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June 17, 2009

Flippin' New York, top of road rage list

Posted: 06:36 AM ET

Morning Express meteorologist Bob Van Dillen

So, according to this study, New York City has the most road rage: big whoop. Everybody knows that if you've ever taken the bridge or tunnel into one of the five boroughs.

Growing up on the Jersey side of the Hudson, I can tell you that in the early 90s it was like a Mad Max movie once you emerged from the Lincoln Tunnel onto Dyer Ave (they don't call it that for nothing!) Horns, fingers out the window, shaking fists, the works.

One guy I work with at HLN, from Atlanta, told me a great story. He was in a cab, the light turns green but some other guy blocks the intersection because he couldn't get through in time. The cabby pulls behind him, opens his window, and pulls out a hammer. With 3 good whacks he dents up the guy's trunk. "He knows the deal," he says to my friend in the back seat. Granted that was about fifteen years ago, but apparently things haven’t changed much in the big apple.

Road rage isn't just for NYC, I've seen it in Philly too. Leaving a Flyers game at the old Spectrum, I was cut off and yelled at at least a dozen times. I think the Rangers bumper sticker put a target on my back, but whatever. It made me aggressive and brought me down to the disgruntled fans' level. My finger never got more exercise.

I lived in Syracuse for a while too, and some people would tailgate the person ahead even with 3 feet of snow on the ground.

I do have a problem with Atlanta being on the worst list though. I live here now, and the people couldn't be nicer. I watched a guy sit through a green light and not move, and nobody even honked. When the light turned green again and he didn't move, I was the only one to blare my horn to get him going, and that worked. I guess that means I'm the biggest jerk in town!

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Cathi Ference   June 17th, 2009 7:38 am ET

Anyone who has ever travelled to Rome, Italy knows that Italian drivers make New York drivers seem polite!

jim   June 17th, 2009 9:03 am ET

since when was New York not in the top slot?
Portland OR has the most polite drivers

slackerbud   June 17th, 2009 9:15 am ET

When I drove from Detroit to Vero Beach Fl... every time someone was would ride up on my bumper... they were from Michigan. It's the "Motor City" "Drive it, like you stole it" !

Nancy   June 17th, 2009 9:17 am ET

Cleveland?!!! Did you list Cleveland among the nicest?? The game on the interstates in Cleveland is, "How can I run you off the road!" Cleveland has the most aggressive drivers I have encountered anywhere. They run you off the road without rage – they're just playing the game.

Writer Keith   June 17th, 2009 9:29 am ET

Here's the proper way to ask for directions in NYC. "Could you tell me how to get to the Triboro Bridge or should I go jump in the river?"

Patina   June 17th, 2009 9:38 am ET

Why do they always link Dallas with Fort Worth? Dallas drivers are crazy but Ft. Worth is much better.

forest in indiana   June 17th, 2009 11:39 am ET

why is chicago not the worst? people there are just nuts!

Kathryn, Lloyd, Gretchen, and Jon Brinker   June 17th, 2009 1:57 pm ET

First of all, Robin, you were royalty in your blue outfit this morning . . . very beautiful ! Road rage has always existed; therefore, it will continue to be a never ending topic of discussion in years to come ! Unfortunately, the summer season is with us (and school is out for summer), so the road games will begin in full force ! They will always have some individuals trying out their "Smokey-and-the-Bandit" reenactments–as we clearly see by the camera footage on the highways that Our Robin shares with us in her Morning Express news ! By watching (and maybe even observing for yourself by being on the roadways) should be enough of a clear wake-up call for those who even try their hands at this nonsense ! Let's hope and pray that the number of lives lost–especially this summer– is a very low percentage ! Have a Happy Wednesday, Robin ! We Love Ya, Ohio Girl . . . Robin's Follies !!!!

Jerry   June 17th, 2009 7:23 pm ET

New York City shall never lose that number one position for the rudest and most aggressive drivers to any city in any state. NEVER!!!!!!!!!!!!

David Eagerton from Baton Rouge   June 18th, 2009 8:01 am ET

I couldn't find a more appropriate place to comment your story on the road rage toward people on bicycles. I personally have to ride a bike everywhere every day as i have for more than a year. People do seem to not only refuse to pay attention for my safety, but take pleasure swerving at me and on occasions throw things from bottles to metal objects. First thanks to the officer shown supporting safety during races and the like. Secondly a word for the motorist. As funny or unimportant as ending my life may seem to you pray that you don't catch a near red light so as I and my fellow cyclist might catch up to you. How inconsiderate must you be to show such hatred and my hard work to transport myself. I do wish i could be whisked around the globe at high speeds with such slight flexing of a single ankle, but since i don't have that luxury I will take the pleasure to show my appreciation for all your harshness upon the first man i get to catch up to. Laws be damned, if you can almost kill me or anyone else for how we inconvenience you into swerving or pausing till able to pass for all of 50 yards (maybe) i will play jury for you my friend.

clemdog   June 18th, 2009 1:11 pm ET

Thats why I love living in the country. I can yell at the chickens as they cross the road and they dont yell back.

Richard from Jonas   June 26th, 2009 9:34 pm ET

I can't speak for native New Yorkers, however the New Yorkers who have moved to the Pocono's of PA are without a doubt the rudest drivers and the women are the first to give you the finger.

A friend of mine has a (Labor Day) party every year in which we call it the New Yorker's going home party.

Jeff Lewis   July 2nd, 2009 8:44 pm ET

For some reason this doesn't surprise me.It seems like ever since the summer rush started people are more anxious,good example today a diver pulled in front of the white line at a red light,the red light was red,but this specific red light was on a timer,so what does the driver do,he runs the red light,but it's even sometimes worse,even upstate,not just NYC has the impatitant drivers.I think the worst is slow drivers,he makes other divers very anxious.

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