Road rules for newbies to Phoenix
 

I saw these 'rules of the Phoenix road' posted on the wall at work in the Los Angeles office. So true...


1. ‘Phoenix’ actually consists of Scottsdale, Chandler, Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert, Glendale, Peoria, Tolleson, Avondale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Sun City, Sun City West, Sun City Grand, Sun Lakes, Surprise, Laveen, Apache Junction, Gold Canyon, and half of the Mexican border.

2. The morning rush hour is from 4:00 am to noon. The evening rush hour is from noon to 9:00 pm. Friday’s rush hour starts on Thursday morning.

3. The minimum acceptable speed on most freeways is 85 mph. On the Loop 101, your speed is expected to match the highway number. Anything less is considered ‘Wussy’.

4. Forget the traffic rules you learned elsewhere. For example, cars/trucks with the loudest mufflers go first at a four-way stop; the trucks with the biggest tires go second. However, in the East Valley, SUV driving, cell pone-talking moms ALWAYS have the right of way.

5. You will see speed cameras. These are ignored because the tickets generated are ignored by those who receive them.

6. If you actually stop at a yellow light, you will be rear ended.

7. Never honk at anyone. Ever. Seriously. It’s an offense that can get you shot.

8. Road construction is permanent in Phoenix. Detour barrels are moved around for your entertainment during the night to make the next day’s driving a bit more exciting.

9. Watch carefully for road hazards such as drunks, dogs, barrels, cones, cats, mattresses, shredded tires, rabbits, vultures, javelinas, roadrunners and the coyotes feeding on any of these items.

10. Maricopa Freeway, Papago Freeway and the ‘I-10’are the same road.
SR202 is the same road as The Red Mountain Freeway, and is the same as the San Tan Freeway.
Dunlap and Olive are the same street too.
Northern and Shea are the same street.
Mesa Drive and McQueen are the same street.
Stapley Road and Cooper are the same street.
Apache Blvd. in Tempe is Main Street in Mesa which is Apache Trail in Apache Junction.
Also Glendale Ave. becomes Lincoln Drive.
Jefferson becomes Washington, but they are not the same street.
I-17 is also called The Black Canyon Freeway as well as The Veterans Memorial Highway.
The Superstition is also known as US 60.
The 101, 202, and 303 remain a large mystery. It is not yet determined if there is a Red Mountain and a San Tan or just a Red/Tan Mountain Freeway all of which is the Loop 202.
The SR51 has recently been renamed to Piestewa Freeway because Squaw Peak Parkway was too easy to pronounce.
SR101 is also the Pima Freeway except west of I-17, which is also The Black Canyon Freeway, and the Veterans Memaorial Highway.
Lastly, Thunderbird Rd. becomes Cactus Rd. – but, Cactus Rd. doesn’t become Thunderbird Rd. because it dead ends at a mountain.

11. If someone actually has their turn signal on, it has been accidentally activated.

12. If you are in the left lane and only driving 70 in a 55-65 mph zone, you are considered a road hazard and will be ‘flipped off’ accordingly. If you return the flip, you’ll be shot.

13. For summer driving, it is advisable to wear potholders on you hands.

14. Please note that there are many, MANY more issues to the phenomenon of driving in Phoenix – like the 4-cars-through-a-red-light rule – but these will at least get you acquainted with unique Phoenix life on the road.

That is soooo true! Thanks Sandy for sharing.
Ron

I love the fact that they know in LA what many living here are clueless about. Great post.

Rule 10 is so true, I away wonder how others learn this crazy place.

Sandy,

What's your point?

I can attest that every one of those was adapted from rules applicable to driving on the 5/405/101 Freeways in the Los Angeles basin, except one. They have given up on the idea of a "rush hour". Peak congestion lasts from 12:01AM on Monday to 11:59 PM on Sunday. The brief two minute interlude is reserved for road maintainence.

Sorry you Queen Creek guys, you weren't included. Phoenix does NOT go to the Mexican border. #2 isn't true at all, you guys are trying to assume that you are a big city. #3 has been eliminated by the photo cameras on I-101, I haven't seen anyone drive over 80 there in a loooong time. #5 How many of you have tried to "dodge" paying the ticket ? #7, I honk and give the finger to all of those blue haired old farts who get in my way. #14 The four car rule will get you a ticket at four locations in Tucson. Please come and drive down here, we need the reveneu. All in all Sandy this is great, thanks.

The first time I saw this was in the 70's at which time during any water in the Salt there precisely two paths across the river: The I10/17 bridge and the Tempe bridge.

Great stuff Sandy! My Dad is wintering in Surprise, AZ right now. He'll get a kick out of it....