Richmonders don't seem to know the rules of the road anymore, nor do they have common courtesy when it comes to situations that require putting themselves in a situation that may cause them some inconvenience. I continue to run into situations where people, young and older, go against basic rules-of-the-road. Sometimes it's knowingly other times it's an obvious lack of knowing the actual rules. From scissor-merges to bike-rules, from 4-way-stops to walking on the road.
There seem to be inconsistencies depending on in which part of town you're driving also. In Lakeside it seems people believe bikes should stay off the road and ride against traffic while walkers are supposed to stay on the side and walk with traffic. I have almost been run off the road on my 10-speed when I ride with traffic and "Gasp!" attempt to ride in the left lane in preparation for a left turn ahead. There is one individual who insists on honking his horn at me and yelling out of his truck window every time he comes across me riding with traffic, whether or not I am actually in his way. I haven't yet found his truck parked anywhere, but once I do I will make sure to drop off my pamphlets detailing the real rules of bikes on the road for him to perhaps look over in the hopes he may realize his actions are inappropriate (to say the least).
Today there was an accident on Parham Rd., the right side had to scissor merge with the left while allowing cars from an off-ramp to also merge... sounds simple, everyone scissor-merge & by taking turns we all will eventually get through. Inevitably however there are those who feel their space is being infringed upon and insist on ridding the bumper of the car ahead of them refusing any merging into their territory - as if it's a directly disrespectful affront to them personally. So, the situation turns from manageable to chaotic as one person does it causing others to follow suite. Eventually there is no merging and a back-up stopping traffic for miles.
What about the stop-lights that go wonky or the circle through which you have to round-about. I know you have experienced when one line continues until finally a courteous driver stops to allow the other direction a turn, usually receiving several rude-honks in their general direction for stopping the flow.
In so many situations I too get frustrated, cuss a bit - I then start imagine getting out of the car and handing those individuals certificates of Idiocracy "Congratulations, you're an idiot!" - and then pondering the circumstances that would follow (lol). At least I can bring myself down from anger mode by making fun of the situations, sarcasm can be a good thing... but in all reality it's unfortunately getting worse. So use your brains out there friends - because most likely the idiots around you aren't using their own.