Why North Dakota Residents Hate Bismarck-Mandan Drivers

A widespread consensus among residents in the Bismarck-Mandan-Lincoln area of North Dakota indicates a significant problem with local driving habits, according to a survey conducted by radio personality Rick Rider, also known as Rockin’ Rick.

In a report updated April 5, 2026, Rider detailed the findings of a poll regarding the biggest pet peeves of drivers in the region. The data was gathered through more than 100 on-air calls, numerous messages via a dedicated app, and hundreds of responses across various social media platforms.

Broad Consensus on Driving Issues

The survey revealed that the perception of poor driving in the region is not limited to individuals who have moved to the area from other states or different parts of North Dakota. Lifelong residents of Bismarck and Mandan also admitted that the area suffers from serious driving issues.

Rider included drivers from Lincoln in the survey to ensure a fair representation of the local driving environment. The overarching conclusion from the respondents was that drivers in this section of the state likely need to return to driver’s education.

Primary Driver Grievances

The survey identified several recurring complaints regarding road safety and driver behavior. The most frequent grievance concerned the failure to use turn signals, which garnered 143 total complaints. Respondents expressed this frustration with the sentiment, You have a blinker for a reason. Use the damn thing!

Another significant point of contention is the tendency of some drivers to travel well below the posted speed limit. 117 complaints focused on drivers traveling 10, 15, or 20 miles per hour under the limit, with respondents stating, Don’t drive 10, 15, or even 20 miles UNDER the speed limit.

Roundabout navigation also emerged as a primary concern, with 116 complaints. Specifically, drivers were criticized for failing to signal when exiting a roundabout. While the survey noted that signaling upon exit is no longer a law, respondents argued it remains necessary for safety and described those who fail to do so as really stupid for signaling upon entry instead of exit.

A fourth major complaint involved driver distraction and lack of attention at traffic signals. 91 respondents complained about drivers who are first in line at a stoplight but fail to move promptly when the light turns green due to phone use. One respondent characterized the act of paying attention to the light as a civic duty and urged drivers to stay off your phone and move when the light turns green.

• Failure to use turn signals: 143 complaints
• Driving 10-20 mph under the speed limit: 117 complaints
• Failure to signal when exiting roundabouts: 116 complaints
• Phone distraction at stoplights: 91 complaints