Pittsburgh Warnings Or Dangers Tips by RblWthACoz

I put this under local customs but I am reposting this under warnings just to make sure people know. :-)

Ahhhh, the good ol' "Pittsburgh Left". So let me paint the scenario for you:

You are waiting at a red light which you will be turning left at when it switches to green. Your green arrow does not appear, but green lights on both sides turn on. But...nobody moves? The guy in opposing traffic lanes is wondering why you are just sitting there...and you are wondering the same about him too.

Here is the simple trick about the Pittsburgh left. Even if you do not have a green arrow, and the opposing traffic has a green light, you keep an eye out for the green light, and use your keen driving skills as well as years of honed instincts to predict the EXACT moment the lights will turn green. When it turns green...QUICK!! TURN LEFT!! That way you don't have to wait for allll that opposing traffic to pass through the intersection before you turn.

All joking aside, this really is a phenomenon of driving in Pittsburgh and you do need to be aware of it. Many times drivers on opposing sides will wait another second or two for the first car in the opposing traffic lane to turn and do the "Pittsburgh Left". For the most part it is a common understanding amongst drivers. Keep it in mind when you are driving. People might be expecting the same treatment from you.