Does Midland-Odessa Have A Problem With Bad Drivers?

After moving to Midland-Odessa earlier this year, it did not take long to notice how some of the locals drive on the streets of the 432.  I hail from larger cities, so driving alongside would-be bad drivers was nothing new to me.  However, I have to admit that there was something about the drivers in our area that did not seem what I would consider normal.  Just about every city in the world has bad drivers, but it appears as if, at times, the drivers of Midland-Odessa are on another level.

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Stereotype or Fact?

There are numerous reasons why people tend to believe the drivers on our local roads are not very good behind the wheel.  While some of the beliefs may be soiled with bias or stereotype, you also have to consider the facts.

Oilfield Traffic

With the region heavily connected to the oil industry, this can play a role in the situation. Whether it is hurried oilfield workers, large commercial vehicles, or heavy equipment, these factors can dominate our roadways and alter traffic. This is especially true in the early mornings, where I have personally seen work vehicles traveling over 100 MPH on Highway 191.  (ALL BEFORE 6 AM!)

Impatient, Impaired, or Distracted Drivers

Impatient, impaired, or distracted drivers are a problem everywhere. However, when it comes to impaired driving, Midland-Odessa has some of the most drunk driving accidents in the country per 100,000 residents.

Inadequate Infrastructure

With the area constantly growing, there are times when it seems that the current infrastructure cannot handle the seemingly rapid growth.  The fact that there always seems to be road construction is a sure indicator of this.

Conclusion

Despite the reasons, we have our fair share of bad drivers just like every other city in the world.  I feel if we all respected other drivers or the rules of the road a little more, then we could eliminate statistics and stereotypes of naughty drivers behind the wheel.