Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Jackson, MS "Perps"

Every city has a driving foible. In Chicago it is the idea that lanes are really just suggestions. In Lexington, KY it is the "Red + 3" rule, where when a turn light becomes red, the next three cars in the turn lane (which haven't entered the intersection) are allowed to bull through.

In Jackson, MS, the driving problem is the "perp." Most of the roads in the area where I live are four or, more usually, 5 lanes, 2 going each way with a turn lane in the middle. Businesses and such have entrances directly off the streets.

The "Jackson Perp" comes about when a car is trying to turn left and gets tired of waiting: time after time after time I see people pull out perpendicular to oncoming traffic, blocking two or three lanes while waiting for an opportunity to complete their left turn.

Cull the Jackson Perps!