Boston Driving Primer

Finding your way around

The geographical center of Boston is in Roxbury. Due north of the center we find the South End. This is not to be confused with South Boston, which lies directly east from the South End. North of the South End is East Boston and southwest of East Boston is the North End. Backbay was filled in years ago.

Basic Rules for Driving in Boston

(Subject to change at any time)

• To obtain a general idea of Boston driving, go to a Celtics game and watch the fast break.
• Always look right and left before proceeding through a green light.
• When on a one way street, stay to the right to allow oncoming traffic to pass.
• Never, ever, stop for a pedestrian unless he flings himself under the wheels of your car.
• The first parking space you see will be the last parking space you see. Grab it.
• Learn to swerve abruptly. Boston is the home of slalom driving, thanks to the Registry of Motor Vehicles, which puts potholes in key locations to test drivers' reflexes and keep them on their toes.
• Never get in the way of a car that needs extensive body work.
• Double-park in the North End of Boston, unless triple-parking is available.
• Always look both ways when running a red light.
• Always look both ways when running a green light.
• Honk your horn the instant the light changes.
• Breakdown lanes are not for breaking down, but for speeding, especially during rush hour. Breakdown lanes may also end without warning causing traffic jams as people merge back in.
• Never use directional signals when changing lanes. They only warn other drivers to speed up and not let you in.
• Making eye contact revokes your right of way (my personal favorite).
• Never pass on the left when you can pass on the right.
• Whenever possible, stop in the middle of a crosswalk to ensure inconveniencing as many pedestrians as possible. And if a pedestrian ahead of you steps into the road, speed up loudly and chase him back up on the curb. Peds have no rights.

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