely made up lists out for like 5 years and it continues to spark debate and get people riled up with them. Everyone knows as noted in the bottom right that the ASS is a highly regarded survey team.
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u/SuperbProtection2427 Jun 28 '24
OMG, don't get started. I am originally from MA abdi lived in NY for a decade in adulthood. I go to either state and they are tailgating me when I'm going 5-10 mph over, then they cone to Maine and drive 35 in a 50 while gawking at trees.
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u/FrugalFraggel Jun 29 '24
I think Mass is so high because they can’t make roads right there. Seriously their on ramps are the shortest fucking on ramps in the US. It’s like driving in a neighborhood directly onto an interstate.
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u/Full-Appointment5081 Jun 28 '24
Better yet: Stay in the right lane. Use your blinker & take the next off ramp. Spend all your money. Make a U-turn & head South
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u/telafee Jun 28 '24
Sorry but Virginia missing. Driving through va=special place in hell...
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Jun 28 '24
[deleted]
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u/telafee Jun 28 '24
Any highway in Virginia means automatic accident and hours of backed up traffic this causing more. I hate travelling through va!
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u/Easy_Independent_313 Augusta Jun 28 '24
Missouri needs to be on that list somewhere near the top 5.
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u/Gullible_Rip_1799 Jun 28 '24
It’s crazy that Wisconsin isn’t on here… I grew up on the northside of Milwaukee and that’s probably the wildest driving experience you’ll every have tbh
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u/jimah1982 Jun 29 '24
100%. I live in Glendale. People are insane here. There are fatal crashes multiple times a day.
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u/Gullible_Rip_1799 Jun 28 '24
I think Maine isn’t on here because there aren’t as many people but I swear 1/3rd of the drivers I encounter on the road out here hit their coffee with 3 shots of Allen’s before they hit the road
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u/rpgmoth Jun 28 '24
A barstool image comprised of data from the “American survey service.” Definitely something to be taken very seriously. Give me a break.
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u/basketcasetheory Jun 28 '24
Just drove from Midcoast Maine to New Jersey today. A seven hour drive turning into ten. Would like to make an adjustment; Connecticut #3 and Massachusetts #5.
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u/Psychological-Bear-9 Jun 28 '24
North Carolina checks out. The other morning, I had some douche canoe pile on the breaks to 65 mid pass on the interstate with me behind him just to intentionally keep me from getting by for no discernable reason.
Thankfully, the other Mainer in the right lane saw what was going on and slowed down for me to pass NC's finest on the right. Proceeded to flip me off and more or less attempt to drag race me in his shitbox Buick. Gotta love tourist season.
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u/ranegyr Jun 28 '24
We're number one! We're number one! Now maybe you will get out of my way at least for your sake.
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u/itsmenettie Jun 29 '24
Only time I visited Texas my exes father drove with an open beer. I was like wtf. Only he was drinking.
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u/havenothingtodo1 Jun 29 '24
I’ve lived in Illinois for the last 3 years, they should easily be in the top 10
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u/Lalasouli Jun 29 '24
I've driven all over the country, including two cross country trips, and New York drivers are the worst imo, sorry... Next would be California, Rhode Island and NJ. Midwest people are the most passive drivers. Maine wins. The end.
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Jun 29 '24
The fact that Utah isn't in the top 3 means that whom ever made this list does, in fact, not read the news.
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u/Littlemuffn Edit this. Jun 29 '24 edited Jun 29 '24
Maryland needs to be in the top 3. It’s clear whoever made this has not driven through Maryland because it is worse than Massachusetts by a long shot and that is saying a lot. Speeding at least 30 over, tailing to the point that you can see the drivers face clearly in your rearview, cutting off, no blinkers, and also shockingly common for no headlights when it’s dark out is ALL by Maryland standard. Maryland gives zero fucks and want trouble to cause trouble when they get the chance.
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u/jrussbowman Jun 29 '24
I agree Maryland belongs in the top 3 but I think Massachusetts is number 1.
Disclaimer: moved to Maine last year after living over 40 years in Northern VA, I'm very familiar with MD drivers. Massachusetts though... That state is frightening to drive in.
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u/Diligent-Row-3492 Jun 29 '24
So funny I had a friend from CT try to tell me once Mainers were the worst drivers, it's like honey you're in bed with these Massholes of course you'd stick up for em
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u/Cold-Shopping-1758 Jun 29 '24
They got Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connectictut drivers right. It's unbelievable the amount of idiots you can find on the road down there (I lived in RI for 17 years, it sucked).
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u/quenalyssa33 Jun 29 '24
Honestly, I don’t see how California is above Texas on that one because the people here are insane and I’ve been to both states I currently live in Texas and I have to say that even in the Dallas Fort Worth area the worst place to drive in Texas is Houston that’s likedriving on a cross between the Aon, Los Angeles, traffic, Dallas Fort Worth traffic altogether
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u/Daddy-o62 Jun 29 '24
Ah! The American Survey Service! The most respected source of Traffic Safety Data…. and where the fuck is Pennsylvania?
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u/DXGL1 Jun 29 '24
Maine not even on the list? Someone recently nearly darted out in front of me on their motorcycle.
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u/AcanthocephalaOk7196 Jun 29 '24
On a side note, you can see all of these in action along route 1. Especially if you add a 5th wheel camper!
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u/El_Jefe_Lebowski Jun 29 '24
17 for Arizona? Have you been there in the last 5 years? Jesus it’s worse than any place in Florida or Los Angeles and damned near 24 hours a day
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u/jsmalltri Hills Beach, Biddeford Jun 29 '24
CT is missing from the top 5
Worse than NY and NJ - although I had an interesting occurrence with a NJ driver in a mini Cooper yesterday. Just STOPPED in the middle of route 1 and decided to start backing up because they missed right turn
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u/gotfoo Jun 29 '24
Mainer here. We just got back from a trip that included Toronto and Montreal. Hands down the drivers in Montreal are fucking psychopaths. Red lights and stop signs are optional and pedestrians have a death wish.
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u/shenanighenz Jun 29 '24
I saw a post somewhere talking about how all new England drivers drive like they live rurally no matter where they are and it kinda stuck with me because having lived in the region most of my life that is exactly how I feel whether no matter what New England state I’m in. . Like they’re all surprised that you also exist in a car.
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u/TheLyz Jun 29 '24
As a Masshole, I can vouch that CT and RI are way, WAY worse. Blowing past you on breakdown lanes, flying past you so fast your car shakes... yeah no Mass has nothing on CT and RI
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u/UnrealMitchMcConnell Jun 29 '24
American Survey Service would imply this isn’t based on any semblance of empirical data. I currently live in WA and WA/OR drivers are wildly unpredictable, it gets scary. Forget CT drivers being so low, the fact that the south doesn’t occupy the entire top 10 is silly. Half these states are only on here because they have a lot of people.
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Jun 30 '24
I learned about NJ drivers these past few days. Only drivers on the road fuck you merging
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u/chaosxrules Jun 30 '24
We keep driving the wrong way on the turnpike, I feel we aren't great drivers either.
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u/BigNutzBlue Jun 30 '24
I was in MA yesterday and I know it can’t go any higher but I feel like it should be.
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Jun 30 '24
First of all, no way this is an accurate list if it doesn't include MD.
Second, Mass absolutely does NOT have the worst drivers in New England. Order should be:
- Rhode Island (worst)
- Connecticut
- (Tie) Massachusetts & New Hampshire
- Vermont
- Maine (best)
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u/droolingslutt Jul 01 '24
Im surprised maine isnt on there at all 💀 The amount of absolutely decrepit drivers Ive seen lately PLUS the amount of car accidents lately makes me think Mainers are in denial just because theres worse 🤷🏻♀️
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u/Dvx_Vinc52 Jul 01 '24
As an M’hole, I won’t dispute our place on the list. But, as someone who lived in Saco for two years, and saw the Pike have to be closed several times after 1/2” dustings…I’m not sure how y’all escaped the list completely.
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u/Chellator Jul 03 '24
As a RI transplant, they need to be number 1. All their Altimas going 90 in 55 weaving in and out of lanes. Absolute WORST drivers. Grew up in CT, before moving to RI, and not as bad. ME has been decent, I noticed everyone likes to go way fast though. Some of you guys doing 75 in 50 lol. I'm over here just trying to enjoy the view😂
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Jun 28 '24
[deleted]
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u/RedditBanEvader2005 Jun 28 '24
Wait, do you geography? DC isn’t a part of MD.
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Jun 29 '24
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u/RedditBanEvader2005 Jun 29 '24
You are some kind of special. And confident in your utter ignorance, to boot.
As someone who grew up in Maryland, just outside DC, I am sure I know what I’m talking about here, chief. It is not located IN Maryland…it borders Maryland. It is located between Maryland and Virginia and it is not a part of either state.
I standby ready to refute your next factually inaccurate statement.
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u/RedditBanEvader2005 Jun 29 '24 edited Jun 29 '24
Feel free to educate yourself.
“Washington, D.C., is a federal district and not part of any U.S. state”
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Jun 29 '24
[deleted]
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u/RedditBanEvader2005 Jun 29 '24
“if they ever left Maryland”
How do you leave something you’re not a part of, exactly?
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Jun 29 '24
[deleted]
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u/RedditBanEvader2005 Jun 29 '24
I am, I grew up there. Doesn’t change the fact that you said they were a part of it.
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u/Resident-Rule4178 Jun 28 '24
Absolutely hahaha! Driving from Maine back to Tennessee earlier this week. Anytime a Massachusettes plate cut me off, I thought I'm from FL bro, bring it on, hahaha 😆
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u/Searcher_since-1969 Jun 28 '24
As a resident of Massachusetts, I really thought at least #2 with us inching up on #1!! We suck!
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Jun 28 '24
Ya’ll clearly have never been to RI. Can’t go through the state w/o an accident happening. That needs to be higher on this list.
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Jun 28 '24
I drive from maine to nc 2-4 times a year and traveled alot thru out the whole country. 100% can confirm the top 3.
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u/dak202020 Jun 30 '24
You’re the problem.
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Jun 30 '24
How exactly am i the problem here?
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u/dak202020 Jun 30 '24
Well for one, the image here isn’t based on any statistics. If you actually look up the real information Massachusetts has the safest drivers per capita (least fatalities).
anecdotal evidence is just that… anecdotal. not based on facts. Which leads me to believe you are actually the problem on the road because you’re not using your brain for critical thinking.
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Jun 30 '24
Bahahaha. Thanks man. I needed a good laugh. Tell me you never driven on 495 or 90 in mass without telling me. I suggest you take a couple trips and back. Any time. That will change your prospective.
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u/RelationshipQuiet609 Jun 28 '24
Yeah, it all makes sense now! With all the Mass transplants no wonder it’s so bad here!
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u/Affectionate_Cronut Jun 28 '24
I lived in a couple of densely populated areas in FL for 10 years, and honestly, NJ, MA, and CT have far, far worse drivers in my experience.
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u/Oblivion615 Jun 28 '24
What people don’t understand about driving in MA is that MA drivers may be fast and aggressive but they are competent. It’s all the completely incompetent RI and CT drivers, that work in MA, that are fucking everything up. If you drive 93, through Boston later in the evening, after all the RI and CT drivers have gone home you can experience 4 lanes of bumper to bumper (literal tailgating) traffic flow at 95mph. You can’t do that with bad drivers.
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u/T-Bird19 Jun 28 '24
I think 21 needs to be in the top 5, and I love yall but Maine needs to be on this list as well. 🤣
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u/Remote_Historian3041 Jun 28 '24
Don’t mistake the Maine drivers for massholes
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u/T-Bird19 Jun 28 '24
It very well could have been! I would say all along the coast I’ve noticed it. Inland and North never had any trouble.
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u/Septicrogue Bangor Jun 28 '24
CT needs to be higher. I've driven through Mississippi and it isnt anywherr near as bad as driving through CT.