*Disclaimer: this is meant to be a satirical guide to navigating the streets and highways of Salt Lake City, Utah. I love to drive and have found myself driving along various roads that wrap around islands, criss-cross in front of trains, and cut through the desert. This post represents my feelings as a California driver, currently navigating my way though Salt Lake City’s erratic and perilous driving culture, while also trying to highlight some of the stark problems I face daily: passive and distracted drivers. Every single “tip” offered comes from first-hand experience and is to be read in jest.
As always, please follow the speed limits, laws, and have common sense while driving anywhere!*
**Updated 10/24/19**
So, you want to visit Salt Lake City, do ya? You’ve got your plane ticket purchased, your rental car reserved, your Citymaps app downloaded with several points of interest saved…you’re raring to go! Before you jump behind the wheel of your rented Toyota crossover with California plates, I offer you this guide to help guide you through the Beehive State, because hey! This ain’t New York, kid: you’re in Utah now…
#1 – Always over-hesitate at the STOP sign
Even if you get to the STOP sign before the truck to your right, hesitate to see if he’s going to go first. You probably have the right-of-way since you arrived at the 4-way STOP first, but it’s best to wait and see what the truck is going to do.
Plus, it’s kind of fun to release the brake at the same time as him, only to have both of you pumping your breaks simultaneously. It’s like a guessing game to see who is going to actually commit and fully enter the intersection first.
#2 – Go ahead and run the red lights while driving in Salt Lake City
Even if you’re turning left and are 3 cars back when the light changes from yellow to red. As long as the car ahead of you is still moving, you’ll be able to make it through the intersection. People will wait for you, even though they’ve had a green light for 3 seconds already.
Oh, and be sure to act really annoyed if the other drivers honk at you!
#3 – No need to yield while merging
While trying to change lanes on the surface streets, it’s advisable to either leave your turn signal on for 30 seconds, or not at all, before cutting off the person next to you. There’s no middle ground with your turn signal: fully commit either way.
And when merging onto the freeway, it’s probably not the best idea to match the other cars’ speed. It’s good if everyone just slows down a bit, especially the big trucks that always love to slam on their brakes. I mean, that’s why they’re lovingly referred to as wiggle-wagons, right?
#4 – The Fast Lane of the highway is a good place to go slow while driving in Salt Lake City
There’s a thing in Utah called being a left-lane loafer and it has a nice ring to it, don’t you think? If people are speeding in the fast lane, it is up to you to slow them down. MAKE them follow the speed limit, in your opinion.
Head over and just cruise 1-2mph under the speed limit so they get the message. Believe me: they’ll say “thank you” with their horns! Remember, the police can’t be everywhere, so it’s up to you to make sure everyone else is going the speed limit, no matter what.
#5 – No need to use your turn signal
It’s really nobody’s business where you’re going. See #3 above.
#6 – Tailing the person in front of you is encouraged
How else will they know you’re there? And when the person in front of you switches lanes, it’s not to let you pass; rather, it’s a game of follow-the-leader. Get right back behind them, no matter what. They might adjust their speed to see if you’re committed to following them.
CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!
#7 – Being on your cell phone and texting is only illegal if you get caught
Trust me, everyone that you pass will believe that you’re smiling, laughing, and talking to your crotch. You have things to do and your friends just can’t wait to hear from you!
#8 – When exiting a parking lot, pull halfway out of the driveway and stop
You’re only doing it right if people have to go around you. The further you pull out of the driveway, the more time people have to move over and let you decide how long you want to be prairie-dogging it.
#9 – Get offended when people honk at you while driving in Salt Lake City
Even though most drivers in other parts of the country and world use horns for a variety of reasons, that just isn’t how we do things in Utah.
Sure, in California one might use a horn for communicating to other drivers, but it Utah it’s just plain rude. Who knows why they even put horns on the steering wheel?!
#10 – Gridlock sounds like a big deal, but it really isn’t
I mean, if your light was green and you made it into the intersection, it’s not really your fault if you get stuck and your light turns red. Just ignore the person next to you, waving their arms and gesturing madly. They just don’t get it: they can go around you. Even when the light-rail train is coming towards you, it’ll stop. Don’t worry.
#11 – Freak out when it rains and snows
Create your own lanes on the highway when it’s covered with snow. The other drivers will thank you for leading the way and taking charge. Who cares if you can see the actual paint strips?
And although your vehicle was build waterproof, swerve to avoid hitting small puddles while driving. Even though the person next to you might honk (or even hit you…oops), they’ll fully understand this erratic move once they finish gesturing at you.
Take turns quickly to get through them. Sure, you might hydroplane (isn’t that a delicious word), but YOLO!
#12 – And above all else, have fun driving in Salt Lake City
Race your neighbor. Cut them off, get road rage, and shake your fist.
As mentioned above, this is a satirical guide to navigating the often perilous streets of Salt Lake City, Utah. In no way should this guide be taken seriously, other than to highlight many of the crazy drivers I see every day.
I am from Los Angeles, and consequently have to deal with the stereotypes that plague Southern California drivers. We are aggressive, yes, but only because everyone else is and we don’t want anyone to hit our cars. In my experience, passive driving leads to increased tickets, accidents, and road-rage.
If you are visiting Salt Lake City, read this guide lightly. Every city has their own stereotypical drivers, and not all drivers are created equal. Not all Utahns are poor, passive, or distracted drivers, and not all Californians are auditioning to be in The Fast and The Furious franchise.
As always, please follow the laws of the road and be aware of your surroundings. Happy driving!
What has your experience been like driving in Salt Lake City? Anything else you would add?
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