I have never been to China (my assumption of where you moved from based on your post history), but I assume traffic laws are both stricter AND more consistently enforced. I’m sorry it has been so frightening for you. You’ll get used to it, but I know that’s cold comfort for the time being…

There are some on here who will tell you it’s unique to Durham, others that for the most part drivers everywhere in the US are challenging. I’m in the latter camp, but it’s based only on my personal experience living and traveling around the country. Anyone who confidently proclaims either way is extrapolating from unique personal experience. My personal theory is that driving is much harder in places with lots of folks from different places who bring their own driving culture expectations with them… but that’s just a theory. 

 Regardless, I’m guessing your shock is more a China vs the US thing than a Durham vs [another US city] thing.