Silicon Valley driving is probably the worst I’ve ever seen. Take a look at this very simple list from Sigalert.com on all the accidents that have happened approximately a 2 hour period.

The problem isn’t the number of cars on the roads, or the quite frankly terrible road signs, it’s the drivers. In Silicon Valley they appear to give drivers a license regardless of their ability. It seems that changing across 3 lanes while braking sharply to get to a freeway exit is perfectly fine. Last week I watched in horror as the driver of an SUV undertook a Golf an while completely alongside decided to change lanes. The Golf was clearly in sight, not to mention she was passing it. Honking on horns and shaking of fists were involved but to my amazement the person most annoyed was the driver of the SUV who obviously thought they had the right of way.

Merging onto a freeway isn’t as easy as you might expect either. There is a complete absence of road-markings to show when a lane is merging or leaving the main road. Here’s some ariel views, the first one from the UK, the second 2 from California.

In the UK example we see hashed areas showing merging and leaving sections, the continue for a considerable distance. Although it is hard to see on the USA pictures, the lines dividing the lanes simply stop about 30 feet before your lane ends. The rule appears to be you continue to drive and hope that nobody hits you. My approach to this is that if I accelerate i’ll get in front. That way, if they him me in the rear it’s their fault. 🙂