Are Idaho drivers the worst?

I haven't lived in the Treasure Valley for over 15 years. Doesn't mean I haven't visited the area, but living here again has revealed some shocking truths. There are a lot of awful driver's in Idaho.

WendellandCarolyn

Beyond the absolute incompetence on display at every round about, aka the circle of death, I can see why my insurance rates are much higher in the Treasure Valley.

Cars are involved in a frontal collision.

Like, every morning it's basically a NASCAR race to work. A very slow, sudden breaking, dangerous lane changing, bumper riding, white-knuckled NASCAR race to work. The only real winners are those who make it to work safely.

silver and black car engine

I'm sure, like most growing cities, this is to be expected. More people, more cars, more people who don't know how to drive cars. Four lanes aren't enough to keep the flow going, and clearly, they haven't embraced the zipper maneuver.

man in black framed eyeglasses

I'm not going to get into the Idaho Transportation Department strategy or lack of it for heavy traffic mitigation, or that I believe we need more multi-lane on ramp and off ramps along 1-84 and I-184, or even why "The Flying Wye" should be renamed the Crying Why. Why? Because it's a nightmare.

Read More: What you need to do if you're in a car accident in Idaho

I think it comes down to the individual behind the wheel (self driving vehicles notwithstanding). Personal responsibility for your attitude when you join the commute.

Man talking on phone while driving car

Do you exhibit patience and courtesy, or are you a expletive spewing aggressive road-rager, that has actually thought about trying the pit maneuver on a vehicle that just cut you off or you think isn't driving fast enough.

Man driving and yelling on a phone call

In my early years, I was probably a little more road warrior than Mr. Rogers, but, I have always lived by the basic guidelines of Driver's Ed. The I.P.D.E approach to driving.

The key to safe driving in Idaho: Identify, Predict, Decide, and Execute

And of course, always drive defensively. This is especially true if you are from a generation that is still emotionally scarred and traumatized by the video "Red Asphalt II".

The point is, it starts with you. Every driver has to decide what kind of driver they are going to be each day they get behind the wheel. And for me, I hope you aren't coming off a Grand Theft Auto gaming binge when we cross paths out there. Drive safe. Be courteous. And buckle up people.