Calcutta of the North

 We decided to make the two hour trek to Grande Prairie, Alberta to do some shopping.  Grande Prairie is the closest city of any size and if you want to buy anything that is not available at Wal-Mart, then you have to go to GP.

While driving I was reminded of what an adventure driving up here can be.  I have driven in most of the major cities in Canada and have ridden buses in China and Korea (both notorious for their bad drivers).  I must say that the driving habits of the average driver in the Peace Region is the worst I have witnessed.  Drivers up here are a menace to themselves and everyone else on the road.  Selfishness is mostly to blame. 

The road between FSJ and GP is mostly a two lane highway and people do not like to wait for an appropriate place to pass.  I normally have to hit the brakes and/or pull onto the shoulder to avoid a head-on collision by a vehicle passing on a hill, over double yellow lines or where there is not enough space.

I remember reading an article in the local paper that said the accident rate in this area was about the same as many third world countries.  We pay the same premium as those in Vancouver, even though we live in a small town.

For a two hour drive, it is the most tiring I have ever done.  You have to be on you toes all of the time.  You are never sure if some slack jawed mouth breather in a giant pick-up truck is going to decide that you will get out of the way because he is in a big rush to get home and make is Kraft dinner.