[ANH]

I think I'm a careful driver, and I (see other comment) recently drove into Manhattan from out of state. I almost killed several people. I don't live there, but my impression is that the expectations are so fine-tuned, that one small miscalculation and it's OH MY GOD MY LIFE IS CHANGED FOREVER.

Edit: Most of the close calls were straight on, no turn. Some son-of-a-bee-biscuit suddenly decides he needs to stop his car right in front of you for some important business, you end up in the middle of an intersection. In your eagerness to get you and your family out of harm's way, you inch around the car in front, and the pedestrian pops out of nowhere. They thought you weren't moving when suddenly you realize you need to get the heck out of the middle of Madison Ave and accelerate like a mofo so you don't get rear-ended by that bus.

[rayiner]

The secret to driving in Manhattan is not worrying about the people behind you. The busses won't rear end you, and if anyone else does, big deal its low speed traffic anyway.

[ANH]

This comment explains why I saw so many bumper cushions. And it also explains why I never want to drive in a car again.

[rayiner]

Traffic flow in Manhattan is geared around pedestrians and cabs (i.e. sudden stops). You just have to concentrate on what's in front of you and trust the guy behind you is doing the same.