13 Unwritten Rules of The Road In Buffalo

You may have never realized it, but there are some unwritten “rules of the road” (if you will) in Buffalo that just may help you the next time you are behind the wheel.

Since they are unwritten, I have taken the liberty of writing them up for you, with some help from the City of Good Neighbors on social media. 

How many of the rules do you know?

1. “If you're in Cheektowaga and get pulled over for any traffic infraction, then expect no less than three police vehicles to be involved in the stop.”

2. “There are certain scenarios wherein going the limit is most likely your best bet. The intersection turning onto Losson Road from Union merges from two lanes to one. Instead of properly zipper merging, a lot of folks decide to speed through the turn in an attempt to cut everyone else off. That's fine and dandy until they slam on their brakes because someone's turning right into the Rite Aid plaza or left into the McDonald's parking lot. Nothing like a near domino-effect rear end collision to get the blood going.”

3. “On regular roads probably stay within 5 mph over the speed limit and on the highway, it seems like as long as you stay with the crowd all going about 70 in a 55 you’ll be okay. Just don’t be weaving between lanes and cutting people off, that’s how you draw attention to yourself.”

4. “On Main Street from Canisius College going south into the city beware of potholes and chewed up pavement. It's not worth speeding because you'll trash your tires.”

5. “Careful at the speed traps. Except at the speed traps. Like the Amherst cop one at the 90/290 junction. Or there's usually one by 90/219/400 area where it drops from 65 to 55. Also usually a trap on the 219 after the new section headed toward EVL, at the highway dept depot, another speed zone transition area.”

6. “On Main Street from Bailey down to Humboldt Parkway traffic moves at a brisk pace, particularly at rush hour but also Fridays and Saturdays. The posted speed limit is 30, less in school zones, but many people drive in excess of 40 mph and drive through red lights. Cops are scarce for reasons unknown to me. Exercise caution.”

7. “Don’t speed on the 198, but as soon as you get off at Delaware Ave feel free to do 60.”

8. “If you go 5mph over the speed limit in the Town of Tonawanda or Kenmore, you'll get a ticket.
Source: a ticket a few years ago for going 35 in a 30.”

9. “Yellow lights mean gun it, and at least three cars need to go through after the light turns red. “

10. “Download Waze.”

11. “School Zones and School Bus times (7-9am, 2-4pm) are not to be ignored. Many times on major bus routes, they will do speed traps, especially when school starts and when the weather gets nice in Spring. You're guaranteed a ticket if you're caught speeding in a school zone.”

12. “If you are in Buffalo be careful many of the side streets have what I referred to as speed bumps humps whatever they're called. They are an inherent disaster,. even at lower speeds. Everyone just slows down at stop signs.”

13. “Village of Kenmore cops are strict about many minor violations that other cities and towns will look past. “

I’m glad Western New York is on the same page when it comes to potholes and the strictness of Kenmore.

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