Sharon
You're kidding, right? I commute from Bowie to Sterling (so I'm familiar with the area you describe) and my description of the drivers in this area would be more like "slow, arrogant, and clueless."
I will say, however, that merging once you get near DC proper is surprisingly civilized. I generally go home by way of 395 and the Southeast Freeway; traffic is generally stop and go from the GW Parkway to 395 and likewise where the HOV lanes enter 395 in the city and people seem to "zipper" fairly well without animosity or conflict. (well, except for the occasional jerk that likes to run up past the line of cars waiting to exit, cut across the gore, and expect someone to let him in. I enjoy not letting these people in.) In the suburbs, however, people seem to like to make up their own rules and are horribly averse to anything resembling cooperative driving...
Personally I think we need to import drivers from Boston or NYC to increase the level of driving skill and awareness... I've driven both places and find them much easier to navigate, even though the traffic density is higher.
In any case it sounds like you're actually putting some thought into your driving and I wish there were more here like you.
nate
