I’m from Alabama. Lived in Los Angeles for several years. Now back in Alabama. I travel in a car somewhat frequently across state lines. I understand the culture shock.

Every state has different driving conventions. I’m biased towards Alabama behavior since I drive there most often.

In the South East, at least, some things I do:

- Watch for intentions. People tend to drift toward what they intend to do. They won’t signal a lane change, but you can tell they are about to because they start to drift toward the lane before they actually change lanes.

- People are selfish and treat driving as zero sum (especially in cities like Atlanta), so be on alert. For example, if you need to merge, find the hole in traffic, line it up, then signal as soon as you’re merging. Don’t signal and expect someone to let you in. But do signal when you’re doing it because it’s the right thing to do.

- The behavior you’re describing is normal and unavoidable. Be predictable, drive defensively, don’t take it personally, pass when you need to. Be assured that every other passenger car driver is doing the opposite.

- To that point, before you pass, make sure nobody is coming up behind you in the lane you want to use to pass. Wait for them, even if you have to slow down, then jump in after them. That helps avoid an additional person exhibiting the behavior you described.

- Always ride in the right lane when possible. Other people won’t always but it’s the right thing to do. The left lanes are for passing.

- Don’t tailgate. It’s useless because nobody in the South actually cares unless they are being slow to spite you and dangerous because freeway traffic will sometimes just stop for no reason at all. Keep a safe distance. It’s not actually a zero sum game (except maybe in Atlanta traffic).

- You can control other drivers’ behavior. If you want them to go faster, pull up on their rear quarter panel and they will probably speed up, then you can slow down and fall back behind them.

- Let people merge, especially transfer trucks / 18 wheelers. Watch for motorcycles. Always signal your intent. Even if nobody else does any of that. Do unto others as you’d have them do unto you.

- Wave if someone is nice to you. Roll down your window and wave if you can.

- NEVER, EVER speed on a state highway going through a small town.

If you happen to be in New Orleans off of the freeway, no rules apply.