Before I moved to Houston, I had deep respect for one-way streets. Where I grew up, short of plowing into a parked police car, there were very few things you could do behind the wheel that were as embarrassing as driving the wrong way on a one-way street.
So I have been surprised to witness, on numerous occasions, folks intentionally darting up one-way streets. It’s always when the driver wants to pull into a driveway that’s half-way up the block. Or, say, when a driver’s pulling out of a driveway and just wants to make a quick turn at the corner. People are also willing to drive the wrong way on a divided road to get from one parking lot to the next.
To be clear, they never drive the length of the block. It’s always a quick dart up a the wrong side of the road a few feet.
DrivingWhileTexan.com actually came from observing wrong way one-way street jaunts.
My theory is that it reflects the general attitude among Texans towards government and personal freedom. The fact that the state legislature is limited to meet only once every two years to avoid any mischief is a perfect example. Government has a purpose, but that purpose is limited. Likewise, those drivers are probably thinking, “If there aren’t any cars coming the other way and it’s safe, it’s just silly for me to have to drive all the way around the block.”
Now I know there are people who will argue that darting a short distance up a one-way street is flat dangerous and illegal. They’re right. I’m not going to argue with that, and I’m not encouraging it either. I’ve just observed the behavior and tried to propose a theory for why it occurs.
What do y’all think?
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Think of it as our contribution to the environment. Do you know how much gas it takes to drive the whole block?
I do it all the time (once with my boat). But I do it more frequently with the truck than I do than in my Volvo. I think it’s the Texas adage of whichever is bigger, wins. So unless a F250 Super Duty is coming the other way, the road is mine.
Another thing to ponder….how many times have you seen other drivers outraged when they see this behavior? Never…the justification is always “Eh, I would’ve done the same thing.”