May 27, 2008
Survey Says: Massholes Forever!
Surprise, surprise. A survey done by GMAC declares that Massachusetts has some of the worst drivers in the nation.
The GMAC test involved a survey in which drivers answered questions about road rules, and Massachusetts drivers earned a C on the quiz. You can go and take the drivers test now to see what you know, or more likely what you don't know.
The very first question reads:A pedestrian is crossing your lane but there is no crosswalk. You should:
A. Make sure the pedestrian sees you, but continue driving
B. Stop and let the pedestrian cross the street
C. Carefully drive around the pedestrian
They forgot "D. Go faster," which is frequently employed in Massachusetts.
On the bright side, New York and New Jersey drivers are worse. So, a few more wrong turns and blithe indifference to yellow lights, and we'll be number one next time.
[WCVB]
Yeah, it's from Wisconsin, but it could happen here.



Too bad one of the questions has a wrong answer:
Q18:When you approach a traffic signal displaying a steady yellow light, you must:
Their "correct" answer is "B. Stop if it is safe to do so".
Except that in MA, a yellow light is defined as a yellow light according to the MUTCD:
http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/HTM/2003r1/part4/part4d.htm#section4D04
Steady yellow signal indications shall have the following meanings:
1. Traffic, except pedestrians, facing a steady CIRCULAR YELLOW or YELLOW ARROW signal indication is thereby warned that the related green movement is being terminated or that a red signal indication will be exhibited immediately thereafter when vehicular traffic shall not enter the intersection.
at least we're incredibly consistent. let's hold on to that #48 spot as long as we can!
I love it: A yellow light isn't even a yellow light in MA! Long live our fondness for idiosyncrasy.