It goes without saying that New Orleans is a unique city; its roads are no exception. Driving here isn't always a pleasant experience, and there are certain obstacles anyone who gets behind the wheel of a car is sure to encounter. Whether you're in Uptown, Metairie, the CBD, or anywhere in between, these are the everyday struggles we can all commiserate over.
1. Potholes, potholes everywhere.
To say you're in for a "bumpy ride" would be an understatement. Contending with unstable swamp terrain and stubborn tree roots, it would be impossible for the roads to not be uneven and riddled with potholes. The particularly nasty ones will make you cringe in sympathy for your poor tires.
2. It's often so hot that you don't really have much choice but to drive.
You might just need to make a quick trip to the store right around the corner, and it's totally within walking distance, but the heat. Now you have to go to the trouble of taking your car and cranking up the AC.
3. Everything takes way longer than it should.
That store right around the corner - how long do you think, logically, it should take to get there? Okay, now double that. Between traffic, low speed limits, and the like, it can often feel like you're getting nowhere.
4. Sneaky stoplights.
I'm looking at you, Claiborne and Carrollton. Certain streets seem to have a stoplight every few yards, and they turn red fast. Get used to slamming on brakes or speeding up.
5. The fear of sneaky cameras at sneaky stoplights.
The problem with speeding up is that you might get caught on camera running that red light. And tickets are far from cheap. This does nothing for the nerves.
6. The one-ways mess with your mind.
Oh, you wanted to turn there? JK, you can't, it's a one-way. Now you look crazy, and the driver behind you is honking. Awkward.
7. Wondering about the odds of car damage from falling Mardi Gras beads.
It's super charming how in some places the trees and power lines are strung with these colorful plastic parade leftovers year-round, but park underneath them at your own risk. Getting hit by a string of beads could be like getting pelted with hail.
8. School zones.
We don't mind slowing down for the kids, really. There are just so many schools in New Orleans.
9. Perpetual roadwork.
You may think you know how to get where you're going, but chances are that you're in for at least one detour along the way. Roadwork is a constant here, blocking so many roads that you might as well expect to reroute.
10. Finding a parking spot takes longer than the drive.
Your favorite places are the ones with ample parking lots, but those are few and far between. Prepare to circle the blocks surrounding your destination several times before you finally find a spot to squeeze into, especially on weekends.
11. And you're probably going to have to pay for it.
Sometimes the best-case is metered parking or a pay-to-park garage. Better cough up the cash.
12. On the bright side, you're now a pro at parallel street parking.
Well, sort of. You managed to get your car far enough out of the road that probably no one will hit you in what looks like a legal spot, so we'll call it a win.
